Dr Kimberley Clayfield
Space Research Program Director and SKA Program Director
Biography
Dr Kimberley Clayfield is Director of CSIRO's Space Research Program, including oversight of the CSIRO Centre for Earth Observation and the AquaWatch Australia initiative, and a multi-disciplinary research program of space science and technology activities, including space object tracking, space weather, small spacecraft technologies (such as imaging sensors, power systems and materials), robotics and remote operations, in situ resource utilisation, and space life sciences. She also led the CSIRO Space Technology Future Science Platform from its establishment in late 2018 through to its conclusion in 2025.
Kimberley is also the Director of CSIRO's SKA Program, which primarily includes oversight of Site Entity, Assembly Integration and Verification (AIV) and infrastructure activities related to the delivery of CSIRO's responsibilities for the SKA-Low radio telescope.
Kimberley was also Program Leader of DMTC's High Altitude Sensor Systems Program (on part-time secondment) from the HASS Program's establishment in early 2017 through to Dec 2019.
Prior to the establishment of the Space Program in 2018, Kimberley was Executive Manager Space Sciences and Technology within CSIRO, in which role she focused on space strategy, industry development, and the implementation of new space-related activities and capabilities within CSIRO. Her previous experience includes time as the CSIRO SKA Consortium Officer (2014-15), managing CSIRO’s obligations as lead organisation of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Dish Consortium - the largest of the 11 international consortia responsible for designing the world’s biggest radio-telescope.
Prior to joining CSIRO, Kimberley was Assistant Manager of Space Policy within the Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. There she co-authored the policy proposal which led to the four-year $40 million Australian Space Research Program (2009 – 2013).
Dr Clayfield holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons I) and PhD in mechanical engineering, a Master of Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the International Space University, and additional graduate qualifications in space science and public policy.
In 2014 Kimberley became the first Australian to receive the prestigious Lawrence Sperry Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. She has also served as Chair of Engineers Australia's National Committee on Space Engineering, and is a member of the Australian Academy of Science's National Committee for Space Science. In 2013 she was the first Australian to be recognised with the International Astronautical Federation's Young Space Leader award. In 2025 she received the Australian Space Award for Female Space Leader of the Year - Enterprise.
Professional Areas
Current Roles
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Director
Space Research Program, Space & Astronomy
Achievements and Awards
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2025-2025
Female Space Leader of the Year - Enterprise
Australian Space Awards 2025 -
2025-2025
Earth Observation Program of the Year (CSIRO)
Australian Space Awards 2025 -
2020-2020
Research Organisation of the Year (CSIRO)
Inaugural Australian Space Awards -
2020-2020
Finalist, Innovator of the Year - Individual
Inaugural Australian Space Awards -
2014-2014
The James McWha Award of Excellence
The University of Adelaide -
2014-2014
Lawrence Sperry Award
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics -
2013-2013
IAF Young Space Leader
International Astronautical Federation -
2013-2013
NAB Women's Agenda Leadership Award - Emerging Leader in the Public or Not-for-Profit Sector
Women's Agenda
Community and Corporate Citizenship
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2012-current
Member, National Committee for Space Science, Australian Academy of Science
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2015-2017
Chair, National Committee on Space Engineering, Engineers Australia
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2000-2015
Volunteer coordinator/advisor, South Australian Space School & National Space Camp