On Wednesday, 26 June 2019, a select group of young researchers briefed the media in Pretoria. The purpose of the briefing was to highlight the impact of, the opportunities available and future skills required by young people to thrive in the rise of the 4IR. CSIR researchers shared their research projects in areas such as machine learning, robotics and additive manufacturing.

A team of six South African undergraduate students has taken first prize against 13 teams at the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC) in Frankfurt, Germany. The spectacular success follows four days of working on a selection of tests and applications to optimise and run their computer cluster to demonstrate the performance of their chosen design. The competition took place from 16 to 19 June 2019.

The CSIR has embarked on an ongoing research, development and application endeavour to investigate various biometric modalities, which include fingerprints, the iris, ear and face, that were captured at birth or during infancy, in order to determine which modalities are best suited for the automated biometric recognition of children from infancy to adulthood, and beyond.

CSIR welcomes Dr Bonginkosi “Blade” Nzimande and Mr Buti Manamela as the new Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, respectively, as appointed by President Cyril Ramphosa, on Wednesday, 29 May 2019.

The CSIR congratulates Dr Ghaneshree Moonsamy for being the first student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to have her Master’s degree converted into a doctoral degree.

Moonsamy (34), a senior researcher at the CSIR, made history when her thesis for a Master’s in biotechnology was converted into a PhD thesis because of its superior quality. 

CSIR congratulates the Chairperson of its Board, Prof. Thokozani Majozi, for being awarded the National Order of Mapungubwe. This is the highest honour in South Africa, granted by the President of the country, and it recognises South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement in international research areas that have benefitted the country.

CSIR have found that renewable energy assisted in relieving pressure on the constrained South African power system during load shedding in the first quarter of 2019. With South Africa needing to resort to up to stage 4 load shedding in the first quarter of 2019 (Q1-2019), variable renewable energy (VRE) contributed valuable energy and assisted in avoiding further load shedding. Study document [PDF]

The residents of Gauteng have been urged to participate in and cooperate with the fieldworkers who are conducting a transport survey. About 37 000 households have been selected to participate in this survey, which aims to assist government to plan for future investments in transport infrastructure in the province.

CSIR researchers will be using this year’s annual national science festival, Scifest Africa in Makhanda, to showcase optimised technologies to rural learners in order to equip them with the right skills for the the fourth industrial revolution.

The CSIR is displaying additive manufacturing, laser hardening and laser welding processes for manufacturing industry. It is also showcasing computer simulations done on Lengau, Africa’s fastest computer. Scifest Africa, which is currently underway, is one of the Department of Science and Technology's key science engagement platforms.

On 8th of March 2019, the CSIR launched a state-of-the-art online climate risk profiling and adaptation tool to assist municipalities across South Africa to assess climate risks and growth pressures, by implementing adaptation actions towards the development of climate resilient human settlements.

“The open access, online tool – named the Green Book – is intended to be an applied knowledge resource for municipalities to address climate change impacts and vulnerabilities in human settlements.