Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO

Director

Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO is a scientist, innovator and governance leader recognised for her outstanding contribution to Australia’s research and technology sectors. She is President and Chair of the Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), and Chair of deep-tech incubator Cicada Innovations, championing collaboration between science, industry and entrepreneurship.

A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Katherine holds a PhD in Chemistry and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Technology Sydney. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2017 for her service to research and innovation.

Katherine has chaired the Bushfires and Natural Hazards CRC, the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC and the Antarctic Science Foundation, and has served as a Director of Sirtex Ltd, ARENA, and several other leading science and technology organisations.

She previously chaired the National Climate Science Advisory Committee and is currently President of the Australian Council of Learned Academies, Chair of Cicada Innovations, and a Director of Bioplatforms and Anteotech. In 2023, Katherine was recognised on The List: Green Power Players for her leadership in Australia’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.