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About DSTO
Mission: Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is the Australian Government\'s lead agency charged with applying science and technology to protect and defend Australia and its national interests.
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- DSTO: Science and Technology for a Secure World
DSTO delivers expert, impartial advice and innovative solutions for Defence and other elements of national security.
Vision: To be a world leader in defence science and technology – indispensable in transforming the Australian Defence Force and Australia’s national security
Values:
Excellence in Science – we strive to lead, and be proud of, all our scientific undertakings
People – we develop and support each other to achieve organisational deliverables
Professionalism – we strive for excellence in everything we do
Loyalty – we are committed to each other, our leaders and the organisation
Integrity – we are trustworthy and honourable in all our interactions
Courage – we act with strength of character, both in the courage of our convictions and in our intellectual courage
Innovation – we actively and consistently look for better ways of doing business
Teamwork – we work together with trust, respect and a sense of collective purpose
DSTO supports Australia’s defence by:
- Investigating future technologies for defence applications.
- Ensuring Australia is a smart buyer of defence equipment.
- Developing new defence capabilities.
- Enhancing existing capabilities by increasing operational effectiveness, improving safety, maximising availability and reducing the cost of ownership.
DSTO's capability also supports whole-of-government national security needs.
Headed by the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Roger Lough, DSTO has an annual budget of approximately $440 million and employs more than 2300 staff, predominantly scientists, engineers, IT specialists and technicians.
DSTO has a presence in nearly every state and territory in Australia. It has its corporate office at Defence headquarters in Canberra with research facilities in Melbourne, Edinburgh (near Adelaide), Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, HMAS Stirling at Rockingham (near Perth), Scottsdale in Tasmania, and Innisfail in northern Queensland.
At all times, DSTO works closely with the industry, science and technology community to enhance its ability to support Australia's defence and national security capabilities and to contribute to national wealth.