Dr Catherine Ball
PhD, DSc (Honoris Causa), GAICD, CompIEAust, Associate Professor, Author, Podcaster, Entrepreneur, Futurist, and Visioneer.
Videos about Catherine
About Dr. Catherine Ball
Dr Catherine Ball is a force in STEM fields, passionately advocating for the integration of emerging technologies to meet humanitarian, educational, and environmental needs.
With a career spanning various roles including global business leader, advisor, author, speaker, and strategic futurist, Catherine is a dynamic leader shaping the future of STEM.
Whilst that sounds like a lot…. you might ask, ‘what does it actually mean’? Often called a ‘social architect’ Catherine has an ability to connect people from diverse backgrounds to tackle common challenges using technology. She’s particularly well versed (who are we kidding, she’s an industry leading expert) in drone technology. Sounds cool? Well it is!
As an Associate Professor at the Australian National University and the Director of the National Artificial Intelligence Centre hosted by CSIRO’s Data61, she works on projects that blend the latest AI technology with community engagement. Her expertise spans from using drones in environmental projects to creating educational content that makes tech simple for everyone. #winning
Smashing STEM Gender Stereotypes
Catherine’s dedication to challenging each and every possible STEM gender stereotype is evident through her mentorship and advocacy. She actively promotes diversity and inclusion, believing that different perspectives are essential for innovation. Her work is not just about technology – it’s about empowering society, protecting the environment, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can contribute to and benefit from scientific advancements.
Key Achievements
- As the Director of the National Artificial Intelligence Centre, Catherine has established think tanks and launched the Responsible AI Network to promote ethical AI practices.
- She is a visiting Fellow at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and a member of the Robotics Australia Council, where she promotes STEM education and awareness.
- Catherine has been a Global Visioneer for XPRIZE, working on strategies for global competitions that drive innovation.
- She also serves on the International Advisory Board of the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
- Recognised globally for her contributions, she holds positions on prestigious boards and has numerous speaking engagements where she shares her insights on technology and society.
Early Career and Education
Catherine began her journey into the world of STEM with a passion for environmental science and technology. She completed her PhD in Statistics and Modelling, Spatial Ecology, Molecular Biology, and Environmental Science at Newcastle University (#swoon). Her academic background laid the foundation for her career, where she has continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with technology.
Projects and Innovations
Whilst there are simply too many projects to list, Catherine’s work encompasses creating documentaries, leading conferences, and advising on the use of drones for environmental and humanitarian efforts. One notable project is the development of CSI-VR, a virtual reality environment for training forensic investigators, which was selected as a finalist for Pitch @ Palace Australia in 2019.
Media and Public Speaking
As a charismatic and engaging speaker, Catherine is a sought after voice at conferences and events worldwide. She hosts the podcast “News From The Future,” where she discusses emerging technologies and their impact on society. Her ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in an accessible and inspiring way makes her a popular figure in the media and among the public.
Mentorship and Advocacy
Deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and technologists, Catherine believes in the power of education and works tirelessly to provide opportunities for young people, especially women, to engage with STEM fields. Her efforts include creating platforms for underrepresented communities and advocating for policies that support diversity in science and technology.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Catherine is focused on advancing ethically driven technological applications and promoting Industry 5.0, where society and community are at the heart of innovation. She envisions a future where technology serves to improve lives, protect the environment, and create a more inclusive world.
Dr Catherine Ball’s journey from a passionate student to a leading figure in technology and science demonstrates the impact one can have by following their dreams. She continues to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM, proving that with curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference, anything is possible.
Follow the epically inspiring journey of Dr Catherine Ball on her website and explore the fascinating works being undertaken in the cybernetics department at ANU.
