Multimedia Gallery
Novel polymer composite packaging solution to prolong shelf-life of food
Novel polymer composite packaging solution to prolong shelf-life of food
30% of food losses or wastage is linked to inadequate packaging solutions in South Africa. The CSIR is developing a packaging solution that features nanocomposite technology which has the potential to extend the shelf-life of spices, nuts and wine.
Climate change mitigation: Coastal vulnerability mapping strengthens the hand of SA’s decision-makers
Climate change mitigation: Coastal vulnerability mapping strengthens the hand of SA’s decision-makers
The CSIR, together with Stellenbosch University and Nelson Mandela University, has documented activities and vulnerabilities along the SA coast. The geospatial layers and maps developed can be used by government to manage the potential risks and assets of SA’s coastal areas.
New diagnostic technology to detect viral diseases affecting aquaculture in Africa
New diagnostic technology to detect viral diseases affecting aquaculture in Africa
CSIR researchers are collaborating with their counterparts in other African countries to validate novel diagnostic assays developed at the CSIR to detect viral diseases affecting African aquaculture. Freshwater fish farming has become increasingly important in Africa because it is an affordable and sustainable source of animal protein.
Turning a smartphone into a medical diagnostic tool
Turning a smartphone into a medical diagnostic tool
The CSIR biophotonics group has developed technology that converts a smartphone into a spectrometer to detect illnesses in bodily fluid samples such as urine, saliva and blood.
From data to meaningful decisions
From data to meaningful decisions
The fourth industrial revolution has ushered in an era in which predictions and modelling will add even more value to data. CSIR statisticians and data scientists are using data to create prediction tools that assist stakeholders in their decision-making.
CSIR and CapeBio co-develop Covid-19 Test Kit
CSIR and CapeBio co-develop Covid-19 Test Kit
A CSIR private-public partnership shows how funding through the national research and development system helped create South Africa’s own, locally developed PCR test kits and reagents to test Covid-19.
Converting food waste into high-value materials
Converting food waste into high-value materials
CSIR experts in advanced agriculture and food research have partnered with the United Nations Development Programme to create a solution that maximises the value of waste created at fresh fruit markets across the country.
Research shows storms drive outgassing of carbon dioxide in the subpolar Southern Ocean
Research shows storms drive outgassing of carbon dioxide in the subpolar Southern Ocean
CSIR scientists from the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory and a team of international scientists have published research findings on how storms drive the outgassing of carbon dioxide in the subpolar Southern Ocean.
Text and audio synchronisation for accessible digital reading and learning
CSIR hands over TV White Space Spectrum project to KwaXolo community
Meet a CSIR limnologist who specialises in fresh water systems
A novel technology for production of cellulose nanocrystals from sawdust
CSIR Site Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness
CSIR Site Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness
The CSIR places a strong emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of all individuals entering a CSIR site. The content covers the critical safety, health and environmental rules to follow when visiting a CSIR site. It is important to take note of the rules and how to react in the case of an emergency.
Sedirisiwa sa go sekaseka le go phuruphutsha go ka tokafatsa pabalesego mo ditereneng
An app to help farmers forecast the water requirements of apple orchards
Cmore wildlife in action
Cmore wildlife in action
The CSIR has developed an innovative shared awareness and integration platform, Cmore, using modern web and mobile technology. It addresses the need for situation awareness and collaboration amongst users through the consolidation of information from various sensors and external systems as well as real-time analytics.
The Green Book: Adapting South Africa's settlements for the future
Indlela yokucwaninga nokuhlola ezokuphepha emizileni yezitimela yaseNingizimu Afrika
COVID-19: UNIDO and Japan respond to needs of South Africa‘s waste reclaimers
Using biometrics to identify minors
Using biometrics to identify minors
The CSIR is investigating a suitable biometric - using the ear, iris and fingerprint - for the automatic recognition of children's identities from birth till adulthood.
