Human capital development: The future of our science

Coinciding with Youth Month, the June edition of the CSIR's quarterly publication ScienceScope focuses on human capital development (HCD) initiatives. “In a quest to be at the forefront of research both nationally and internationally, the CSIR places a great deal of emphasis on the development of people to ensure that it continues to foster technological innovation and generate new knowledge. The research human capital that is built within the CSIR contributes to the development of a national pool of scientists, engineers and technologists,” says CSIR President and CEO, Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, in his introduction to the publication.

"This edition of ScienceScope demonstrates South Africa's potential in scientific research and technological innovation, by featuring some of our people involved in the various human capital development programmes within the CSIR. The programmes include student programmes such as bursaries, studentships and internships that are meant to create a pool of suitably qualified researchers for the CSIR and the country's general research fraternity. Some of our other programmes focus on developing researchers who are already in the employ of the CSIR, by providing a range of learning opportunities for professional growth. Our emerging research areas provide exciting opportunities for researchers to rub shoulders with and learn from the best in the world. We also recognise the important role played by all those who serve as mentors, formally and informally, within our ranks.

"The initiatives illustrated here demonstrate that the CSIR is ultimately a people institution: an institution with the primary task of empowering people through knowledge so that they may then go out and - in a variety of ways - contribute to making a difference to South Africa. Increasingly, thinking regionally, this has also become a necessary role in the southern African region and on the rest of the continent," he says. To obtain a printed copy and be added to the distribution list of ScienceScope, send an email to Lebo Matlaila at CSIR Communication.

This issue features: