The current divisions of Atmospheric Research, and Marine Research, will merge as CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, with over 500 staff under the direction of current chief of Marine Research Dr Tony Haymet.

Working under the banner of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Group, the new division will implement strategic changes to refine its research focus and increase efficiency.

“Our primary objective in merging these divisions is to grow the relevance and impact of Australia’s marine and atmospheric sciences, by building critical mass and international leadership,” said Dr Steve Morton, new group executive of Sustainable Energy and Environment.

"The merged division will mirror and enhance relationships with high-profile international agencies such as the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology.

“The Board and CSIRO’s senior management team are confident these changes will enable the organisation to better serve the Australian community and its other major stakeholders over the longer term.”