Cathy Foley, an applied physicist, is to be Australia's next chief scientist, News.com.au reports.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Foley has worked at CSIRO, Australia's science agency, for nearly 40 years and, for the past two years, has served as the agency's chief scientist. Her research focuses on solid-state physics and superconductors, the Herald notes.
"Dr. Foley has a big task ahead to drive collaboration between industry and the science and research community as we look to create jobs for the COVID-19 recovery and for the future," Prime Minister Scott Morrison says, according to News.com.au.
Foley is the second woman to be selected for the position and is to succeed Alan Finkel when he steps down next month at the end of his term, it says.
"We know science will play a crucial role in helping to create jobs at this critical time, and Dr. Foley's skills as a talented science communicator will help sell that important message," adds Karen Andrews, the science and technology minister, at the Herald.