Dear Minister Ayres,
On behalf of the CSIRO Board, I am pleased to present CSIRO’s Statement of Intent.
As the national science agency, CSIRO has been improving Australian lives for over a century. In doing so, it has continuously evolved its scientific focus to meet the nation’s needs of the time and help drive prosperity and progress. CSIRO has also adapted to shifting operational pressures, delivering impact to the nation throughout.
As today's stewards of the organisation, CSIRO’s Board and Executive are determined to again evolve and adapt. This is not a choice, it's an imperative because scientific research and development are at the core of Australia's future.
That means making deliberate choices about where we invest our resources and how we maintain the trust placed in us by the Australian community. As priorities evolve, CSIRO’s Board and Executive are committed to ensuring we are ambitious, accountable and responsible, and resolve to use the resources entrusted to us to deliver significant positive impact.
I appreciate your acknowledgement of CSIRO’s independence as a corporate Commonwealth entity. This independence is something that we will always safeguard.
You have clearly outlined your expectations of CSIRO, to which I am pleased to respond in more detail.
1. Research that delivers to Government priorities
CSIRO is focusing its efforts where Australian science can deliver national advantage, with research that delivers a Future Made in Australia. We will prioritise applied research and align our capability to support the net-zero transformation and a technology-driven economy. We will do this by focusing on research where CSIRO is uniquely placed to deliver, bringing a greater emphasis on inventing and deploying technological solutions to tackle national problems. This includes research programs that:
- Support a clean, affordable energy transition, including transforming critical minerals to materials.
- Address the pressing problem of climate change, with greater emphasis on adaptation and
resilience. - Apply advanced technologies (including AI, quantum, sensing, robotics and manufacturing) to drive
the next wave of innovation in core Australian industries. - Increase the productivity and resilience of Australian farms by focusing on the deployment of
technological solutions. - Mitigate and eradicate biosecurity threats to Australian industries, landscapes and communities.
- Apply disruptive science and engineering to unlock the unknown and solve unanswered questions.
Through our research programs, CSIRO will continue to deliver to the National Science and Research Priorities, maintaining a mix of strategic, basic and applied research to deliver solutions over multiple time horizons. We will continue to respond to emerging needs and unexpected challenges that confront the nation, while also delivering research to solve multi-generational problems.
2. Innovation and translation through partnerships and collaboration
CSIRO will continue to collaborate extensively across the research, development and innovation system. We will adopt an outcomes-oriented approach to collaboration, translating applied research through complementary partnerships.
CSIRO will play a constructive role as part of wider government efforts to facilitate innovation system reform. Where appropriate, we will orchestrate system -wide coordination and contribute our research expertise, infrastructure, and innovation facilitation skills in areas where we hold strong capability. Role clarity, not duplication, will guide our choices to help lift national innovation system performance.
CSIRO will respectfully partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to co-develop Indigenous-led research agendas that elevate and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders knowledge systems, foster Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development and respond to key challenges facing Indigenous communities now and into the future.
Through focused STEM education and outreach programs, CSIRO will strive to nurture the ecosystem needed for the Future Made in Australia agenda to thrive. Internationally, CSIRO will maintain trusted partnerships where this strengthens Australia’s strategic priorities and market access.
3. High-impact national science and research infrastructure
CSIRO serves a dual role in research infrastructure, as a partner and steward managing national assets that strengthen Australia’s science capability and readiness for the coming decades; and as the national science agency, using these assets to enable our own research portfolio.
To ensure stewardship is coordinated, strategic, safe, and aligned with long-term national needs, a review of CSIRO’s Science and Research Infrastructure (SRI), including National Facilities and Collections will take place in 2026, engaging with the wider system.
Through this review and considering forthcoming recommendations of the Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD), we will assess fitness-for-purpose, sustainability, and future requirements to support national innovation system success, while responsibly optimising external access and usage. In addition, we will embed whole-of-life planning through an asset management framework and Capital Operating Model to ensure ongoing, clear and transparent decisions on capability and cost.
