Child enjoying a slice of bread.

Food science for health and vitality.

Food Science Australia: a joint venture of CSIRO and the Victorian government

CSIRO’s joint venture with the Victorian government creates an organisation of broad scientific scope with unique skills and facilities in food-related research.

  • 1 December 2005 | Updated 14 October 2011

Background

Food Science Australia is now one of the world’s largest and most diverse food research organisations.

It was established in 1997 as a joint venture between CSIRO’s Division of Food Science and Technology and the Victorian state government’s food technology centre, Australian Food Industry Science Centre (AFISC).

In 2005, the joint venture partnership was transferred from AFISC to the Victorian government, through the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, and expanded to include nutrition research skills.

The joint venture:

  • consolidates food science and technology services with human nutrition and consumer behaviour research, and
  • creates a single agency of broad scientific scope, with unique research skills and facilities.

Activities

Food Science Australia undertakes both strategic and applied research. It helps the food industry to develop, package, preserve and transport food products. 

Food Science Australia undertakes research to help industry develop, package, preserve and transport safer, healthier food products, and to help consumers achieve wellness through diet.

It conducts research into dietary and lifestyle strategies for the control of obesity and related disorders.  Its purpose is to provide:

  • food science for health and vitality
  • substantiation of health benefits of integrated lifestyle programs
  • research into foods and functional foods to treat obesity-related diseases
  • quality products through processing innovation
  • science for a safe and secure food supply.

How we operate

The joint venture reports to a Board of Directors representing CSIRO, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and eminent figures from various sectors of Australia’s food industry.

Food Science Australia operates by:

  • working with global food industry leaders
  • delivering relevant, novel products and processes through strategic partnerships
  • working with government, research agencies, industry and universities to influence Australia's food research focus and provide input into health policies.

Read more about CSIRO's work with Farming & Food.