The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of the Australian Department of Defence dedicated to providing science and technology support for Australia's defence and national security needs. It is Australia's second largest government-funded science organisation after the CSIRO.
To achieve its mission, DSTO provides scientific and technical support to current defence operations, investigates future technologies for defence and national security applications, advises on the purchase and smart use of defence equipment, develops new defence capabilities, and enhances existing systems by improving performance and safety and reducing the cost of owning defence assets.
The Chief Defence Scientist leads the DSTO. The position is supported by an independent Advisory Board with representatives from defence, industry, academia and the science community.
DSTO has an annual budget of approximately $440 million and employs over 2500 staff, predominantly scientists, engineers, IT specialists and technicians. DSTO has establishments in all Australian states and the Australian Capital Terriotry with posted representatives in Washington and London.
In February 2012 DSTO was given the whole-of-government responsibility to coordinate research and development for Australia's national security.
DSTO collaborates with science and technology organisations around the world to strengthen its technology base and works closely with Australian industry and universities to enhance defence capability. International engagement allows DSTO to explore potential technological opportunities at significantly less cost and provides access to overseas capabilities otherwise not available to the ADF. DSTO is a member of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. It also has bilateral defence science agreements with USA, UK, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway and Singapore.
DSTO manages the Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) program on behalf of Defence. This program is an avenue for innovation by Australian industry. It provides opportunities and funding for industry to demonstrate new technologies or the novel use of technology that can enhance capability in areas of defence priority.
Read more about Defence Science And Technology Organisation: History, Sites, Chief Defence Scientist, Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program
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