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Bureau of Rural Sciences
Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS)
Executive Director, Colin Grant
Ph: +61 2 6272 3937
BRS is a scientific bureau within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. At the interface between science and policy, BRS is an essential part of the Government's capacity for integrated evidence-based policy development.
BRS provides scientific advice to government in support of more profitable, competitive and sustainable Australian agricultural, food, fisheries and forestry industries and enhancing the natural resource base to achieve greater national wealth and stronger rural and regional communities.
Visit the BRS website at www.daff.gov.au/brs
Climate, Land and Water Branch
General Manager, Kim Ritman
Ph: +61 2 6272 4671
The BRS Climate Impact Sciences Program develops and delivers tools to:
- analyse climate variability, reliability and change
- simulate crops and pasture growth
- extend simulations into the future
- monitor and assess vulnerability of agricultural industries and regions
The BRS Climate Impact Sciences Program works with the Rural Policy area of DAFF to assess areas for Exceptional Circumstances.
The Land Management Sciences Program provides scientific advice to government and other clients on land use and land management practices, feral animal and weed management, agricultural biotechnology, biodiversity in production systems, resource indicators, and greenhouse science.
The Integrated Water Sciences Program is at the forefront of research into water and salinity issues in Australia. The program works with Catchment Authorities and Landcare Groups to assess:
- salinity hazard and risk
- regional groundwater systems
- surface and groundwater connectivity
- surface and groundwater quality (ie. salinity, acidity)
- sustainable yield and recharge rates
- water related environmental issues (ie. groundwater dependent ecosystems).
Fisheries, Forestry, Social and Risk Sciences Branch
General Manager, Dr James Findlay
Ph: +61 2 6272 5825
The Fisheries and Marine Sciences Program provides scientific advice on Australia’s marine ecosystems and the sustainable harvesting of fish stocks. Activities include the publication of reports on the status of Commonwealth fisheries and marine resources, collaboration with regional agencies in managing high seas fisheries, research into target and bycatch species, assessments of fish stocks and fisheries management, analysis of human interactions with the marine environment; and management of national fisheries information systems.
The Forest and Vegetation Sciences Program analyses forest and vegetation data and reviews forest management systems and performance to facilitate industry development and encourage ecologically sustainable forest and vegetation management.
The Social Sciences Program provides policy-oriented social research and information to support the achievement of competitive, profitable and sustainable agriculture, fisheries, food and forestry industries, the enhancement of the natural resource base, and stronger rural and regional communities.