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Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Limestone Avenue Campbell A.C.T. RO. Box 2 2 5  Dickson A.C.T. 2 6 0 2 Tel. 48  44 8 4  (Media Office) 47 8 9 9 6  (After hrs) Cables Raocanb,Canberra Telex 62528

NEWS  RELEASE

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N.R. No 16  17 .6.1981 "7/

SHARPER RESEARCH FOCUS IN ENERGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY,  WATER AND INDUSTRY RESEARCH

CSIRO is to intensify its research into energy conservation,  industrial microbiology, water purification, wood-based  industry and manufacturing technology, the Minister for  Science and Technology, Mr David Thomson, said today.

This follows internal changes to the Organization announced  to staff by its Chairman, Dr J. Paul Wild.

First steps involve the re-organization of two Melbourne-  based CSIRO Divisions following advice to the Executive from  a number of review committees and the Government-appointed  CSIRO Advisory Council.

Mr Thomson said CSIRO had also taken into account views  expressed by the International Energy Agency following its  examination of energy research in Australia.

"The Division of Mechanical Engineering is to be closed and  most of those resources used to form a new Division based in  Melbourne devoted to energy conservation research," he said.

"This change will take place on 1 September when the formal  transfer of about 340 scientists and support staff from the  Australian Atomic Energy Research Establishment is planned  to occur.

"At that time it is likely CSIRO will proceed with the  formation of other new research groupings to expand work on  fossil fuels, mining of energy resources, alternative fuels

and renewable energy, as well as energy conservation."

(The Government decision to transfer the non-nuclear research  activities of the AAECRE to CSIRO was jointly announced on  30 April by Mr Thomson and the Minister for National Development  and Energy, Senator J.L. Garrick.)

Mr Thomson said other resources from the existing Division

of Mechanical Engineering would augment the recently-formed  Division of Manufacturing Technology.

As well, a new Division of Cellulose Research would be

formed using resources of the present Division of Chemical  Technology and wood scientists from the Division of Building  Research.

"This new Division, to come into being early in 1982 when  the Division of Chemical Technology will be closed down,  will concentrate on the use -of wood and other natural cellulose-  based substances as sources of manufactured products, chemicals

and usable energy," he said. '  Ã¢ÂÂ   / '  .

"Work on wood as a structural material will remain with the  Division of Building Research.

"Other resources from the existing Division of Chemical  Technology will be used to form an Industrial Microbiology  Unit to capitalise on emerging research opportunities in  this important area of biotechnology.

"This Unit will embrace a water studies group to be formed  around CSIRO staff responsible for the SIROFLOC process for  water purification."

Mr Thomson said these changes would take place progressively  as key personnel were appointed. .

"While no new resources have been made available to CSIRO in  these research fields, the new arrangements will provide a  sharper focus which Australia needs," he said.

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"They are part of strategic planning proposals being developed

by CSIRO to aTllSW it to ifiSSillfilse its resources in those  areas of high national priority which also show scientific  promise.

"CSIRO is to be congratulated for finding ways to respond to  national needs at a time when resources are restricted by  economic circumstances.

"There is no doubt that increases in productivity flow from  research and development expenditure, and it is vital that  industry backs government-funded research and further  develops its own capability."

Mr Thomson said other changes announced by CSIRO Chairman Dr  Wild related to the way the Organization's research Divisions  were grouped into five Institutes within the CSIRO framework.

The principal changes, apart from the energy research area,  would provide for a concentration of effort related to  ecological studies, including water, soils and plants.

Details would be announced over the next few months. -

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CANBERRA .  .  17TH JUNE 1981

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