MEDIA RELEASE

RACI Expresses Deep Concern Over CSIRO Job Cuts and Their Impact on Australian Science

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) is deeply concerned about the announcement that the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) will cut up to 350 research positions across the country. This decision, described by CSIRO as necessary for “long-term sustainability,” comes at a time when Australia urgently needs to strengthen, not diminish its scientific capability to address national and global challenges. While strategic prioritisation is important, the scale of these redundancies on top of several hundred positions lost in previous years represents a blow to Australia’s scientific endeavours.

RACI CEO, Mr. Shenal Basnayake said:

This is a very sad outcome for Australian science. CSIRO is the backbone of our national research capability, and these cuts will have long-term consequences for innovation, industry competitiveness, and our ability to respond to climate, energy, food security, advanced manufacturing, and other challenges. Publicly funded science is not a cost; it is an investment in Australia’s future

Reducing research capability undermines national resilience and global competitiveness. These cuts risk slowing progress in areas where chemistry and interdisciplinary science are critical including clean energy technologies, sustainable materials, and biosecurity solutions.

RACI stands ready to work with CSIRO, government, and industry partners to safeguard Australia’s scientific future.

Access the PDF version of this Media Release here: MEDIA RELEASE: RACI Expresses Deep Concern Over CSIRO Job Cuts and Their Impact on Australian Science

Media Contact:

Mr. Shenal Basnayake

CEO

E: info@raci.org.au

T: 03 9328 2033

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