Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
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The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is the national government body for scientific research in Australia. It was founded in 1916 originally as the Advisory Council of Science and Industry.
Research highlights include the invention of atomic absorption spectroscopy, development of the first polymer banknote, invention of the insect repellant in Aerogard, and the successful introduction of a series of biological controls into Australia, such as the introduction of Myxomatosis and Rabbit calicivirus for control of rabbit populations.
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Research groups and initiatives
The CSIRO has around 60 sites across Australia and internationally and has over 6000 staff. The mission of the CSIRO is to provide new ways to improve the quality of life, as well as the economic and social performance of a number of industry sectors through research and development and includes the following research divisions: Agribusiness, Energy and Transport, Environment and Natural Resources, Information, Communication and Services, Manufacturing, Mineral Resources and Health.
"Flagship" initiative
The CSIRO "Flagship" initiative was designed to integrate, focus and direct national scientific resources. In May 2005, the government announced the launch of CSIRO's $97 million Flagship Collaboration Fund, which is intended to encourage cooperative research between universities, CSIRO and other research agencies.
As of May 2005, the CSIRO supported the following 6 "Flagships":
- Energy Transformed
- Food Futures
- Light Metals
- Preventative Health
- Water for a Healthy Country
- Wealth from Oceans
History
Previous names
- 1916-1920 : Advisory Council of Science and Industry
- 1920-1926 : Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry
- 1926-1949 : Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- 1949-1986 : Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)
- 1986-present : Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Dr Geoff Garrett was appointed CSIRO Chief Executive in January 2001.
Previous Chief Executives
(incomplete list)
- Keith Boardman: 5/12/1986 - 4/3/1990
- John Stocker: 5/3/1990 - 4/3/1995
- Roy Green: 5/3/1995 - 4/2/1996
- Malcolm McIntosh 3/1/1996 - 7/2/2000
- Colin Adam: 7/2/2000 - 14/2001
External links
- CSIRO Webpage (http://www.csiro.gov.au/)
- History of CSIRO, including previous names (http://www.csiro.gov.au/index.asp?type=blank&id=CSIROhistory)