CSIR
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. It undertakes directed research and development for socio-economic growth.

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Conference Announcement

CSIR Conference: Diarise 9 and 10 October 2012
The CSIR's biennial conference, Real & Relevant, will be taking place on 9 and 10 October 2012. This year the conference, comprising several targeted symposia, also features our stakeholders - organisations that help us to achieve our mandate. The conference also has a public engagement component that aims to introduce the CSIR's work to youth groups and members of the public. Watch this space for more information about the registration process and programme.
Visit our climate change blog
With the current focus on global and climate change, we want to make our science in this area accessible to all. “The impact of global change on our climate will not be managed or mitigated by any single stakeholder. It requires a society that is aware of the implications of its actions for the way we live; it requires political will – informed by credible and rigorous research.” - Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, CEO.
Upcoming event: Nanotechnology facility tour
Researcher Profiles
Breaking barriers through ICT
World Development Information Day is observed annually on 24 October to draw attention of worldwide public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them. Segopotso Moshapo, a researcher at the SAP/Meraka Unit for Technology Development (UTD) is passionate about the potential of information and communications technology (ICT) for people living in developing countries to find ways to solve longstanding problems.
Published research highlight
Shape rheocasting of high purity aluminium – yes, it is possible
It is stated in literature that semi-solid processing and casting cannot be implemented for almost pure or pure metals and near-eutectic or eutectic alloys. Using the CSIR's patented Rheocasting System and high pressure die casting, CSIR researchers proved that it is indeed possible. Having achieved this, they have shifted boundaries.
 
Published research highlight
Handbook contains latest climate change information for southern Africa
CSIR climate change researchers have now published an easily accessible and understandable handbook on climate risk and vulnerability specific to the southern African region. The Climate Risk and Vulnerability Handbook for Southern Africa was conceived and designed with the intent to provide decision-makers with up to date information, appropriate for country planning, on the impacts and risks of climate change and variability.
 
Published research highlight
Integrating ecological predictions in an economic decision framework
The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report cites 28,586 studies demonstrating significant biological changes in terrestrial ecosystems. Already high extinction rates, driven primarily by habitat loss, are predicted to increase under climate change. Yet there is little specific advice or precedent in the literature to guide climate adaptation investment for conserving biodiversity within realistic economic constraints. In this Letter, published in the prestigious journal Nature Climate Change, CSIR Fellow Dr Brian van Wilgen and others present a systematic ecological and economical analysis of a climate adaptation problem in one of the world's most species rich and threatened ecosystems; the South African fynbos.
Published research highlight
Easy-to-read guide explains future impacts of climate change on Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng
In many countries, decision-makers are seeking information from a wide range of disciplines on the potential impacts of climate change on environmental and socio-economic systems. This handbook is designed to present future climate change scenarios and possible impacts of these changes in an understandable and accessible manner. It also presents the necessary background information on the processes of global change and climate change. The handbook will also serve as a basic reference guide to those currently engaged in impacts and adaptation research.
Published research highlight
From technologists to social enterprise developers: Our journey as ICT for development practitioners in Southern Africa
Research literature cites examples of information and communications technology for development (ICT4Dev) initiatives that have failed. This paper focuses on an alternative approach: The establishment of a network of community-based, ICT-enabled, sustainable, micro service enterprises where development through enterprise is the key.

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News
Launch of CSIR additive manufacturing platform-and- aerospace advanced manufacturing centre
Time Magazine inventions list features UNICEF/CSIR innovative solution for computer learning
Novel chemical process to reclaim calcium carbonate from industrial waste
Better scientific understanding of the link between agriculture and climate change needed to inform global policy
Dr Cornelius Ruiters to lead CSIR Built Environment
DST/CSIR's Nanomedicine Research programme awarded status as ANDI Centre of Excellence in health innovation
CHPC places South Africa back in TOP500 supercomputer list
Phase one of SANReN complete
ICT research on the agenda: African and European perspectives and plans shared

New freshwater ecosystem atlas shows which rivers and wetlands to keep in a natural condition

Launch of UKZN/CSIR-Meraka Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research
CSIR hosts Indian Department of Science and Technology delegation
HPC contributes in the quest to understand mental disorders
CSIR ICT experts join UNISA HCI flagship programme
CSIR eNews
The December edition of CSIR eNews is now available
ScienceScope

Strengthening southern Africa’s response to global change through research and technology
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