When we all focus on the big things that really matter, Australian science and technology can solve seemingly impossible problems, and create new value for all Australians.
There are six challenges we are assisting the nation to overcome, and turn to Australia's unique advantage:
The challenges were identified through analysis of our own trend modelling and forecasting, including the Australian National Outlook report, engagement with our partners in industry, government and academia, and a review of Australian and international priorities (including the Australian Science and Research Priorities and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals).
To assist Australia in responding to the challenges, CSIRO will work with the government, universities, industry and the community on a new missions program to bolster Australia’s COVID-19 recovery and build long term resilience.
The program of large scale, major scientific and collaborative research initiatives, will be aimed at solving some of Australia’s greatest challenges, focused on outcomes that lead to positive impact, new jobs and economic growth.
Dr Larry Marshall, CSIRO Chief Executive
As Australia rebuilds following the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a once in a generation opportunity to bring together broad coalitions around bold visions that reimagine our economies, our approach to health and wellbeing, and our environments.
To help seize this opportunity and tackle our greatest challenges we are co-developing missions; large-scale, impact focussed scientific and collaborative research initiatives aimed at making significant breakthroughs.
By coming together around shared goals, we can align research and development efforts occurring around the country to achieve more at a challenging time.
To join us or learn more about the opportunity, please contact us.
Missions will reach beyond what is possible today – due to their scale, ambition and collaborative nature mission proposals will take time to co-develop with partners in Australia (and in many cases globally).
Co-creation opportunities will be explored to help Australia achieve these outcomes:
- Prof Andy Koronios, Chief Executive Officer SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre
- Prof Alan Finkel, Australia's Chief Scientist
- Prof Brian Schmidt, Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University
- Nick Hazell, v2food Founder and CEO
- David Thodey AO, Chair of CSIRO
No mission will be designed or delivered by CSIRO alone.
To think big, we need to take a whole of system approach by engaging in true co-design and development with government, industry, researchers and communities.
Missions will support Australia’s COVID recovery and help build our future resilience and prosperity by accelerating the pace and scale at which we can address our challenges.
Through missions we aim to create new industries and jobs, and reinvent existing industries building long-term resilience.
Missions will allow us to address national priorities such as drought and exploit Australian advantages such as hydrogen to build a new, sustainable energy industry.
Success will depend on strong collaboration across industry, research and governments.
For missions to be selected for further development they will need to meet the following criteria:
For the past year we have been working with partners across the innovation system to co-develop potential missions.
No missions are yet ready for launch and all are at different levels of maturity. To view the current progress on the missions in development see the documents below.
To join us or learn more about the missions program, please contact us