On Saturday, 28 September 2024, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will showcase a range of cutting-edge technologies at the upcoming launch of the National Science Week (NSW) 2024 at the Bloemfontein campus of the Central University of Technology (CUT). This year’s NSW will be held under the theme, “Living in a high-tech world: should we be concerned?”.

This annual event aims to bridge the gap between society and science, recognising the impact that science has on every aspect of people’s lives. The goal is to build a South African society that is well-informed about science, is aware of scientific and technological developments and can form its own opinions about science matters.

NSW, an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation is designed to celebrate science and its significant contributions to society. During the launch, thousands of learners from various schools in and around Bloemfontein will engage in several activities to that will expose them to various career pathways and skills required in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI), with the aim of encouraging them to pursue careers in these fields.

Researchers from the CSIR will showcase cutting-edge technologies that highlight the critical role of science and technology. The featured innovations will include the CSIR Television White Space (TVWS) deployment, along with complementary projects that provide affordable broadband connectivity to rural and township communities in South Africa. Other technologies that will be on display include:

• The DCS Fingerprint Scanner Device, which captures fingerprints and uses them to identify or verify individuals by comparing their live fingerprints with those on paper.
• The Virtual Security Operations Center (VSOC), an externalised data monitoring solution where skilled professionals manage the security of an organisation's digital network; and
• The Iris Biometric Recognition, a technology capable of identifying or verifying individuals by analysing unique iris patterns.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Saturday, 28 September 2024

Time: 10:00am

Venue: Central University of Technology, 20 President Brand Street, Bloemfontein

Contact details:

Phetolo Phatsibi, Media Relations Practitioner

PPhatsibi@csir.co.za

Contact: 081 396 8871

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za.

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