Australian ICT Leader David Skellern Earns 2025 Pearcey Medal
Professor David Skellern has been recognised with the 2025 Pearcey Medal for his lifelong contributions to electronic engineering and computer science, particularly in wireless networking.
The national award is an Australian ICT industry honour that highlights career achievements that have influenced both the academic and commercial technology landscapes.
Skellern is credited with leading the team at Radiata, which developed the first chipset implementation of the IEEE 802.11a wireless networking standard. This work laid the foundation for the widespread adoption of wireless local area networking. The 802.11a standard is now used in devices ranging from smartphones to laptops and is embedded in the global ICT infrastructure.
The Radiata team's achievements were built on joint research at Macquarie University and CSIRO, resulting in the development and commercialisation of WLAN technology. Cisco Systems acquired Radiata in 2001, where Skellern served as Director of Technology for the Wireless Networking Business Unit until 2004.
Skellern's influence extended beyond wireless networking, taking on board and chair positions at organisations including National ICT Australia, Capital Markets CRC, RoZetta Institute, and, currently, Quasar Satellite Technologies, S3B, Australian Innovation eXchange, and ICRAR, among others.
He has contributed to shaping research and commercialisation in Australia's ICT sector. Skellern holds a BSc, BE (Hons), and PhD from the University of Sydney, and has worked in radio astronomy, electronic engineering education, and business leadership.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2012 for distinguished service to science and engineering.
"David has had a material impact on our industry. As an outstanding scientist and academic, he led the team that gave the world the first universal Wi-Fi standard chip that is embedded in every computing device we use today, and we don't even notice it!! His contribution as the second CEO of NICTA saw Australian computing and communications research capabilities recognised internationally through great collaborative efforts, such as with organisations like Germany's Fraunhofer Institute," said Wayne Fitzsimmons OAM, Chair, Pearcey Foundation.
Dr Cathy Foley has been inducted into the Pearcey Hall of Fame for her contributions to science and research over many decades.
As Australia's Chief Scientist from 2021 to 2024 and former CSIRO Chief Scientist, Foley has advanced quantum physics, superconductivity and the translation of research outcomes. She is known for her work in commercialising SQUID systems for geomagnetic mineral exploration, which contributed to the discovery of minerals valued at more than AUD $6 billion.
Foley has also advocated for the advancement of women in science and held various leadership roles within professional scientific organisations. Recognition for her career includes election as a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, as well as being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for research and contributions to women in physics.
"Dr Foley is a worthy inductee into the Pearcey Hall of Fame. She is committed to supporting the development of the Australian quantum industry and helping Australia realise the transformative potential of emerging technologies and meet the climate challenge. She is an inspiration to women in STEM and focused strongly on equity and diversity in the science sector," said Fitzsimmons.
Sam Kroonenburg, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Cuttable, and founding partner of Glitch Capital, received the 2025 Pearcey National Entrepreneur Award.
Kroonenburg's history includes serving as co-founder and CEO of A Cloud Guru, which is now part of Pluralsight. The award identifies inspiring Australian tech leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership, impact, and international recognition.
"Sam built a global success from scratch right here in Melbourne that has helped millions of students grow their careers and advance the cloud computing technologies that we all rely on today. What stood out for the Pearcey Foundation in recognising Sam for this year's national award are his continuing efforts and passion for technology and building companies with Cuttable, and in funding new founders and guiding our tech ecosystem with Glitch Capital," said Jordan Green AM, Chair, Victorian Committee, Pearcey Foundation.
