CSIRO

Hello! We are the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. That’s a long name, so most people call us by our nickname, CSIRO. We are proud to be Australia's national science agency. Our main job is to use science to solve big challenges, create new technologies, and help improve the lives of people in Australia and all over the world. We look at the problems facing our communities, our country, and our planet, and then our teams of scientists and researchers get to work finding clever solutions. From helping farmers grow better food to inventing new medicines, our goal is to use the power of discovery to make a positive difference.

Our story began a long time ago, even before we had our current name. Our first version started in 1916 to help the country with scientific matters. Then, in 1926, we grew into a new organization called the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, or CSIR. In those early days, our primary goal was to help Australian farmers and industries. We used science to solve problems they were facing, helping them become stronger and more successful. This was an important mission, but our journey was just getting started. In 1949, we were given our current name, CSIRO. With our new name came a bigger mission. We were no longer focused only on agriculture and industry; our work expanded to cover many more areas of scientific research, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for us to explore.

Over the years, our scientists have created many amazing things that have changed the world. You might even be using one of our inventions right now! In the 1990s, our researchers developed the key technology that makes Wi-Fi work. This incredible invention allows computers, phones, and tablets to connect to the internet without any wires. Another one of our famous creations is the plastic money used in Australia and other countries. We helped create polymer banknotes, which are much harder to fake than paper money and last much longer. Our work has also helped people in their everyday lives. We invented the insect repellent Aerogard to protect people from bug bites. We also used our knowledge of nutrition to create a healthy eating plan called the Total Wellbeing Diet, helping people make healthier choices.

We also use science to help protect our precious environment. In the 1950s, Australia had a massive problem with wild rabbits. These rabbits were damaging farms and destroying the habitats of native plants and animals. Our scientists studied this challenge and found a way to control the huge number of rabbits, which helped the land begin to heal. Today, our environmental work is more important than ever. Our scientists study the oceans, the weather, and the stars. This research helps us understand big issues like climate change and how it affects our planet. We also work to manage Australia’s water supplies and develop new types of crops that can grow in tough conditions, like droughts. By understanding our environment, we can find better ways to care for it.

Our work never stops. We are still tackling some of the world's biggest problems, from finding new ways to fight diseases to exploring the mysteries of outer space. We manage giant radio telescopes that act like huge ears, listening for faint signals from deep space. One of our biggest responsibilities is managing the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex for NASA, the American space agency. This helps NASA stay in contact with its spacecraft as they explore the solar system. Whether we are looking at the tiniest cells or the most distant galaxies, our goal remains the same. We use science and imagination to solve problems and create a better, safer, and brighter future for everyone.