Our Research

CSIRO Land and Water's spectrum of research covers a wide range of biophysical resources and processes.

Our core disciplinary capabilities include hydrology, geomorphology, soil science, hydrogeology, microbiology, mathematics, aquatic ecology, soil and water contaminant chemistry, and environmental engineering.

Our core technology capabilities are in measurement, environmental modelling, remote sensing, spatial sciences and software engineering.

Our primary physical infrastructure and data assets include high-end computing infrastructure, a broad range of state of the art analytical chemistry facilities, and advanced mass spectrometry facilities.

Our capabilities are grouped into the following research programs:

• Catchment and Aquatic Systems
• Environmental Biogeochemistry
• Environmental Observation and Landscape Science
• Hydrology
• Urban and Industrial Water

Land and Water staff deliver research through research projects that reflect national and international priorities in natural resources R&D. The main programs our research is delivered through are:

• Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research (CECR)
• Water for a Healthy Country National Research Flagship
• Healthy Water Ecosystems
• Better Basin Futures
• Water Resources Observation Network
• Urban Water
• Agricultural Sustainability Initiative (ASI)
  • Managing Australia’s Soil and Landscape Assets (MASaLA)

Our staff also contribute to research projects being delivered through other National Research Flagships and partnerships including:

• Climate Adaptation Flagship
• CLLAMMecology Research Cluster
• Urban Water Security Research Alliance, south-east Queensland

Related Links

Read our recent report "Stakeholders’ perspectives on Australia’s land and water resources research needs".