The CSIRO has announced the establishment of a national climate research centre in Hobart, Tasmania, which will focus on climate modelling and projections for Australia, drawing on both the national and international research expertise.
“Our Strategy 2020 is focused on collaboration, global connection, excellent science and innovation – all four of these pillars are at work in this Centre,” said CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall.
“As I indicated at the start of CSIRO’s current broader change process, it is critical that we retain the capability that underpins our national climate research effort. The announcement today is a culmination of the ongoing consultation and feedback we’ve had from our staff and stakeholders, and this new Centre is a reflection of the strong collaboration and support right across our system and the global community.”
The new Climate Science Centre will operate as part of the CSIRO’s Oceans and Atmosphere, with a guaranteed research capability for 10 years, and will focus on CSIRO’s climate change measurement and modelling researchers and resources.
Dr Marshall said collaboration and partnership will be at the heart of this decadal commitment for Australia. He said that in recognition of this, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science has agreed that an independent National Climate Science Advisory Committee will be established.
The Committee will have representation from CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology and other experts from Australia and overseas, and will report at Ministerial level to inform the future direction of Australia’s climate science capability and research priorities.
“The Centre, with support from the Advisory Committee, will allow scientists across the nation to provide a decadal commitment to climate research in the nation’s interest,” Dr Marshall said, adding that the foundation of the Centre will be 40 full time CSIRO scientists.
He said the CSIRO is also planning to deepen its existing partnership with the UK Meteorology Office by offering its unique Southern Hemisphere modelling capability and measurements to the UK’s global model.
According to him, the collaboration will help build a model that is even more relevant for Australia and other Southern Hemisphere nations.
“All of CSIRO’s critical measurement infrastructure, such as the ice and air libraries, ARGO float program and Cape Grim, will be guaranteed in the same manner as the other national facilities such as the RV Investigator, which is also centred in Hobart,” he said.
“CSIRO thanks Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel AO, and its colleagues at the Bureau of Meteorology for their support in shaping this important national agenda.”
