CSIRO's emphasis is on bringing together people from different scientific fields to find solutions to major national problems. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, founded in 1926, has become one of the world's largest and most diverse scientific research institutions. Its total staff of approximately 6,500 includes some 4,000 research scientists and other research staff working in laboratories and field stations in many locations in Australia. Their work covers a broad range of areas of economic or social importance, including agriculture, minerals and energy, manufacturing, communications, construction, health and the environment. Its scientific research aims, among other things, to assist Australian industry, to further the interests of the Australian community, and to contribute to the achievement of Australian national objectives or national and international responsibilities. The Australian Science Policy Worldwide CSIRO is involved in over 750 current or recently completed research activities, working with leading scientific organizations and firms in the United States, Japan and Europe. The Australian Government pursues its science and technology policy goals in three main ways: education; basic research; and, applied research. Australia has a substantial research and development (R&D) capability. Schools, universities and public awareness activities help to make Australians scientifically literate. The goal is to build a nation of people who can think critically about problems, and who are not afraid to experiment and look for solutions. Basic research, mostly performed in universities, adds to the general pool of knowledge. This 'pure' research can address important 'real world' problems. For example, scientists at the University of Melbourne discovered that the organism responsible for malaria has evolved from a plant-like organism, not an animal as previously believed. This may help to improve the treatment and prevention of a disease that affects millions of people. Applied research has a focus on transforming basic scientific principles into discoveries that have economic significance. This type of research occurs in both the public and private sectors. The Australian public sector R&D system includes six Australian Government research agencies, 40 higher education institutions and private business laboratories. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) is the largest government R&D agency. The Government wants to build stronger links between researchers and the business community. An example is the Cooperative Research Center (CRC) program, which involves the collaboration of industry, universities, and government agencies in long-term research projects. At June 2005 there were 69 CRCs operating in six sectors. The Australian Government has committed more than A$2 billion to the program since 1990 – and the CSIRO more than A$1 billion. The CRCs have a strong focus on commercial and other applications. In addition to the links formed through CRCs, many universities have business arms to handle contract research and to seek out companies interested in commercializing research. Recent outcomes of the program have been the successful launch of the first all-Australian satellite for 30 years and the development of continuous-wear contact lenses. Source: http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/sci_achv.html
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