Dr Kate Brooks is an experienced board member and senior university leader with deep expertise in research translation, industry engagement and organisational strategy. She currently serves as Head of School at Curtin University’s School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, leading a large multidisciplinary academic portfolio spanning engineering, computing, mathematics and digital technologies.
Her career bridges science, government and industry. Kate brings strong governance capability, commercial acumen and a track record in scoping and delivering initiatives of strategic importance across complex stakeholder environments. She is particularly recognised for her ability to connect research capability with industry need, translating technical expertise into sustainable impact.
Originally trained as an astrophysicist, Kate began her research career in Chile with the European Southern Observatory and the University of Chile, before returning to Australia as a CSIRO Bolton Research Fellow. She later served as Deputy Head of Operations for CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science and was awarded the CSIRO Chairman’s Medal for her contribution to Australia’s involvement in the Square Kilometre Array. She also served as President of the Astronomical Society of Australia.
Kate has held senior roles across innovation and commercialisation, including State Director of the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub, Innovation Manager at Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers, and Business Growth Facilitator with the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme, where she advised growth-stage companies on transformation and strategy.
She holds a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Commercialisation and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Kate brings to the Lions Eye Institute strong governance stewardship, commercial insight and a deep commitment to advancing translational research that delivers lasting societal impact.
