Professor Fox has been named as the CSIRO's next chief scientist, the fourth woman to be appointed to the position.

She will return to the CSIRO after a six-year stint at Swinburne University, which included serving as deputy vice-chancellor since 2020.

Professor Fox was also the university's founding director of Swinburne's Manufacturing Futures Research Institute.

While it will still be several weeks until she formally begins in the role, Professor Fox said she was looking forward to coming back to where her scientific career began.

"It is wonderful to return to CSIRO as chief scientist, after starting as a 22-year-old research assistant and to be able to champion science research and capability, working with industry and fostering STEM careers," she said.

"The depth of scientific research at CSIRO and its committed people are a unique and special national treasure and I look forward to taking up the role."

The materials and engineering scientist will take over from the work of Dr Cathy Foley, who was appointed as Australia's chief scientist earlier this year.

CSIRO chief executive Larry Marshall said Professor Fox was set to bring a large amount of expertise to the role.

"She has a long history of bringing together researchers from across multiple scientific domains and institutions, leveraging digital science and helping industry to translate brilliant ideas into real-world solutions," Dr Marshall said.

"Her sustained commitment to supporting the growth of the manufacturing industry in Australia strongly supports our purpose to deliver solutions from science that drive Australia's economic recovery and resilience."

In addition to her new role at the CSIRO, Professor Fox also serves as the chair of the Victorian division of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.

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