MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Science and technology is essential to addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, health, alternative sources of energy, service delivery and sustainable development. As a public research organisation with its roots in Africa, we know the context of our continent, its people and their needs and believe strongly in creating science in service of society.

Our diverse projects have touched thousands of lives, improved health and living conditions, eased suffering, created economic opportunities. As a scientist with the CSIR you can make a real difference in the lives of communities and individuals; from discovering new approaches to prevent the spread of airborne diseases to making school infrastructure accessible to learners with disabilities.

Click on the links to the right to read about a few of the many projects where our research and development has made a real difference in the lives of people:

The use of laser beams and micro-instruments for certain medical treatments is increasing. The CSIR is involved in a research project headed by Rhodes University that aims to develop a specific, robust material and related molecules to use in photodynamic therapy. This combines the selectivity of fibre optic directed light with the cell destruction properties of singlet oxygen, which is highly reactive and kills cancerous cells.