"If we are to rectify the damage done to the Australian environment, if we are to maintain our quality of life, if we are to compete in Asia, then we need more science," CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Malcolm McIntosh said in Melbourne today.

"This is not science for it's own sake, but clever, well-directed science," said Dr McIntosh, who was speaking at a lunch hosted by the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.

"From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, every aspect of our lives is touched by science," said Dr McIntosh. "And science has become absolutely fundamental to international business success."

Dr McIntosh gave a number of examples of Australian science which he said would have a direct effect on Australian life and business. These included:

• a revolutionary new method of exploring for diamond-rich deposits;
• the technology which helped to find the world-class Plutonic and Bronzewing gold deposits;
• genetic modification to crops such as barley (resulting in improved beer quality) and 'insect-proof' cotton;
• the Port Philip Bay Environment Study, a major study pioneering the management of large catchments in Australia and overseas;
• the development of a 'flu vaccine, potentially worth $1.5 billion to Australia.

Dr McIntosh predicted that science would add billions of dollars to Australia's bottom line within the next century, but he warned that science managers would have to make the correct choices.

"If Australia only does 2% of the world's research and development, it is vital that we choose the best 2%. We must target our research so as to benefit ourselves, and to create "exportable" expertise," he said.

More information from: Dr Chris Moran 06-2766033
Copies of Dr McIntosh's speech after 4 p.m. from Nick Goldie 06-2766478