Researcher profiles series 2008

A team of scientists led by Dr Moira Bode, has developed an economically-competitive route for the production of generic antiretrovirals (ARVs) – technology which could empower African governments to afford wider roll-out of ARV treatment programmes. On December 1 as the world commemorates international aids day under the theme “Leadership” with the slogan “Stop Aids. Keep the promise”, she reveals the science behind a project that could also lead to the establishment of an industry for local manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

As the world celebrates World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD) on 10 November, CSIR researchers Louise Leenen and Mapule Modise of the CSIR’s command, control and information warfare area, are hard at work to develop supporting techniques for military forces deployed on peace support operations.

Each year, World Space Week is celebrated internationally from 4-10 October. The theme for 2008 is ‘Exploring the Universe’. Wabile Motswasele is the point of contact at the CSIR for its 2008 stint as chair of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS).

During Transport Month,Paul Nordengen of the CSIR wishes for improved quality of life by looking at solutions for certain aspects of transport that affect all road users. Heavy vehicles play a big role in the safety and efficiency of fellow road users, as they impact on travel time and congestion on roads, he notes.

The CSIR is involved in fundamental research and process development based on laser materials processing with specific reference to laser welding and cladding. Corney van Rooyen is a metallurgical/welding engineer at the CSIR National Laser Centre in the laser materials processing research unit. He focuses on laser welding and modifying surface properties of metals through laser metal deposition of a metallurgically-bonded surface layer.

Using cleaner methods when manufacturing products will not only sustain the environment but it will help industry remain sustainable for a longer period, retain jobs and even increase profits. Kevin Cilliers of the National Cleaner Product Centre-SA, is one of a few people in the country tasked with advising industry on interventions

Around 16 ‘explorers’ in the CSIR’s tree improvement research group, headed up by Dr Steve Verryn, specialise in the quantitative genetics of tree breeding. They use genetic variations of Mother Nature’s formula to breed trees that are healthier, grow faster and which produce better wood.

Conserving nature has become a burning issue in recent years as more ecosystems are under the threat of extinction due to exploitation of natural resources and the impact of climate change.Carmel Mbizvo, of CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, contributes to improving the understanding of how ecosystems function.

A fascination with chemistry and a curiosity to know the basic science of materials around her, unwittingly paved the way for Dr Sreejarani Kesavan Pillai to find herself at the core of the research where discoveries begin.

The automobile has evolved into a day-to-day necessity with industrial nations using its production numbers as a barometer of the economy. Because of the growing demand for this commodity, industry is trying to come up with methods to prolong the life of vehicles. CSIR researcher Letsatsi Jay Foax investigates ways to protect automotive components from corrosion, or rust, as it is commonly known.

Marthie Lessing is a cyber security specialist in the CSIR’s safety and security research group. Her research focuses on developing tools that will enable law enforcement agencies to nail hackers and bring them to justice.

Benefits to the economy and society at large of remote sensing data have long been recognised. Through a winning combination of space technology with sophisticated sensor systems, we can now pick and choose the type of remote sensing data we need for any particular application. Tammy Lotz is a remote sensing specialist at the CSIR Satellite Applications Centre whose research focuses on deriving maximum benefit for South Africa from government-funded remote sensing data.

A shining example of youth making a contribution to scientific research internationally is Dr Willie Brink, a newly-appointed researcher at the mobile intelligent autonomous systems research area of the CSIR. Brink, at just 26, has a PhD in Computer Science and is a member of British MENSA.

One of the objectives of the AU is to advance the development of the continent by promoting research in science, engineering and technology (SET). As such, the CSIR plays a significant role in fulfilling these objectives via its wide-reaching research projects. A man who has been at the forefront of the CSIR’s support of the advancement of SET on the continent is Dr Phil Paige-Green, a Fellow at CSIR Built Environment.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is celebrated worldwide on 17 May. It marks the anniversary of the signature of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union. Dr Keith Ferguson of the Meraka Institute works on real-time video coding to deliver internet video broadcasting in a low bandwidth environment.

Dr Bennie Broughton (33), a CSIR principal researcher and expert in aerodynamics and flight dynamics, works on challenges mainly associated with combat situations in hostile territories.

25 April marks the first ever celebration of World Malaria Day, a day formerly celebrated as Africa Malaria Day. Seven years ago 44 leaders of malaria-endemic African states set aside this day to highlight the effects of malaria on the continent. The campaign is now being driven on a global scale but the goal remains to halve malaria statistics on the continent by 2010. Meet Dr Mandy Rousseau

CSIR scientists are conducting research to improve laser technology. One aspect involves the development of novel laser sources. Daniel Esser, a senior scientist at the centre is specifically studying solid-state lasers and devices, which have various applications.

World TB Day - 24 March - aims to build public awareness around tuberculosis. This date commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced the discovery of the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus. Meet one of the CSIR researchers who is at the forefront of the fight against the dreaded disease, Michel Lonji Kalombo

Dr Jeanette Rascher has made it her life’s work to enhance the livelihoods of grassroots communities – initially as a social anthropologist, then a medical anthropologist and ultimately through her leadership in water resource management programmes at the CSIR. She completed her PhD as a medical-anthropologist and now specialises in the management of HIV/Aids.

World Cancer Day is marked annually on 4 February to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. Meet Dr Gerda Fouché, a CSIR researchers who is exploring the interface of biodiversity, traditional knowledge and science in an attempt to find a cure for cancer.

In a global recognition of the importance of linguistic diversity, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 21 February International Mother Language Day. Tebogo Gumede of the Meraka Institute is engaged in a project which aims to give South Africans telephonic access to information and services in their mother language.