1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2002

ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 25/01/2002

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Contents >> Science and Innovation >> Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

The CSIRO was established as an independent statutory authority by the Science and Industry Research Act 1949, which has been amended on a number of occasions since then. Its primary role is as an applications-oriented research organisation in support of major industry sectors and selected areas of community interest, with a strong commitment to the effective transfer of its results to users.

Briefly, the CSIRO's primary statutory functions are to:

carry out scientific research for the benefit of Australian industry, the community, national objectives, national or international responsibilities, or for any other purpose determined by the Minister; and

encourage or facilitate the application or utilisation of the results of such research.

Other functions include dissemination and publication of scientific information, international liaison in scientific matters, and provision of services and facilities.

The CSIRO's work is planned and prioritised on a sectoral basis and conducted through core business units - CSIRO Divisions. External advice on research priorities is channelled through Sector Advisory Committees. Each sector represents an industry group, market, or natural resource of national significance. There are 22 sectors covering research in five broad groupings:

Agribusiness - field crops; food processing; forestry, wood and paper industries; horticulture; meat, dairy and aquaculture; wool and textiles.

Environment and Natural Resources - biodiversity; climate and atmosphere; land and water; marine.

Information Technology, Infrastructure and Services - information technology and telecommunications; built environment; measurement standards; radio astronomy; services.

Manufacturing - chemicals and plastics; integrated manufactured products; pharmaceuticals and human health.

Minerals and Energy - coal and energy; mineral exploration and mining; mineral processing and metal production; petroleum.