General news

Science real and relevant: A CSIR Conference The CSIR is hosting its second biennial conference on 17 and 18 November 2008. Its scientists, engineers and technologists will present exciting research outputs set to impact positively on society and the economy. The conference themed 'Science: real and relevant', will take place in the spirit of sharing such research.

New Executive Director joins CSIR Dr Liesbeth Botha joined the CSIR on 1 August 2008 as Executive Director: CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing. She qualified as an electronics engineer in 1983. For her PhD studies at Carnegie Mellon University in the USA she developed an optical computer utilising holograms and lasers.

Four new CSIR chief researchers announced CSIR President and CEO, Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, has announced the appointment of four new CSIR chief researchers. These specialists have a sustained track record in research and development and have earned international recognition for their expertise. Joining the ranks of a select group of CSIR researchers who have already progressed to the highest rung on the research career ladder, are bioscientists Dr Chris Parkinson and Dr Dean Brady; Dr Adam Goliger from the built environment, and Professor Etienne Barnard from the information and communications technology domain. Together with Francois Anderson, Dr Phil Paige-Green, Dr Brian Van Wilgen, Dr Bob Scholes, Dr Rajesh Anandjiwala, Dr Suprakas Sinha Ray, the group - in its endeavours to undertake research to foster development to improve people's quality of life - epitomises successful researchers.