Australian national science agency the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has received an additional $387.4 million in federal funding for the 2026-2027 budget year, it has confirmed.
In a statement issued after the release of the budget on 12 May, the group said it welcomed the government’s commitment over and above forward estimates.
“With this investment, CSIRO will have the necessary funding over the next three financial years to support its sustainability and provide greater stability for its workforce, as well as funding to secure the operations of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) over the forward estimates and ongoing,” it said.
The ACDP, it added, will also receive ongoing funding of $38 million per year from 2030-31 and investment in the second stage of critical modernisation and refurbishment work for the facility.
This funding is on top of CSIRO’s existing annual appropriation of approximately $1 billion and the $278 million received from government through 2025.
The funding increase will support investment in safe and fit-for-purpose sites, as well as the research equipment, infrastructure, cyber protection and technology that will best enable CSIRO’s talented researchers to make discoveries and turn them into real-world impact.
On the non-mining side, the budget also includes $1.2 million in 2026–27 to extend CSIRO’s STEM Professionals in Schools program.
“With the substantial public funding entrusted to CSIRO comes a clear responsibility to deliver maximum value to the nation. While this additional funding provides greater certainty and workforce stability over the next three financial years, CSIRO will always be prepared to make the necessary strategic shifts to capability to ensure it delivers the greatest possible impact for Australia,” the agency said.