Leslie Cannold (born in Port Chester, NY) is an Australian philosopher, ethicist, educationalist, writer, activist, and public intellectual.

She earned her PhD in Education at the University of Melbourne before commencing employment at the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics when C. A. J. Coady was director.

[2] As of 2011[update] she maintains adjunct positions at both universities though she left academic employment in 2006 to pursue writing and public speaking full-time.

She publishes on diverse subject areas, including grief, circumcision, HIV/AIDS, genetic manipulation, ex utero gestation, and regulating Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs).

[21] Leslie Cannold was awarded 2011 Australian Humanist of the Year in recognition of her valuable contribution to public debate on a wide range of ethical issues, of particular relevance to women and family life.