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The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

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Statement

 
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CSIRO’s position statement on gene technology

CSIRO believes there is a window of great opportunity for Australia, its community and industries, in the adoption of biotechnology research, particularly gene technologies.

The potential

Gene technologies give Australia scope to:

  • improve our health
  • create a safer and more secure food supply
  • generate prosperity
  • attain a more sustainable environment.

Our position

Our position on the gene technology issue is:

  1. CSIRO will continue to play a valuable, ethical and responsible role in Australian and international efforts to develop beneficial new products and processes from gene technology.

  2. CSIRO will help to provide a clean, safe food supply, novel materials and products and a sustainable environment for all Australians through the use of appropriate biotechnology including gene technologies.

  3. CSIRO recognises and respects public interest and concerns on issues surrounding genetically modified organisms. We will continue to consult with the community, industry and government, listen to and recognise their concerns, and help inform Australians about gene technology. We recognise that values and opinions about these issues may change over time.

  4. CSIRO helps Australian industries to be world competitive in biotechnology and gene technology. We will commercialise our research in the most effective way in accord with our social responsibility, and promote the growth of local biotechnology companies. CSIRO will continue to conduct world class research and train our scientists to the highest standards.

  5. CSIRO sees safety as a top priority in gene technology research. We set high internal biosafety standards and comply with relevant Government legislation and guidelines.

  6. CSIRO is committed to the ethical, lawful, transparent and accountable conduct of gene technology research.

  7. CSIRO supports the responsible protection of intellectual property rights in gene technologies as a means to stimulate further public research and innovation.

  8. CSIRO undertakes to investigate both the benefits and risks of gene technology research. We will help to enhance Australia’s capability for environmental risk assessment.

Read more about Gene technology.

 

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Fast facts

  • CSIRO believes there is a window of great opportunity for Australia, its community and industries, in the adoption of biotechnology research, particularly gene technologies
  • CSIRO is committed to the ethical, lawful, transparent and accountable conduct of gene technology research
  • CSIRO will continue to consult with the community, industry and government, listen to and recognise their concerns, and help inform Australians about gene technology

Contact Information

Primary Contact

CSIRO Enquiries
Phone: 1300 363 400*
Alt Phone: 61 3 9545 2176 
Fax: 61 3 9545 2175 
*local call within Australia