CSIRO Data61 is the data and digital specialist arm of Australia’s national science agency, recognized as home to one of the world’s largest collections of research and development expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science. Led by Acting Director Dr Liming Zhu following the departure of Dr Jon Whittle in November 2025, the unit focuses on solving Australia's greatest data-driven challenges through innovative science in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems.
The organization operates major facilities including the Robotics Innovation Centre in Brisbane, the Mixed Reality Lab, and the AI4Cyber Enclave, while hosting significant projects such as the Wildcat SLAM technology and the Multi-Resolution Scanner (MRS) payload on the International Space Station. Data61 manages extensive student programs, including PhD scholarships and undergraduate vacation studentships, to build a competitive workforce, though the unit recently faced workforce restructuring with approximately 100 research staff leaving in the last year due to contract non-renewals.
Key operational details include:
Leadership: Acting Director Dr Liming Zhu (AI Engineering) and Interim Science Director Dr Surya Nepal (Cybersecurity).
Locations: Sydney (Headquarters), Brisbane (Queensland Centre of Advanced Technologies), and research sites in Pullenvale and Dutton Park.
Strategic Goals: Leading the National Artificial Intelligence Centre, developing sovereign AI capabilities, and integrating digital science into national recovery and resilience efforts.
Recent Context: The unit was a finalist in the Financial Review AI Awards in 2025 for research and education, despite facing scrutiny over job cuts and administrative restructuring.