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The Department of Science and Technology has provided the CSIR with R3,4 million to fund its 2008 rental pool programme. The rental pool programme of the CSIR National Laser Centre offers South African tertiary education institutions access to state-of-the-art lasers, laser diagnostic equipment and laser laboratories. The rental pool programme specifically targets previously disadvantaged institutions with the aim of building research capacity.
The latest research projects include an investigation by Professor Bice Martincigh from the University of KwaZulu-Natal into the photostatibility, photochemistry and DNA interactions of sunscreen absorbers. The project seeks to determine the causes of any observed instability; whether the addition of antioxidants or encapsulating can minimise the photostatibilty; and identify which of the active ingredients are capable of inducing the formation of cancerous lesions.
In another project, Professor Robert Smith from Stellenbosch University will conduct research into the effects of low-level laser therapy in muscle contusion injuries in vivo. Eight new projects have been included in the 2008 programme and there has been a 25% increase in the number of women scientists participating. While the portfolio of projects is multidiciplinary, chemistry and pure biological reseach has increased.
Through the rental pool programme, world-class scientific human capital is developed, in line with the CSIR's mandate of developing skilled human resources in science, engineering and technology. This year applicants from the universities of the Free State, Stellenbosch, Pretoria, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan and the North West were among those accepted to participate in the programme. View full list of projects approved.
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