CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the CSIRO Climate Science Centre will focus on climate modelling and projections for Australia, drawing on both national and international research expertise.
“Our Strategy 2020 is focussed on collaboration, global connection, excellent science and innovation – all four of these pillars are at work in this Centre,” Dr Marshall said.
“As I indicated at the start of CSIRO’s current broader change process, it is critical that we retain the capability that underpins our national climate research effort.
“The announcement today is a culmination of the ongoing consultation and feedback we’ve had from our staff and stakeholders, and this new Centre is a reflection of the strong collaboration and support right across our system and the global community.”
Operating as part of CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, the new CSIRO Climate Science Centre has a guaranteed research capability for 10 years and will focus CSIRO’s climate measurement and modelling researchers and resources.
Collaboration and partnership will be a cornerstone of this decadal commitment for Australia. In recognition of this, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science has agreed that an independent National Climate Science Advisory Committee will be established.
The Committee will have representation from CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology and other experts from Australia and overseas.
It will report at Ministerial level to inform the future direction of Australia’s climate science capability and research priorities.
The Minister will work with the Minister for the Environment in the Committee's establishment.
“The Centre, with support from the Advisory Committee, will allow scientists across the nation to provide a decadal commitment to climate research in the nation’s interest,” Dr Marshall said.
The foundation of the Centre will be 40 full time CSIRO scientists.
It will work closely with researchers from Australian universities and other stakeholders.
Working closely with the Bureau of Meteorology, the CSIRO is also planning to deepen its existing partnership with the UK Meteorology Office.
CSIRO will offer its unique Southern Hemisphere modelling capability and measurements to the UK’s global model, helping to build a model that is even more relevant for Australia and other Southern Hemisphere nations.
All of CSIRO’s critical measurement infrastructure, such as the ice and air libraries, ARGO float program and Cape Grim, will be guaranteed in the same manner as the other national facilities such as the RV Investigator, which is also centred in Hobart.
CSIRO thanks Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel AO, and its colleagues at the Bureau of Meteorology for their support in shaping this important national agenda.