Dr Carolyn Patteson

Dr Carolyn Patteson is Chief Science Strategic Planning & Engagement within the Defence Science and Technology Group.

Dr Patteson leads the team that drives the strategic direction and policies for Defence science and technology and shapes Defence's engagement with the broader science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

Prior to this, Dr Patteson established the International, Trade & National Security Division in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, leading the provision of advice on national security and international issues in relation to the portfolio.

During her career, Dr Patteson established a whole-of-government policy coordination capability, to identify and advise Government on critical technologies and how they intersect with our national interest.

From 2016-2019 she led the Content Division in the Department of Communications and the Arts. Here she was responsible for a broad range of broadcasting, copyright, classification and content policy and regulation.

Before this, Dr Patteson was the Executive Manager of CERT Australia, and responsible more broadly within the Attorney-General's Department for cyber-crime and cyber security issues.

Dr Patteson has previously held a variety of roles in the intelligence community and Department of Defence.

She has a Doctor of Philosophy and First Class Honours in Mathematics from the University of Queensland.