The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is an Australian Government agency responsible for scientific research.
CSIRO works with leading organisations around the world. From its headquarters in Canberra, CSIRO maintains more than 50 sites across Australia and in France, Chile and the United States, employing about 5,500 people.
Federally funded scientific research in Australia began in 1916; the Advisory Council of Science and Industry was established in that year, but was hampered by insufficient available finance. In 1926, the research effort was reinvigorated by establishment of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which strengthened national science leadership and increased research funding. CSIR grew rapidly and achieved significant early successes. In 1949, further legislated changes included renaming the organisation as CSIRO.
Notable developments by CSIRO have included the invention of atomic absorption spectroscopy, essential components of the early Wi-Fi technology, development of the first commercially successful polymer banknote, the invention of the insect repellent in Aerogard and the introduction of a series of biological controls into Australia, such as the introduction of myxomatosis and rabbit calicivirus for the control of rabbit populations.
Structure
CSIRO is governed by a board appointed by the Australian Government, currently chaired by Kathryn Fagg. There are eight directors inclusive of the chief executive, presently Doug Hilton, who is responsible for management of the organisation.
Research and focus areas
CSIRO is structured into Research Business Units, National Facilities and Collections, and Services.
Research Business Units
As at 2023, CSIRO's research areas are identified as "Impact science" and organised into the following Business Units: Agriculture and Food Health and Biosecurity Data61 Energy Manufacturing Mineral Resources and Environment (being the amalgamation of the former Land and Water and Oceans & Atmosphere BUs)
National facilities and collections
National facilities
CSIRO manages national research facilities and scientific infrastructure on behalf of the nation to assist with the delivery of research. The national facilities and specialised laboratories are available to both international and Australian users from industry and research. As at 2019, the following National Facilities are listed: Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) Australia Telescope National Facility – radio telescopes included in the Facility include the Australia Telescope Compact Array, the Parkes Observatory, Mopra Observatory and the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex Energy Centre and National Solar Energy Centre Marine National Facility (R.V. "Investigator") New Norcia ground station NovaSAR-1 satellite Pawsey Supercomputing Centre
Collections
CSIRO manages a number of collections of animal and plant specimens that contribute to national and international biological knowledge. The National Collections contribute to taxonomic, genetic, agricultural and ecological research. As at 2019, CSIRO's Collections are listed as the following: Australian National Algae Culture Collection The Atlas of Living Australia Australian Tree Seed Centre Australian National Fish Collection Australian National Insect Collection Australian National Herbarium Australian National Soil Archive (managed through A&F) Australian National Wildlife Collection Cape Grim Air Archive
Services
In 2019, CSIRO Services are itemised as follows: Materials and infrastructure services Agricultural and environmental analysis Environmental services Biological, food and medical science services Australian Animal Health Laboratory services
Other services are noted as including education, publishing, infrastructure technologies, Small and Medium Enterprise engagement and CSIRO Futures.
History
Evolution of the organisation
A precursor to CSIRO, the Advisory Council of Science and Industry, was established in 1916 on the initiative of prime minister Billy Hughes. However, the advisory council struggled with insufficient funding during the First World War. In 1920 the council was renamed the Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry, and was led by George Handley Knibbs (1921–26), but continued to struggle financially.