A low-cost, green solution that removes nutrients from wastewater
Collaborating to advance quantum physics
Collaborating to advance quantum physics
The CSIR and Stellenbosch University are collaborating to boost local training of experts to do fundamental research in the field of quantum physics. CSIR physicist, Dr Herman Uys, is the research chair in quantum, optical and atomic physics at the university’s science faculty.
The Photonics Prototyping Facility
The Photonics Prototyping Facility
The Photonics Prototyping Facility (PPF) is aiming to address the current lack of commercialised photonics products within South Africa by providing world-class facilities, technical support and scarce skills.
Helping entrepreneurs with environmental impact assessments
Helping entrepreneurs with environmental impact assessments
The CSIR helps entrepreneurs who wish to grow their businesses but find themselves in unfamiliar environmental regulatory territory through the Special Needs and Development Programme of the Department of Environmental Affairs.
A security surveillance camera and alerting system
A food-packaging innovation for longer shelf life
Highly potent anti-HIV antibodies produced using plants
The CSIR Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre 2018
CSIR Star Profile Advert
CSIR Star Profile Advert
Meet some of the bright young scientists behind the Ideas That Work.
Implementing an algae-based wastewater treatment system in a Limpopo community
The aftermath: Drone captures the devastating fire damage in the Garden Route
A low-cost solution for smarter utilisation of national radio frequency spectrum resources
The evidence of our warming continent and the impact on SA industrial sectors
Using science and innovation to understand the role of the Southern Ocean in a changing climate
Using science and innovation to understand the role of the Southern Ocean in a changing climate
In 2020, the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory celebrates a decade of multidisciplinary research into the role of the Southern Ocean in taking up man-made carbon dioxide
CSIR develops vineyard robot
CSIR develops vineyard robot
The CSIR, in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, has developed a robotic system for horticultural monitoring. This precision-farming tool consists of an automated mobile platform fitted with sensors to monitor plant growth and to estimate grape yield.
This year the CSIR Conference is coming to you!
This year the CSIR Conference is coming to you!
To celebrate its 75-year contribution to research, development and innovation in South Africa, the CSIR is hosting its 7th Biennial Conference, virtually, on 11 and 12 November 2020, under the theme, “Touching lives through innovation”.
A combined face, body and number recognition system for access control and surveillance purposes
Collecting climate change data using state-of-the-art equipment
Collecting climate change data using state-of-the-art equipment
CSIR scientists are using state-of-the-art equipment to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange and related factors on land and sea. This information helps researchers to more accurately predict the rate of CO2 build-up that could lead to high risk and costly climate change and to test the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
A framework to guide investments in the Western Cape’s ecological infrastructure
A framework to guide investments in the Western Cape’s ecological infrastructure
The Western Cape Government has commissioned the CSIR to develop an investment framework that will inform decisions on where and how to invest in the region’s ecological infrastructure.
Meet a CSIR mechanical engineer who specialises in strength and safety testing
Meet a CSIR mechanical engineer who specialises in strength and safety testing
Meet a CSIR mechanical engineer who specialises in strength and safety testing
Your safety on campus is our priority
Your safety on campus is our priority
Maintaining a healthy and safe organisation is a priority for the leadership. For us to attain zero harm, zero disabling injuries and zero fatalities, we need to continue to cultivate a culture of health and safety within the organisation.
CSIR supports national COVID-19 response with locally developed ventilator
CSIR supports national COVID-19 response with locally developed ventilator
South Africa's first wholly locally-developed ventilators have now been manufactured and will soon help COVID-19 patients in breathing distress.
Making sense of fuel sloshing
Making sense of fuel sloshing
Local experts are collaborating to build a capability in the analysis and design of aircraft fuel tanks. The collaborators are the CSIR (through the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative, an initiative of the dti), Denel Aerostructures and the University of Pretoria.
Bioengineering cells for precision medication for the South African population
Bioengineering cells for precision medication for the South African population
CSIR bioengineers are combining stemcell technology and genome engineering to help improve the efficacy and safety of medication for the African population.
