Katherine Belov (born 1973) is an Australian geneticist, professor of comparative genomics in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor of Global Engagement at the University of Sydney.

Throughout her career, she has disproved the idea that marsupial immune system is primitive, characterized the South American gray short-tailed opossum's immune genes, participated in the Platypus Genome Project, led research identifying the properties of platypus venom, and identified the cause of the spread of the Tasmanian devil's contagious cancer.

Belov grew up in West Ryde, New South Wales and pursued her undergraduate degree at Macquarie University in human genetics.

Among the findings were that the platypus has unique anti-microbial peptides with broad-spectrum potential for fighting a variety of bacteria and viruses, and possibly staph infections in humans.

Firstly, new research that proved antimicrobial peptides (called cathelicidins) in Tasmanian devil's milk can kill the deadliest bacteria and fungi, an important discovery in the fight against superbugs.

[15] Belov received the Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of her service as an academic and researcher to higher education (especially comparative genomics).