Csiro In Good Shape Despite Cuts
The Age
Thursday September 4, 2008
THE new chief executive of the CSIRO says the national science agency has "never been in a stronger position", despite $63 million of funding cuts over the next four years.
Geologist and BHP Billiton senior executive Dr Megan Clark, who will join the CSIRO in January, has also outlined a vision to build it into one of the world's most respected research institutions."It really is a strong organisation. It's been through change, all organisations go through change," Dr Clark said yesterday. "The Government committed $2.1 billion to the CSIRO in the next three years, and I think that absolutely demonstrates the importance and the role of the CSIRO in the national agenda."The agency announced plans to cut about 100 jobs and close two laboratories after funding cuts were announced in this year's federal budget.The affected sites include a horticultural research lab at Merbein, near Mildura, and a livestock research facility at Rockhampton.CSIRO staff welcomed the appointment of Dr Clark, but stressed that one of the challenges she faced was to reverse the funding cuts. -- CHEE CHEE LEUNG
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