Kathie Bailey Named Incoming Kavli Prize Director

Joins the foundation on August 15, 2022

The Kavli Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway. Photo by Thomas Eckhoff.

The Kavli Foundation has selected Kathie Bailey as incoming director of The Kavli Prize. Kathie is currently director of the Board on International Scientific Organizations at the National Academy of Sciences, where she has worked since 2005. Prior to the NAS, Kathie worked on the federal relations staff at the Association of American Universities.

“With her deep and relevant leadership and management experience in science diplomacy and international scientific organizations, Kathie will bring important expertise to the role and serve as an excellent collaborator with The Kavli Prize partners at The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and The Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, and with colleagues at the foundation,” stated Cynthia Friend, president of The Kavli Foundation.

Kathie will work closely with current Kavli Prize Director, Nadine Stern, who retires in March 2023 after 20 years at the foundation and 17 years with the prize specifically. As incoming director, Kathie will also collaborate with the Norwegian Academy and Ministry. The Kavli Prize was established in 2005 in a partnership among The Kavli Foundation and the Norwegian Academy and Ministry. Three $1 million prizes are awarded every other year for breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to join The Kavli Foundation and its exceptional team. I look forward to working with The Kavli Prize international partners and appreciate the strong foundation that has been laid by Nadine Stern and the Norwegian partners. The Kavli Prizes are highly regarded both nationally and internationally, and I look forward to my work as the Kavli Prize Director.”

Graduating magna cum laude from Milligan College, Kathie was a double major, receiving her bachelor’s degree in business administration and humanities. She received her JD degree from Tulane University School of Law. Kathie joins the foundation full-time on August 15, 2022, and she will reside in Washington, D.C.