CSIRO head Larry Marshall has sought to defend deep cuts

CSIRO head Larry Marshall has sought to defend deep cuts to climate science programs after days of sustained criticism, saying global warming research was "one piece of a much larger puzzle" in solving Australia's biggest challenges.

His defence came as dozens of scientists, including some whose jobs are under threat at CSIRO, rallied in Melbourne, warning the cuts would hurt Australia's ability to address the climate change threat.

In a lengthy statement released on Monday, Dr Marshall said there should be a focus on turning inventions into benefit for society and CSIRO had to weigh up where it could have the greatest impact.

Read the story in today’s Melbourne Age - “CSIRO head Larry Marshall defends climate research cuts asangry scientists protest in Melbourne.”