Since our beginnings, we have played a central role in advancing Australia through science and research, delivering innovation and impact that has improved the lives of people across the world.
The early days: a national science laboratory takes shape
CSIRO’s origins trace back to the early years of Australia’s Federation. In 1916, the Australian Government established the Advisory Council of Science and Industry as the first step towards a national laboratory.
Based at 314 Albert Street, East Melbourne, the Council evolved into the
Institute of Science and Industry in 1920 under an Act of Parliament. The organisation’s early work was practical and industry-driven, including its first research investment of 250 pounds to help control the prickly pear pest, which was devastating agricultural land across eastern Australia.
From the outset, the mission was clear: to apply scientific research to support Australia’s industries, particularly farming, mining and manufacturing.
Establishing CSIR: A national research organisation
In 1926, the Science and Industry Research Act was revised, formally establishing the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the precursor to CSIRO. This marked a turning point, with stronger leadership, increased funding, and rapid organisational growth.
CSIR maintained its industry-focused purpose while expanding its national footprint, and by the end of 1927, it employed 53 staff across all six Australian states. 
During the 1930s and 1940s, CSIR expanded its research into key challenges facing the nation, including:
- animal and plant pests and diseases
- fuel and energy challenges, particularly liquid fuels
- food preservation, especially cold storage
- forest products.
With the onset of World War II, research shifted to support Australia’s defence efforts, including work in radar.
Following the war, research broadened further into areas such as building materials, wool textiles, coal, atmospheric physics and land resource assessment.
In 1949, CSIR was renamed the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), marking a new phase of growth. In the decades that followed, CSIRO expanded into almost every area of primary, secondary and tertiary industry, including environmental science, human nutrition, conservation, and urban and rural planning.
Australia's national science agency today
Today we are one of the world’s largest multi-disciplinary science and research organisations, and we continue to be driven by the same purpose as the early days: that is delivering science for productive, sustainable, healthy and secure Australia. 
We work with industry, government and the research community to turn science into solutions across six research areas: Energy and Minerals, Food and Fibre, From Wonder to Discovery, Nature, One Health and Tech Economy.
We also steward research infrastructure on behalf of the nation and provide an important connecting role between science and society.
We'll continue to shape the future by using our science to solve real issues and make a difference to industry, people and the planet.
Since our beginnings, we have played a central role in advancing Australia through science and research, delivering innovation and impact that has improved the lives of people across the world.
The early days: a national science laboratory takes shape
CSIRO’s origins trace back to the early years of Australia’s Federation. In 1916, the Australian Government established the Advisory Council of Science and Industry as the first step towards a national laboratory.
Based at 314 Albert Street, East Melbourne, the Council evolved into the
Institute of Science and Industry in 1920 under an Act of Parliament. The organisation’s early work was practical and industry-driven, including its first research investment of 250 pounds to help control the prickly pear pest, which was devastating agricultural land across eastern Australia.
From the outset, the mission was clear: to apply scientific research to support Australia’s industries, particularly farming, mining and manufacturing.
Establishing CSIR: A national research organisation
In 1926, the Science and Industry Research Act was revised, formally establishing the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the precursor to CSIRO. This marked a turning point, with stronger leadership, increased funding, and rapid organisational growth.
CSIR maintained its industry-focused purpose while expanding its national footprint, and by the end of 1927, it employed 53 staff across all six Australian states.
During the 1930s and 1940s, CSIR expanded its research into key challenges facing the nation, including:
- animal and plant pests and diseases
- fuel and energy challenges, particularly liquid fuels
- food preservation, especially cold storage
- forest products.
With the onset of World War II, research shifted to support Australia’s defence efforts, including work in radar.
Following the war, research broadened further into areas such as building materials, wool textiles, coal, atmospheric physics and land resource assessment.
In 1949, CSIR was renamed the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), marking a new phase of growth. In the decades that followed, CSIRO expanded into almost every area of primary, secondary and tertiary industry, including environmental science, human nutrition, conservation, and urban and rural planning.
Australia's national science agency today
Today we are one of the world’s largest multi-disciplinary science and research organisations, and we continue to be driven by the same purpose as the early days: that is delivering science for productive, sustainable, healthy and secure Australia.
We work with industry, government and the research community to turn science into solutions across six research areas: Energy and Minerals, Food and Fibre, From Wonder to Discovery, Nature, One Health and Tech Economy.
We also steward research infrastructure on behalf of the nation and provide an important connecting role between science and society.
We'll continue to shape the future by using our science to solve real issues and make a difference to industry, people and the planet.