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CSIR and Filament Factory launch ground-breaking nano-reinforced polymer composite for advanced applications

Filament factory, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has developed a groundbreaking nano-reinforced polymer composite that sets a new benchmark in advanced materials.

This innovative material delivers superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, enhanced radio frequency (RF, c & x regions) absorption, and exceptional electrical conductivity, making it ideally suited for use in stealth technologies, medical implants, and high-performance sensors.

Plastic-free farming takes root in Eastern Cape with CSIR-led biodegradable mulch film trial

A field trial of biodegradable agricultural mulch films is currently underway on a pineapple farm in Peddie, Eastern Cape, marking a significant step forward for sustainable agriculture in South Africa and the scaling of circular economy practices. The project is funded by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), through its South African Circular Economy Demonstration Fund.

Led by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the initiative aims to demonstrate the viability of biodegradable mulch films as a circular economy intervention for the agricultural sector.

News
Events

CSIR supports the South African delegation at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee 2025

09/09/2025

Strong support for urgent and coordinated international action to end plastic pollution across its full life cycle remained at the forefront during the second part of the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Programme Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2), which took place from Tuesday, 5 to Thursday, 14 August 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. Leading the South African delegation was the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. The delegation also included the participation of Prof. Suzan Oelofse from the CSIR, as the scientific advisor.

Continued global warming headlines “State of the Climate in 2024” report

Cover State of the Climate in 2024 report

09/09/2025

The latest information on the global climate state has been released in the publication “The State of the Climate 2024”. Contributions from scientists worldwide, including the CSIR’s Dr Sandy Thomalla and affiliate Dr Tommy Ryan-Keogh, are captured with the top scientific findings, highlighting the continuation of concerning global warming trends.

DSTI – CSIR African Laser Centre Scholarship Programme for African Students

02/09/2025

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation – Council for Scientific and Industrial Research African Laser Centre ( DSTI-CSIR ALC) invites African researchers engaged in collaborations with South African universities to apply for bursary support for their non-South African students. This support is aimed at individuals pursuing postgraduate degrees in laser and laser application fields at South African universities, starting in 2026.

2025 CHPC National Conference

11/30/2025 - 08:00 to 12/03/2025 - 16:30

CSIR Road Race

10/18/2025 - 06:00 to 10:30

Multimedia Gallery

Biodegradable crop soil cover yields more, wastes less

On a pineapple farm in Peddie in the Eastern Cape, a field trial of biodegradable mulch films showcases how science can serve sustainability. Funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) through the South African Circular Economy Demonstration Fund and led by the CSIR, the project demonstrates how innovation can reduce plastic waste in farming, boost crop performance and build a greener, more resilient agricultural sector. #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #AgriInnovation #CSIR #DSTI #GreenFarming

Biodegradable crop soil cover yields more, wastes less

Mines and manufacturers rely on CSIR testing for safe, quality products

The CSIR ensures that products in the mining industry and beyond are safe and of high quality. Our rope testing laboratory, self-contained self-rescuer testing laboratory and mechanical testing laboratory are national assets in terms of the facilities and expertise we have available to support South African businesses.

Mines and manufacturers rely on CSIR testing for safe, quality products

A new generation of ocean experts to tackle climate change

Explore the future of industrial work at the CSIR Learning Factory

The CSIR’s Learning Factory is a space where South Africa’s current and future workforce can explore technologies of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) hands-on.

Explore the future of industrial work at the CSIR Learning Factory

The CSIR’s Learning Factory is a space where South Africa’s current and future workforce can explore technologies of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) hands-on.

Cofimvaba learners log green scores for CSIR-designed science centre

South Africa’s first net-zero science centre, designed by CSIR research architects, is now an ongoing citizen science experiment in green building practices and a model for future buildings. Learners from two nearby high schools in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, use tablets to score the building’s thermal performance, while its water and energy efficiency are monitored in a digital twin building.

Cofimvaba learners log green scores for CSIR-designed science centre

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers concluding remarks to the CSIR stakeholders

President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts a tour of the facilities at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. Video by South African Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers concluding remarks to the CSIR stakeholders

Scientists called in as wind disrupts fruit exports in Cape Town

A farm-to-fork app for emerging poultry farmers

Limpopo poultry farmers are using the ILIMA app to monitor their chickens’ feeding habits, vaccinations, thermal comfort, mortalities and sales. The app was developed by CSIR researchers alongside small-scale farmers to ensure that it has all the features they need to digitise farm management and to connect them securely to their suppliers and markets.

A farm-to-fork app for emerging poultry farmers

Satellite ocean colour maps warn abalone farmers of harmful algae

Scientists from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) developed ocean colour and temperature data from satellites that is easy to access as an online tool. The work forms part of the country’s ocean economy plan to boost aquaculture jobs.

Satellite ocean colour maps warn abalone farmers of harmful algae

Scientific support for South African cannabis products

Local cannabis cosmetic business Green House Village is one of 23 SMMEs that the CSIR has supported with the development of high-quality, regulatory-compliant, safe, efficacious and affordable cannabis products for local and international markets.