Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (Australia)

The Australian government established the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in 1916 as the Advisory Council of Science and Industry, renaming it CSIRO in 1920 with the goal of conducting scientific research on behalf of the Australian government and to assist primary and secondary industries (farming, mining and manufacture) in Australia. It has been involved in scientific developments, that have helped Australia, including toxiological controls for reducing the rabbit population through myxo-matosis and the rabbit calicivirus, food preservation, forest products, and fuel research.

During World War II, CSIRO conducted research in areas such as radar to assist the Australian Defence Forces, and after the war, it expanded its focus to include building materials, textiles, coal, metallurgy, and assessment of land resources. Since 1951, CSIRO has further expanded activities to include almost every field of industry and has expanded research into human nutrition, conservation and the environment, and urban and rural planning. Many products have been aided by CSIRO research, including the Aerogard insect repellent, the first polymer banknote, and more permeable contact lenses.

CSIRO has 16 divisions, from Astronomy and Space Science to Sustainable Ecosystems, and is involved in over 740 research activities with partners and clients ranging from small companies to large multinational corporations, international foundations, and foreign governments. CSIRO is funded by the Australian government in four-year cycles. In 2007, the Australian government provided $2.8 billion Australian dollars in funding for the current cycle, an increase of 19.5 percent over the previous four-year period. CSIRO also funds 10 National Flagships, which are large-scale, multidisciplinary research centers focused on areas of national priority, including manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, and energy.

CSIRO has been involved in establishing a Nanoscience Network to allow Australian nanotechnology scientists to connect and keep up with new developments, as well as network both within Australia and overseas. While CSIRO has been involved in research, the Australian Research Council has been responsible for funding Australian-based projects.

CSIRO is involved in more than 740 research activities, working with scientific organizations in over 80 countries.

Among the many nanoscience developments in part by CSIRO are the UltraBattery, which has a longer life, higher performance, and lower manufacturing cost. However, a major developments using nanoparticles, and a particularly important one for Australians, has been the use of nanoparticles to create more effective sunscreens.

The use of nanoparticles in consumer substances is becoming more common, and nanoscience research at CSIRO has seen the development of a new sunscreen, which only uses 70 percent zinc and this has a transparent appearance. One of the first uses of the new zinc product was in the manufacture of bottles that reduced UV light penetration and allowed for increased shelf life of products by reducing the loss of flavor. Amber glass had previously been used for the task of reducing UV light.

As nanoscience has developed, scientists at CSIRO have been involved in ensuring that projects capture the benefits of the new technology in a safe and socially responsible way. The Future Manufacturing Flagship project at CSIRO analyzes the lifecycles of nanoparticles, and monitors the workplace to ensure that workers are not exposed to harmful nanoparticles or toxic nanowaste. CSIRO has become heavily involved in studies of the potential toxic effects of nanoparticles and establishing of safety guidelines to prevent harm [Page 110]to workers or users, while promoting the safe disposal of nanowaste.

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