4. Enduring and sustainable operations
Ensuring long-term financial sustainability while delivering safe and modern facilities is fundamental to CSIRO’s continuing research impact. Through disciplined financial planning, the Board and Executive will prioritise addressing long-term underinvestment in physical and digital infrastructure and facilities, progressing property consolidation towards a leaner national footprint, investing in technology – including AI – to increase science and operational productivity, and maintaining efficient operations.
A whole-of portfolio review, linking research program goals with infrastructure and appropriate co-investment levels will optimise impact, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Together, these measures will keep staff safe and put the organisation on a path to sustainability over the coming decade, while delivering significant economic, social, and environmental value to the community. This reflects our commitment to our staff and to maximising the return on public investment.
5. Effective governance, safety, security and people management
CSIRO’s trust as a national institution is built on strong governance, dedicated people, ethical and impactful research, and secure, resilient, and safe operations. Operating under the SIR Act 1949 and PGPA Act, CSIRO will maintain robust and accountable governance. We will focus on well-defined research problems with accountability and ambition.
CSIRO will maintain a high-performing operational environment, supported by adaptive practices, environmental sustainability aligned with the Commonwealth climate disclosure regime, rigorous safety measures, appropriate cyber security measures and foreign interference and intellectual property protection.
Together, these practices will ensure CSIRO remains a forward-looking, effective, and trusted research partner, safeguarding the value of Australian science and its national scientific capability.
6. Working with your office and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
CSIRO will continue to maintain close coordination and early engagement with your office and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to ensure a predictable and transparent partnership. Your office will have timely notice of major announcements and events and be consulted early, according to agreed thresholds, on significant public documents and property and staffing changes.
We will demonstrate accountability and regularly report on progress, including through the objectives outlined in our Corporate Plan and reported on in our Annual Report.
On behalf of the Board, the Executive, and the rest of CSIRO, we look forward to working with you and your department to achieve the priorities outlined. Your support for CSIRO is greatly appreciated.
Ming Long AM
CSIRO Board Chair
Dear Minister Ayres,
On behalf of the CSIRO Board, I am pleased to present CSIRO’s Statement of Intent.
As the national science agency, CSIRO has been improving Australian lives for over a century. In doing so, it has continuously evolved its scientific focus to meet the nation’s needs of the time and help drive prosperity and progress. CSIRO has also adapted to shifting operational pressures, delivering impact to the nation throughout.
As today's stewards of the organisation, CSIRO’s Board and Executive are determined to again evolve and adapt. This is not a choice, it's an imperative because scientific research and development are at the core of Australia's future.
That means making deliberate choices about where we invest our resources and how we maintain the trust placed in us by the Australian community. As priorities evolve, CSIRO’s Board and Executive are committed to ensuring we are ambitious, accountable and responsible, and resolve to use the resources entrusted to us to deliver significant positive impact.
I appreciate your acknowledgement of CSIRO’s independence as a corporate Commonwealth entity. This independence is something that we will always safeguard.
You have clearly outlined your expectations of CSIRO, to which I am pleased to respond in more detail.
1. Research that delivers to Government priorities
CSIRO is focusing its efforts where Australian science can deliver national advantage, with research that delivers a Future Made in Australia. We will prioritise applied research and align our capability to support the net-zero transformation and a technology-driven economy. We will do this by focusing on research where CSIRO is uniquely placed to deliver, bringing a greater emphasis on inventing and deploying technological solutions to tackle national problems. This includes research programs that:
- Support a clean, affordable energy transition, including transforming critical minerals to materials.
- Address the pressing problem of climate change, with greater emphasis on adaptation and
resilience. - Apply advanced technologies (including AI, quantum, sensing, robotics and manufacturing) to drive
the next wave of innovation in core Australian industries. - Increase the productivity and resilience of Australian farms by focusing on the deployment of
technological solutions. - Mitigate and eradicate biosecurity threats to Australian industries, landscapes and communities.
- Apply disruptive science and engineering to unlock the unknown and solve unanswered questions.
