CSIRO cuts climate research jobs, despite budget funding boost
The agency said the cuts follow a portfolio review and will shift resources toward adaptation and resilience research.
- On Thursday, the CSIRO confirmed it will eliminate 92 positions from its Environment Research Unit, reducing the original proposal of 102 cuts by 10 roles following staff consultation.
- The agency described the redundancies as "essential strategic research shifts," though cuts proceed despite the federal government providing an additional $387.4m in funding over the forward estimates this month.
- Five of the 15 specialized scientists working on the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator will lose their jobs, prompting the CSIRO Staff Association to warn the cuts will "hurt Australia's core environmental science capacity."
- Independent Senator David Pocock criticized the move, stating the reductions "betray the needs of Australians," while Science and Technology Australia CEO Ryan Winn warned the loss of specialized staff could increase climate vulnerability.
- These losses cap a tumultuous period for the agency, with more than 300 roles to be cut in the current round following about 800 jobs lost over the past year; Staff Association Secretary Susan Tonks called for executive leadership to halt further reductions.
14 Articles
14 Articles
CSIRO Cuts 92 Climate and Environment Jobs Despite Multi-Million-Dollar Budget Boost
Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has locked in plans to cut 92 full-time positions from its climate and environment division, despite a major injection of federal funding aimed at stabilising the organisation. The loss of 92 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles within the Environment Research Unit is part of a broader, agency-wide cull of 350 jobs first flagged in November 2025 due to rising operating costs. The cuts have drawn attention fr…
Fears CSIRO job cuts will damage Australia's climate change adaptability
Peak body Science and Technology Australia is concerned the CSIRO's plan to cut 92 jobs, predominantly from its environment and climate science division, will negatively affect Australia's ability to assess and adapt to climate change.
Sydney Morning Herald
CSIRO cuts climate research jobs despite budget funding boost
Ninety-two scientists will lose their jobs in the latest round of cuts, which one scientist warns will leave the agency’s capacity to predict climate change “running on a dial-up modem”.
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