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DSTO: Science and Technology for a Secure World

DSTO: Science and Technology for a Secure World

Mission: The 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. 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, DSTO has an annual budget of approximately $400 million and employs more than 2,300 staff, predominantly scientists, engineers, IT specialists and technicians.

DSTO has a presence in nearly every state and territory in Australia. It has its national 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.