What is CSIRO?
CSIRO, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, is Australia's national science agency. It conducts research in areas such as agriculture, energy, health, space and the environment, and has produced many famous inventions.
CSIRO traces its origins to 1916 and took its current name in 1949. It employs thousands of scientists and engineers at sites across Australia.
The organization works with universities, industry and governments to turn research into practical solutions. It also runs major research facilities, such as the Parkes radio telescope and the research vessel Investigator.
Famous inventions
CSIRO scientists developed key technology behind fast Wi-Fi, earning the organization hundreds of millions of dollars in patent settlements. CSIRO also helped develop polymer banknotes, Aerogard insect repellent and the Total Wellbeing Diet.
Its agricultural research has improved crops, livestock and pest control, including the use of myxomatosis and calicivirus to manage rabbits.
CSIRO also plays an important role in climate science, monitoring changes in Australia's climate and oceans. It is one of the largest mission-driven research organizations in the world.
Its headquarters are in Canberra.