Estuaries: Super-ecosystems under threat
Estuaries: Super-ecosystems under threat
South Africa’s estuaries are under threat. Researchers say that multiple interventions are required to avoid a further decline in health. The CSIR led the estuarine component of the National Biodiversity Assessment released earlier this year.
CSIR COVID-19 Induction Video for visitors
CSIR COVID-19 Induction Video for visitors
This video aims to provide anyone visiting the CSIR with information and guidance on processes to prevent and minimise the spread of COVID-19 while on any of the CSIR sites.
Refurbishing steam turbine components with laser technology
Refurbishing steam turbine components with laser technology
The CSIR and Eskom have developed a laser welding process to reconstruct tenons on turbine rotor blade tips which may lead to significant cost savings at power plants.
Towards smart water use in South African apple orchards
Towards smart water use in South African apple orchards
Understanding the water use of apple orchards in a dry country like South Africa is increasingly important. Zanele Ntshidi is part of a CSIR team of scientists that is studying the water use of apple orchards in the Western Cape.
Reducing road freight costs and emissions through green tyres
Reducing road freight costs and emissions through green tyres
In a collaboration between the CSIR, Wits University, Cambridge University and Michelin, experimental tests demonstrated an 8-10% reduction in fuel use and carbon emissions through the use of low-rolling resistance truck tyres.
Bio-degradable plastic bags
Bio-degradable plastic bags
The CSIR is making fully bio-degradable plastic materials by using plant-based polymers to replace the currently used synthetic polymers. The technology will see plastic bags that end up in landfills bio-degrading within 90 days.
CSIR develops chemical-free water purification solution for water in rural areas
CSIR develops chemical-free water purification solution for water in rural areas
The CSIR together with local and international partners has developed a low-cost purification system to help make water in rural and peri-urban areas safe to drink. The system uses no chemicals and less energy than conventional systems.
Discovery of a new coastal current off Madagascar
Discovery of a new coastal current off Madagascar
South African, Malagasy and French researchers have discovered the existence of a coastal current off Madagascar. The newly-described current, the South-west Madagascar Coastal Current, flows poleward off the south-west coast of Madagascar.
Adapting asphalt pavings for a changing climate
Adapting asphalt pavings for a changing climate
CSIR researchers investigate what it takes to build resilient roads for the future.
Microbes in biodiverse Cape soil may lead to promising molecular biology reagents
Microbes in biodiverse Cape soil may lead to promising molecular biology reagents
The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve in the Western Cape is one of the world's most recognised biodiversity hotspots. CSIR researchers have identified microbes from the reserve's soil that may be used to produce protein molecular biology reagents used in genome engineering.
Assisting enterprises to create market-ready products and services
Assisting enterprises to create market-ready products and services
The CSIR helps enterprises in the bio innovation space with product development. In the case of Marple Skin Care, researchers have ensured that its products meet the necessary shelf-life and validation requirements to ensure a high quality product.
CSIR Davit System
CSIR Davit System
What if there were Ideas that worked to protect precious lives and tons of cargo?
The CSIR Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre
The CSIR Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre
The Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre is a first of its kind in South Africa and it aims to support SMMEs involved in biomanufacturing in meeting their customer needs within short time-frames and be able to exploit market opportunities.
CSIR Advanced Fire Information System
CSIR Advanced Fire Information System
What if there were Ideas that worked to better manage wildfires and protect infrastructure?
The CSIR Biorefinery Industry Development Facility
#CSIR75: An energy living lab – The Upper Blinkwater Minigrid
#CSIR75: An energy living lab – The Upper Blinkwater Minigrid
A model for rural electrification: The Upper Blinkwater minigrid – An energy living lab
Equipping a next generation of young small-scale farming entrepreneurs
Equipping a next generation of young small-scale farming entrepreneurs
The CSIR is implementing an innovation and rural economic development programme that assists young rural participants to enter the farming industry as entrepreneurs.
