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Mission driven science

As one of the world's largest mission-driven multidisciplinary science and research organisations, we are focusing on the issues that matter the most: for our quality of life, for the economy and for our environment.

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.

Our challenges

identified by trend forecasting and collaboration

Large scale, major research collaboration

There are six challenges we are assisting the nation to overcome, and turn to Australia's unique advantage. CSIRO is working with the government, universities, industry and the community to develop and deliver a missions program to bolster Australia’s COVID-19 recovery and build long term resilience.

Find out more

Seize the opportunity

Partnership required

"There has never been a more important time for partnership, because now more than ever, we need big, visionary programs that shift the needle." 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. Missions are large-scale, impact focussed scientific and collaborative research initiatives aimed at making significant breakthroughs with a tangible end goal. They work towards solving our identified key challenges.

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.

Missions

Drought resilience

Reducing the economic impacts of drought by 30 per cent this decade.

Ending plastic waste

Together with partners, our aim is an 80 per cent reduction in plastic waste entering the environment by 2030.

Future Protein Mission

Helping Australia capture high-growth global protein markets.

Hydrogen Industry Mission

The CSIRO Hydrogen Industry Mission was formally launched in May 2021 and focuses on leveraging CSIRO's hydrogen research capabilities in partnership with government, industry and the research community.

Trusted Agrifood Exports

Integrating data solutions across Australia's agrifood value chain to grow export premiums.

Towards net zero

The Towards Net Zero Mission will help Australian industry and communities prosper in a low emissions world through new economic, social and environmental value.

Minimising Antimicrobial Resistance

We will work to halt the rising death rate and economic burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Australia by 2030.

AquaWatch Australia

AquaWatch Australia aims to build a comprehensive national water quality monitoring and information system using space-based satellites and in-situ sensors throughout our inland rivers, waterways and coastal environments.

Developing Missions

Catalysing Australia's Biosecurity

Through this joint initiative with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, we are working with a wide range of partners to drive innovation and transformation across Australia's biosecurity system.

Climate Resilient Enterprises

The Climate Resilient Enterprises initiative will build a sovereign climate risk capability for Australian industry.

Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience

We are working with collaborators from across industry, research and government to co-design this mission. This summary reflects the mission in development and will continue to evolve.

Infectious Disease Resilience

Working with partners, we aim to enhance the Indo-Pacific region's ability to detect - and respond to - infectious disease threats by 2030.

Renewable Energy Powerhouse

Delivering renewable energy solutions from our critical minerals

Smart Energy

Building Australia’s next generation integrated and equitable energy systems.

Enabling Missions

AI technologies enabling Missions

We're applying the benefits of artificial intelligence to our Mission objectives to solve Australia's greatest challenges.

Circular economy

We are providing scientific knowledge to catalyse Australia’s circular economy future.

What our partners say

“This is a great collaborative opportunity for SmartSat and the CSIRO to work together in enhancing our national capability and thus contributing towards meeting one of Australia’s major challenges and transforming our industries – We are excited to be partnering with CSIRO and the Missions Program.”

Prof Andy Koronios, Chief Executive Officer SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre

“This is a great collaborative opportunity for SmartSat and the CSIRO to work together in enhancing our national capability and thus contributing towards meeting one of Australia’s major challenges and transforming our industries – We are excited to be partnering with CSIRO and the Missions Program.”

Prof Andy Koronios, Chief Executive Officer SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre

“Great science starts with a vision, but vision alone is insufficient. The vision has to be backed by real commitment.  That's what the CSIRO missions are all about, and I hope their rallying call is heard far and wide.”

Prof Alan Finkel, Australia's Chief Scientist

“ANU looks forward to working with CSIRO and its partners to co-design and deliver a national effort to help address some of the globe’s greatest challenges. At this moment, collaborative effort has never been more needed, and ANU will happily answer the call.”

Prof Brian Schmidt, Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University

“Missions set out a vision for Australia in a future we all can believe in – sustainable and science-led. The Missions are about coming together and using CSIRO science to make the most of Australia’s potential and having a positive impact on the world in light of the challenges we all face.”

Nick Hazell, v2food Founder and CEO

“The CSIRO Board fully endorses this Mission-led strategy and is committed to supporting the talented scientists and researchers at CSIRO, our universities and industry partners to work together on these challenges for the good of our Nation in these challenging times.”

David Thodey AO, Chair of CSIRO

Contact us

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