Materials science and manufacturing

CSIR researcher to become a member of international forum Professor Thembela Hillie, principal researcher at the CSIR's National Centre for Nano-structured Materials, has been invited to become a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on Emerging Technologies 2009.

New mechatronics lab stimulates innovation A new mechatronics laboratory designed to stimulate innovation and creativity has been set up at the CSIR's mechatronics and micromanufacturing research group. It provides engineers and researchers with the perfect environment in which to explore mechatronic applications researched within the CSIR.

CSIR successful in developing a bioceramic material for bone replacement Even in modern medicine the reconstruction of bone defects remains a challenging procedure. Finding a replacement synthetic bone material that will be as effective as a patient's own bone tissue is a quest in which the CSIR has made great strides.

Workshop on poverty-related diseases bears fruit The CSIR hosted an India Brazil South Africa (IBSA) joint workshop on nanotechnology, drug delivery and poverty-related diseases that cemented excellent relationships and paved the way for further collaboration. IBSA is a trilateral, developmental initiative to promote South-South cooperation and exchange in science and technology.

CSIR provides specialised skills training in nonwoven textiles industry The CSIR recently completed a week-long training course in Port Elizabeth aimed at skills upgrading in the nonwoven textiles industry. Twenty-six participants received certificates from Dr Julius Nyalunga, director of skills for the economy unit at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).

Visit to Poland unearths collaboration in metals research A South African delegation visited Poland recently to investigate potential research and development projects for collaboration between the two countries that would support the national titanium strategy.

Nigeria's policy makers want CSIR collaboration Attempts to foster closer research and development ties between South Africa and the Federal Republic of Nigeria received a boost when a group of Nigerian policy makers visited the CSIR.