Building collaboration to tackle grand challenges

Tuesday, 23 May 2017

The CSIRO and the University of Adelaide today announced a new agreement to work together to tackle some of the big issues facing Australia and the region, ranging from healthier foods through to defending our nation.

The two organisations have agreed to build collaborations to advance research in key areas of mutual strength, with significant potential benefit to the Australian economy, society and environment.

There will be a focus on fields including: food and agriculture; health and ageing; nutrition and health; and defence and cybersecurity, and in developing industry applications.

“The CSIRO and the University of Adelaide have a long and distinguished relationship built over many years,” says University of Adelaide Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Brooks.

“This agreement signals our intent to strengthen that relationship and better capitalise on the knowledge, expertise, resources and infrastructure we have between us.”

The two organisations already have joint postgraduate research students (almost 30 last year), produce joint publications, and share facilities and locations, with more than 380 staff and affiliates co-located on University of Adelaide campuses or in other joint locations.

“The University of Adelaide and CSIRO have similar vision for working together on solutions to the challenges facing our nation. We’re both committed to aligning our investments in research and technology development to make an impact for Australia,” says CSIRO Chief Scientist, Dr Anita Hill.

“Strengthening our partnership will encourage more collaboration across the innovation system with the hope we can achieve an unrestricted exchange of people, ideas and knowledge thereby growing Australia’s prosperity.”

The future relationship will include:
• A joint steering committee with five members from each organisation
• Emphasis on joint research programs with industry applications
• Extended collaboration on undergraduate and postgraduate learning, and employment opportunities with industry
• Increased translational research and commercialisation activities
• Jointly funded appointments.

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