Mineral samples.
Materials
Materials science focuses on the structure, properties and behaviour of natural and man-made materials.
- 1 November 2007 | Updated 14 October 2011
National research priority
According to the National Research Priorities, the development of advanced materials will underpin growth in many areas of industrial and economic activity in Australia.
Australian infrastructure
Australia has substantial infrastructure in this area and an enviable track record as an innovator and developer of advanced materials.
The era of advanced materials is just beginning, in spite of the tremendous progress in recent years.
Substantial scientific and technological challenges remain ahead, including the development of more sophisticated and specialised materials.
CSIRO aims
We aim to meet these challenges through commodity and discipline-based research programs in areas such as:
- advanced and composite materials
- ceramics
- chemicals
- materials characterisation and performance
- metals
- plastics and polymers
- renewable and biodegradable materials
- textiles
- wood.
We apply the technological innovation from these programs to produce new or improved materials for use in the:
- construction
- communications
- textile
- health
- agricultural
- medical industries.
We work to ensure the continuing prosperity of these industries.
Find out more about our work with Materials.
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Fast facts
- Materials science focuses on the structure, properties and behaviour of natural and human-made materials
- Materials science is a National Research Priority
- Australia has substantial infrastructure in this area
- Australia has a substantial record as an innovator and developer of advanced material
- We apply our technological innovation to a range of industries including the construction, communications, textile, health, agricultural and medical industries
