Liz Dennis: life member of the Australian Association of Cotton Scientists (AACS)

Liz is one of Australia’s preeminent female scientists. Inspired by the life of Marie Curie she completed a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Sydney and focused on DNA replication in bacteria during her PhD. She went on to spend her post-doctoral years at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York. In 1972, she was appointed as a Research Scientist at the Division of Plant Industry in Canberra, rose to Chief Research Scientist in 1991 and subsequently became a CSIRO Fellow in 2001. As program Leader of Genomics and Plant Development at Plant Industry, Liz Dennis over saw the molecular characterisation of cotton fibre initiation research that led to the Identification of several transcription factors that regulate the production of fibres on the cotton seed epidermis – genes that have been shown to be major controllers of cotton fibre and linter formation. She was also leader of projects under CSIRO/Bayer Research Alliance that resulted in wide ranging, basic molecular cotton research including waterlogging tolerance.

Danny Llewellyn: Life member of the Australian Association of Cotton Scientists (AACS)

As a CSIRO Post-Doctoral Fellow in the 1980s under a scheme designed to develop novel biotechnology for delivery to Australia, Danny changed the trajectory of Australia’s cotton industry through his work at the Max-Planck Institute for Plant Breeding in Germany. His work pioneered the development of Agrobacterium as a vehicle for delivering genes into plants, and upon his return to Australia, he created the first genetically modified plant in Australia and continued to deliver significant advances in biotechnology which contributed to the development of Australian GM cotton varieties released for domestic and international markets. These cultivars have made positive societal and environmental impacts, through significant reductions (over 90%) in the use of chemical insecticides on cotton. His pioneering cotton research career - spanning 40 years at CSIRO - was integral to development of the CSIRO Cotton Breeding program which underpinned the success of the Australian Cotton Industry.

CSIRO publishes 2023-24 GenCost report

A few of the outcomes of the report include: Renewables remain the lowest cost range of new build electricity technology, large-scale nuclear technology costs included for the first time and future wind costs revised upwards.

Even temporary global warming above 2℃ will affect life in the oceans for centuries

A climate overshoot that creates warmer oceans with lower oxygen levels will reduce the suitable habitat for many marine species long after CO₂ levels have peaked and declined.

Chloe

Meet Chloe Mackallah

Inspired by the legacy of Penny Whetton, Chloe champions visibility and inclusivity as a leader in climate science data management.

Super-cool international effort to solve Southern Ocean cloud mysteries

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#futurecrops

CSIRO's new research facilities to give Aussie cotton industry a boost

CSIRO's $25 million upgrade to its cotton research facilities in Myall Vale, NSW, will bring value to the cotton industry Australia-wide.

Nuffield Fellow Vivian Rolands

Cultivating global perspectives through Nuffield Fellowship

A life-changing Nuffield Fellowship experience has given Ag & Food scientist Vivien Rolland more than a memorable 2023. Viv shares some insights from his year of connection and exploration of global farming and food production practices.

Trusted Agrifood Exports

Our mission is to grow the value of Australia's agrifood exports

Future Protein

Helping Australia capture high-growth global protein markets.

Towards net zero

The Towards Net Zero Mission will help Australian industry and communities prosper in a low emissions world through new economic, social and environmental value.

#FutureCrops

Future-proofing wheat for hotter, drier climates

CSIRO scientists have identified new genetics that enable wheat varieties to tap into moisture up to two times deeper in the soil than current varieties.

#FutureCrops

Oil crops

We're developing novel plant-based oils to provide more efficient and sustainable oils for industrial and nutritional uses.