Associate Professor Cate Thomas (BA, BSW, GCLTHE, GradDip Public Administration, MPA, PhD, SFHEA) is an international academic leader driving systemic change in gender equity and intersectionality across higher education. Based at Charles Sturt University, Canberra, and Adjunct Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin, she partners with institutions across Europe, the UK, and the Asia–Pacific to challenge inequities and reimagine inclusive futures.

As Chair and Academic Lead of the 20th International Gender and Education Conference (2024), Cate brought global voices together to advance transformative debates on equity and inclusion. She is also Founder and Co-Convenor of the Social Equality, Intersectionality and Inclusion Research Group (SEIIRG) and serves on the Executive Committee of the Gender and Education Association (UK).

In 2025, Cate was recognised with the prestigious Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Sector Disruptor Award, adding to accolades including the HERDSA Heroes Award (2021) and her Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (UK). Her research and leadership—centred on intersectional feminist theory, leadership, institutional culture, and curriculum design—continue to position her as a bold disruptor and globally connected advocate for equity in higher education.