The Division of Protein Chemistry was established as the Biochemistry Unit within the Division of Industrial Chemistry in 1949, and within that year was renamed the Textile Chemistry and Protein Research Section and later, the Biochemistry Unit of the Wool Textile Research Laboratories. The Unit was accorded Divisional status on 9 October 1958.

The Division of Biotechnology was formed on 1 January 1988 from the Division of Molecular Biology, part of the Division of Chemical and Wood Technology (biotechnology programs), and part of the Division of Protein Chemistry (protein studies). The Division was renamed as the Division of Biomolecular Engineering from 1 July 1989.

The Division's research is concerned with the structure, science and biological activity of proteins. The knowledge gained and the techniques developed are used to assist industries based on protein products such as wool, leather, and seeds. The Division collaborates with other research laboratories, including divisions of CSIRO, on problems of a biochemical or biophysical nature relating to a wide variety of proteins.

Sources:
Commonwealth Government Directory, Vol. 2, 1985, p.35
Federal Guide of 1959
CSIRO Historical Directory 1926-1976
CSIRO Index (CSIX Database) 1991
 

Historical agency address
343 Royal Parade, Parkville, Vic