Rapidly detecting E.coli in water
Rapidly detecting E.coli in water
The CSIR has developed a disposable device that can rapidly detect E.coli without the need to send samples to laboratories.
New device monitors indoor airborne infection risk
New device monitors indoor airborne infection risk
The CSIR has developed an electronic device that monitors indoor carbon dioxide levels and generates an alarm when corrective action is needed.
A novel encapsulation technology to protect probiotics
A novel encapsulation technology to protect probiotics
The CSIR has developed a novel technology that protects probiotics from environmental effects during storage and from gastric fluids when ingested, to improve their health-imparting benefits.
A blueprint for an energy-grid for South Africa's rural communities
A blueprint for an energy-grid for South Africa's rural communities
CSIR energy researchers are working on the wind component of a mini-grid project in the Eastern Cape that will in future be rolled out to areas that do not have access to the national electricity grid.
The Green Book: Adapting South Africa's settlements for the future
The CSIR PV Module Quality and Reliability Lab
#NSW2021 - Making it possible through science
A survey and inspection device to improve safety on South Africa's railway lines
A survey and inspection device to improve safety on South Africa's railway lines
The CSIR is developing an autonomous vehicle to help prevent delays and accidents on railway tracks.
#CSIR75: Ecological Infrastructure: People and business building a secure future together
Insects: Unlikely heroes in the quest for alternative protein
Insects: Unlikely heroes in the quest for alternative protein
The CSIR has proven the viability of using mealworms – industrially bred on agricultural waste – as protein for poultry and fish feed. This makes it possible to establish rural enterprises that rear insects, make animal feeds and farm fish and poultry.
The CSIR Nanomaterial Industrial Development Facility
Meet a CSIR computer scientist who specialises in robotics
Meet a CSIR computer scientist who specialises in robotics
Meet a CSIR computer scientist who specialises in robotics
CSIR conducts 3D model studies for a proposed tidal pool in Port St Johns
CSIR conducts 3D model studies for a proposed tidal pool in Port St Johns
Some of the biggest and busiest ports in the world have been tested at the CSIR’s coastal and hydraulics laboratory. Recently, the team modelled a far smaller project, but one with significant potential impact for the remote coastal community of Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape.
CSIR supports national COVID-19 response with locally developed ventilator
CSIR's new fingerprint technology
CSIR's new fingerprint technology
The CSIR has launched a new-generation fingerprinting sensing technology that uses high-speed, large-volume optical coherence tomography to acquire the prints.
Genome engineering and stem cells with Janine Scholefield
Solar energy plant for research on distributed energy generation; reduced carbon footprint - English
Solar energy plant for research on distributed energy generation; reduced carbon footprint - English
New CSIR solar energy plant contributes to reduced carbon footprint and research on distributed energy generation
Meet a CSIR systems biologist who specialises in malaria research
Meet a CSIR systems biologist who specialises in malaria research
Meet a CSIR systems biologist who specialises in malaria research.
Meet a CSIR geneticist who specialises in stem cell research
Meet a CSIR geneticist who specialises in stem cell research
Meet a CSIR geneticist who specialises in stem cell research.
Meet a CSIR computer scientist who specialises in robotics
Meet a CSIR computer scientist who specialises in robotics
Meet a CSIR computer scientist who specialises in robotics.
The game-changing potential of genome engineering in Africa | Janine Scholefield | TEDxJohannesburg
Highly potent anti-HIV antibodies produced using plants
The CSIR tests a novel turbine wing for its inventor
The CSIR tests a novel turbine wing for its inventor
The CSIR has tested a novel new turbine wing for its South African inventor, using the organisation’s seven-metre wind tunnel. The wing, called BRAYFOIL, was assessed by researchers for its power output potential.
A food-packaging innovation for longer shelf life
Careers at the CSIR
Careers at the CSIR
The CSIR is a leading scientific and technology research organisation, implementing projects throughout Africa and making a difference in people's lives.