Through our research programs, CSIRO will continue to deliver to the National Science and Research Priorities, maintaining a mix of strategic, basic and applied research to deliver solutions over multiple time horizons. We will continue to respond to emerging needs and unexpected challenges that confront the nation, while also delivering research to solve multi-generational problems.
2. Innovation and translation through partnerships and collaboration
CSIRO will continue to collaborate extensively across the research, development and innovation system. We will adopt an outcomes-oriented approach to collaboration, translating applied research through complementary partnerships.
CSIRO will play a constructive role as part of wider government efforts to facilitate innovation system reform. Where appropriate, we will orchestrate system -wide coordination and contribute our research expertise, infrastructure, and innovation facilitation skills in areas where we hold strong capability. Role clarity, not duplication, will guide our choices to help lift national innovation system performance.
CSIRO will respectfully partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to co-develop Indigenous-led research agendas that elevate and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders knowledge systems, foster Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic development and respond to key challenges facing Indigenous communities now and into the future.
Through focused STEM education and outreach programs, CSIRO will strive to nurture the ecosystem needed for the Future Made in Australia agenda to thrive. Internationally, CSIRO will maintain trusted partnerships where this strengthens Australia’s strategic priorities and market access.
3. High-impact national science and research infrastructure
CSIRO serves a dual role in research infrastructure, as a partner and steward managing national assets that strengthen Australia’s science capability and readiness for the coming decades; and as the national science agency, using these assets to enable our own research portfolio.
To ensure stewardship is coordinated, strategic, safe, and aligned with long-term national needs, a review of CSIRO’s Science and Research Infrastructure (SRI), including National Facilities and Collections will take place in 2026, engaging with the wider system.
Through this review and considering forthcoming recommendations of the Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD), we will assess fitness-for-purpose, sustainability, and future requirements to support national innovation system success, while responsibly optimising external access and usage. In addition, we will embed whole-of-life planning through an asset management framework and Capital Operating Model to ensure ongoing, clear and transparent decisions on capability and cost.
4. Enduring and sustainable operations
Ensuring long-term financial sustainability while delivering safe and modern facilities is fundamental to CSIRO’s continuing research impact. Through disciplined financial planning, the Board and Executive will prioritise addressing long-term underinvestment in physical and digital infrastructure and facilities, progressing property consolidation towards a leaner national footprint, investing in technology – including AI – to increase science and operational productivity, and maintaining efficient operations.
A whole-of portfolio review, linking research program goals with infrastructure and appropriate co-investment levels will optimise impact, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Together, these measures will keep staff safe and put the organisation on a path to sustainability over the coming decade, while delivering significant economic, social, and environmental value to the community. This reflects our commitment to our staff and to maximising the return on public investment.
5. Effective governance, safety, security and people management
CSIRO’s trust as a national institution is built on strong governance, dedicated people, ethical and impactful research, and secure, resilient, and safe operations. Operating under the SIR Act 1949 and PGPA Act, CSIRO will maintain robust and accountable governance. We will focus on well-defined research problems with accountability and ambition.
CSIRO will maintain a high-performing operational environment, supported by adaptive practices, environmental sustainability aligned with the Commonwealth climate disclosure regime, rigorous safety measures, appropriate cyber security measures and foreign interference and intellectual property protection.
Together, these practices will ensure CSIRO remains a forward-looking, effective, and trusted research partner, safeguarding the value of Australian science and its national scientific capability.
6. Working with your office and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
CSIRO will continue to maintain close coordination and early engagement with your office and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to ensure a predictable and transparent partnership. Your office will have timely notice of major announcements and events and be consulted early, according to agreed thresholds, on significant public documents and property and staffing changes.
We will demonstrate accountability and regularly report on progress, including through the objectives outlined in our Corporate Plan and reported on in our Annual Report.
On behalf of the Board, the Executive, and the rest of CSIRO, we look forward to working with you and your department to achieve the priorities outlined. Your support for CSIRO is greatly appreciated.
Ming Long AM
CSIRO Board Chair