At CSIRO, we talk about working in the national interest of Australia, which means taking actions and making decisions that benefit the overall well-being and progress of our nation and its people. For us, this involves prioritising initiatives that support Australia's long-term goals, addressing critical challenges we face, and contributing to the country's economic, social, and environmental health – and we do this through advancing science and technology.
Guiding principles and major priorities
Our dedication to the national interest is reflected in our core principles. We aim to provide leadership in Australia’s innovation system and consult extensively to determine our priorities. Transparency is key: our scientific, commercial, and management decisions are well-informed, open to public scrutiny, and subject to robust peer review. We responsibly manage and use resources, ensuring efficiency and ethical practices that support CSIRO's financial - sustainability.
We value working collaboratively with many players in the Australian research and innovation ecosystem including government, industry, research partners, and the community. Trust and mutual respect underpin these relationships, enabling us to deliver significant national benefits.
Quick reference guides
Delivering research to support the Australian community
CSIRO's Challenge Strategy focuses on six key areas, helping Australia turn unique challenges into opportunities:
Health and Wellbeing: Enhancing Australians' health through preventive, personalised, biomedical, and digital health services.
Food Security and Quality: Achieving sustainable food security with new AgriFood products, technology, and innovation.
Securing Australia and the Region: Safeguarding Australia from threats like terrorism, pandemics, biosecurity risks, and cyber-attacks.
Resilient and Valuable Environments: Enhancing the resilience and sustainable use of natural and built environments, including climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Sustainable Energy and Resources: Building competitiveness and security of energy and mineral systems while aiming for Net Zero emissions.
Future Industries: Creating future industries and jobs by collaborating to boost innovation and promoting STEM skills.
These challenges are addressed through our research portfolios and programs, which involve large-scale scientific and collaborative research initiatives. These initiatives aim to solve Australia's greatest challenges, focusing on positive impact, new jobs, and economic growth.
Leadership and collaboration
Dr Doug Hilton, CSIRO Chief Executive, emphasises the importance of a whole of ecosystem approach.
"CSIRO exists to deliver scientific and industrial research in the national interest and to benefit the Australian community," he said.
"We have a positive legislative requirement to work with industry, from breakthrough discoveries to their development and refinement into impactful solutions."
Our research spans various areas, including but not limited to:
- Improving understanding and protection of the environment and biodiversity.
- Addressing global challenges like pandemics and climate change.
- Enhancing health outcomes.
- Strengthening the economy by connecting with industry to drive productivity and sustainability.
CSIRO's ability to deliver these impacts relies on collaboration and community trust. We have the people, capabilities, and intention to achieve these goals, but we cannot do it alone. By working together with partners in Australia's research and innovation system, we can continue to benefit the Australian community and ensure our nation’s progress.
We are always looking for partners to support our science and welcome collaboration from organisations of all shapes and sizes.
Find out more about working with us and contributing to Australia's national interest by completing these four questions.