Print Printer Icon

About SARDI

The South Australian Research and Development Institute – SARDI – delivers robust scientific solutions for primary industries.

SARDI is the State Government's principal research institute, a research division of Primary Industries and Resources SA.

Scientists create opportunities to position agriculture, food, aquatic and bioscience industries as internationally competitive and ecologically sustainable.

SARDI addresses these priorities or barriers to growth throughout its science programs:

  • value-chain linkages
  • food security
  • natural resource and climate adaptation
  • product integrity requirements
  • innovation capability and enabling technologies
  • supplier competitiveness
  • biosecurity

SARDI multi-disciplinary research capability is organised into dedicated science programs within key research divisions:

  • Aquatic Sciences: algal production systems; aquaculture, inland waters and catchment ecology; marine environment and ecology; oceanography and wild fisheries.
  • Innovative Food and Plants: food safety; food innovation value chain; gene function; new variety agronomy; oat and vetch; pulses and oilseeds; and wheat and barley.
  • Livestock and Farming Systems: farming systems; intensive livestock production systems; integrated biosystems; livestock breeding and genetics; pasture improvement.
  • Sustainable Systems: climate applications; entomology; plant and soil health; viticulture; and water resources and irrigated crops.

Central to SARDI's success is an energetic, capable, willing and progressive team of scientists with distinctive knowledge. They are a unique blend of brilliant, creative and experienced minds, excelling in their fields and supported by impressive facilities and a network of regional research sites.

 

SARDI values:

  • Scientific excellence
  • Progressive, economic and technologically advanced methodologies
  • A contemporary outlook to constantly evolve to meet client needs
  • A collaborative spirit
  • Accuracy and timeliness
  • Courage and humility
  • Professional and ethical standards
  • Care for people and the environment
     

Momentum through collaboration

SARDI carries out research for commercial clients and government and industry funded initiatives and since 2000 SARDI has attracted more than $200 million in external research grants and commercial receipts.

The organisation is also a leading focus for business and industries to initiate collaborative research planning.

Current collaborative projects include projects with universities, research organisations, cooperative research centres and industry partnerships.

SARDI has a successful track record in commercialisation. Commercial opportunities can be accessed via various commercial models.

SARDI facilities

SARDI pursues excellence through an extensive network of research centres, laboratories and field sites. Regional sites provide significant opportunities for regional employment, community capacity building, technology transfer and industry development.

Strategic directions

SARDI's scientific outcomes contribute to South Australia's Strategic Plan (external site) targets relating to the economy, the environment and science innovation.  Science programs are also aligned to the State Government's Science Plan (external site) to:

  • meet specific industry priorities
  • increase productivity and economic performance
  • pursue innovation in environmental industries
  • attract investment and develop critical infrustructure. 

SARDI's business directions for its science programs are outlined in SARDI Directions 2010 (.PDF535KB)

SARDI's mission, values and strategic plan are outlined in SARDI Strategic Directions 2004–2008: Positioning for Future Success (.PDF).   

Organisational structure

SARDI's Chiefs and Management Team are shown on the Organisational Chart (.PDF 18.3KB)