Biography

Dr Katherine Locock is a Research Scientist in the Manufacturing Business Unit of the CSIRO in Melbourne, Australia. Her research focuses on the development of biologically active polymers, based on CSIRO's patented RAFT technology. Her current work is focused on new polymer-based antimicrobial therapeutics. This patented technology is highly effective against a broad spectrum of virulent bacteria and fungi, even several strains that show resistance to common antibiotics. Also, in a world first, these polymers are able to eradicate single and mixed species biofilms, associated with high rates of resistance and involved in up to 80% of all infections. For more information see http://www.csiro.au/antimicrobialpolymers Katherine also held a position as a Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) board member for 2016-2018 and sits on the RACI Inclusion and Diversity Committee. She also undertook a short-term placement in 2016 as an advisor to Senator Kim Carr, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research the BioMedVic Researcher in Residence Program. In recognition of her track record, Katherine was selected as the AIPS Victorian Young Tall Poppy of the Year in 2016, received a Julius Career Development award in 2016 and the CSIRO Staff Association Women in Science award in 2013.

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