Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Government

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands, seas and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia and pays its respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make extraordinary contributions to Australian life including in cultural, economic and scientific domains.

Indigenous science projects

Solving the greatest challenges

Omicron coronavirus variant

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been detected in Australia, but how will it affect our recovery from the pandemic? Our experts give some insights.

Fighting Plagues and Predators

Australia's path towards a pest and weed-free future.

Low Emission Energy Storage Roadmap webinar

We are developing a Low Emission Energy Storage Roadmap to assess the needs and opportunities to support Australia’s future energy mix and we need your input.

Our greatest inventions

World's first Hendra vaccine

In 1994, a deadly new virus threatened to stop Australia's premier horse race – the Melbourne Cup. Over the next 16 years, 18 outbreaks of the now infamous Hendra virus were recorded through Queensland and NSW. In May 2011 CSIRO announced the development of a prototype vaccine for horses. By March 2013 our scientists confirmed that horses were immune to a lethal exposure of the Hendra virus six months post vaccination.

How it happened

Plastic banknotes

Australia's introduction of plastic bank notes with optically variable devices (OVDs), developed by CSIRO, was a world's first and represented a paradigm shift towards a currency secure against forgery. This was one of our longest and most successful research initiatives.

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Low Emission Energy Storage Roadmap webinar

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