The Surveillance Research Laboratory (SRL) was created as a result of re-organisation of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) on 1 December 1987.  SRL is one of four laboratories that comprise DSTO. The others are the Electronics Research Laboratory based at Salisbury and Materials Research Laboratory and Aeronautical Research Laboratory based in Melbourne. It conducts research and development related to surveillance and reconnaissance and concentrates on the fields of microwave and high frequency radar and optoelectronics. The objectives of the SRL are -a) to develop and maintain a base of skill and knowledge in defence    science and technology and foster scientific and technological    expertise in industry and tertiary institutions, concentrating on   areas relevant to the Australian strategic and natural   environment; b) to provide scientific and technical advice on defence policy   matters and advice on the selection and acquisition of new   equipment and systems and their suitability for operation in the   Australian environment;c) to contribute to the solution of scientific and technological    problems of the Australian Defence Forces, the Department of   Defence other defence agencies and relevant Australian industries,   including those arising from the operational use, maintenance,   local production and extension of life of equipment and systems;d) to conceive new devices, equipment or systems of potential value   to Australian defence and in accordance with delegated approvals,    manage or undertake successive stages of development ; ande) to assist appropriate non-Defence bodies where the DSTO has skills   or facilities not available elsewhere in Australia; contribute to    fostering a viable and active defence industry and contribute    where appropriate to the development of overall Australian   industrial capability. The SRL consists of three Divisions - Optoelectronics, High Frequency (HF) Radar and Microwave Radar and was formed from elements of the Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) (CA 5199) and the and the disbanded Advanced Engineering Laboratory (AEL) (CA 5501). The allocation of staff and resources occurred as follows: Headquarters Branch: received all HQ positions from AEL as well as  the drafting staff from the ETS Branch of AEL. High Frequency (HF) Radar Division: from ERL,  Microwave Radar Division: from ERL, Microwave Radar Division Optoelectronics Division: From ERL  Optoelectronics Division (with the exception of the Computing  Services Group): from AEL,  Control Instrumentation Group: from AEL and ERL, LADS project team: from AEL  Mechanisms and Instrumentation Group: from AEL, Electronics Workshops Group (less the Electro-Technology  Development Sub Group). The activities of the three divisions are: Optoelectronics - surveillance techniques at optical and infrared frequencies multispectral sensors for wide-area surveillance and counter-countermeasures, investigation of eletro-optic materials and thin films for use in laser devices, optical signal processing, optical information storage and acousto-optic materials.  HF Radar - High frequency radar techniques, detection of airborne and maritime targets, ionospheric phenomena, HF radar systems, propagation, electronic systems and signal processing and display.   Microwave Radar - microwave radar techniques, radar systems, research in radar signatures and signal processing necessary to extract them, eletronic counter-countermeasures, radar scattering analysis and signature control, applied electromagnetic and radio navigation research.  Support services activities to SRL are provided by the Science Corporate Management Office located at DSTO, Salisbury which servicesall DSTO organisations at Salisbury.The support services that SCM provide to SRL include:. publications and illustrations. still photography and documentary films. maintenance services. library. administrative services The current staff of SRL (1993) is approximately 400 and is made up of scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative personnel.  The first Director of the Surveillance Research Laboratory is Mr R.D. Ramsay the former Director of the defunct Advanced Engineering Laboratory. SOURCEA Guide to the Surveillance Research Laboratory. May 1988
Historical agency address
Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Commercial Road, Salisbury, SA

Abolition
This unit was not listed on the Department of Defence – DSTO website (http://www.dsto.defence.gov.au/page/3598/) in April 2012 and has been closed.

Superior agency unregistered

1987- : Chief Defence Scientist, Defence Science and Technology
        Organisation