One of Australia’s most accomplished scientists, Dr Cathy Foley, was recognised with a Clunies Ross Award given for innovations that lead to real benefits. The CSIRO physicist is only the fifth woman to win one.

Along with colleagues, Cathy Foley developed a device that revolutionised how mining companies detect ore bodies. She has made it possible to locate these valuable deposits at greater depths and with less drilling. The pay-off amounts to billions of dollars.