CSIRO aims to strengthen its biotech focus

CSIRO has launched a biotechnology strategy in an attempt to strengthen its focus in the field.

The CSIRO Biotechnology Strategy was launched by the organisation's Health Sciences and Nutrition chief, Prof Richard Head, at this week's AusBiotech 2002 conference.

"Biotechnology is a fundamental activity in the organisation and it is important that we understand what we are doing and where we are going," Head said.

"CSIRO seeks to help Australia become a stronger global competitor in this field. This strategy will bring a stronger focus to CSIRO biotechnology capabilities and strengthen its capacity to deliver solutions across industry sectors."

Head noted that 12 CSIRO divisions were involved in biotechnology, with the vast majority of activities taking place in Plant Industry, Livestock Industries, Health Science and Nutrition, Molecular Sciences and Entomology.

CSIRO biotechnology projects include crop improvements, livestock health, pest animal control, vaccine development, medical treatments and assessment of environmental impacts.

The organisation spends about $112 million annually on biotechnology research, accounting for 12 per cent of CSIRO's budget and 29 per cent of the Federal government's investment into biotechnology R&D.

CSIRO's strategy aims to use biotechnology to deliver improvements in health and well-being, globally competitive and safer food systems, increased prosperity through job creation and industry developments, and a more sustainable environment.

Head said Australia's expertise meant that it could become a world player in many areas of biotechnology, but warned that smart choices of niche and partners would be required to achieve this.