The Centre for Informatics and Applied Optimization (CIAO) is a unique research centre, established in 2001 and located within the Graduate School of Information Technology & Mathematical Sciences at the University of Ballarat.

CIAO is internationally recognized for pure and applied research in optimization, data mining, internet commerce security, virtual reality and simulation, and health informatics.

CIAO has five Research Groups and Laboratories:

	Mathematical Analysis & Optimization Group (MAORG)
	Data Mining & Informatics Research Group (DMIRG)
	Virtual Reality & Simulation Laboratory (VRSL)
	Internet Commerce & Security Laboratory (ICSL)
	Health Informatics Laboratory (HIL)

Acting CIAO Director:
Associate Professor David Yost