Materials science and manufacturing

Focus on textiles and fibres research

Agave industry for South Africa secured The CSIR is contributing to the establishment of a new South African industry after securing funds for the establishment of an agave industry in South Africa. This industry promises to transform the rural economy and job creation for subsistence farmers and entrepreneurs in the Great Karoo and Lesotho.

CSIR agriprojects to boost South African economy The national and Eastern Cape departments of agriculture, the CSIR and the Agriculture Research Council (ARC) are involved in a pilot project aimed at encouraging Eastern Cape farmers to grow hemp and flax for the textile industry and through it, boost the economy.

CSIR tuberculosis researcher elected to prestigious European partnership CSIR principal researcher Dr Hulda Swai has been elected to an international committee of prominent African scientists and professionals that advises on three main poverty-related diseases: HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis (TB).

Projects of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy showcased The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy (AMTS) implementation unit showcased projects undertaken in the last three years at a symposium on 21 and 22 April in Pretoria. The AMTS is a Cabinet-approved national strategy of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

AMTS FabLab selected as finalist in NSTF Awards The FabLab at the Innovation Hub has been nominated as a finalist for the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) 2007/08 Awards. The NSTF Awards recognise and celebrate individuals and teams through these awards for outstanding contributions in SET and innovation.

Top journal honours CSIR scientist Dr Suprakas Sinha Ray, chief researcher and leader of the National Centre for Nano- Structured Materials at the CSIR, has been honoured as guest editor of the prestigious Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Focus to be on aerospace R&D partnering Advancing Africa through Partnerships in Aerospace is the theme of the 2nd South African International Aerospace Symposium (SAIAS2008). It will be held in Cape Town on 14-16 September 2008 and will include the Flight Test Society of South Africa.

CSIR and Argentina investigate energy for portable electronics The CSIR has joined forces with the University of Buenos Aires to improve and commercialise new systems for use in portable electronics. The joint project will investigate the development and characterisation of materials for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs).