Media Releases
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity within the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is celebrating 80 years of touching lives through innovation. To mark this milestone, the CSIR will host its 9th Biennial Conference from 08-10 October 2025 under the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation for a Sustainable Future” in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community (G-STIC) an initiative led by the Belgian Research and Technology Organisation (VITO). The conference will be held in conjunction with the 8th G-STIC Conference, making it G-STIC’s first conference on the African continent.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has released annual reports on power generation statistics in South Africa, covering the period from 1 January to 30 June 2025. The report provides a detailed analysis of loadshedding statistics and the energy availability factor (EAF) during this timeframe and is available here.
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.
As the digital era continues to reshape economies and societies at an unprecedented pace, the Foundational Digital Capabilities Research 2025 (FDCR2025) Conference, held under the theme “Towards a sustainable digital economy”
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.
Developing affordable probiotics for paediatric health is a vital step in strengthening children's overall wellbeing, as the early years are critical for the development of a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a key role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and long-term disease prevention. By supporting the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, paediatric probiotics can help fortify the immune system, reduce the risk of infections and allergies, and promote optimal growth and development during childhood.
Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, using electrolysis. This process is powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. “In the Saldanha context, the water would probably need to be sourced from desalination of seawater, if green hydrogen is produced at scale” says CSIR research group leader, Paul Lochner.
At the 4th HWG Meeting of South Africa’s G20 presidency, South Africa’s National Department of Health, FIND and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) convened a high-level co-branded event, “Dive into Diagnostics” to demonstrate the critical role of diagnostics in achieving the goals of Priority Area 5 of the HWG, Harnessing Science and Innovation for Healthier Societies and Thriving Economies.
Recently, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Coega Development Corporation (Coega), a leading public entity responsible for managing the Coega Special Economic Zone in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration aimed at advancing research, technology development, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
This public partnership marks a major milestone in South Africa’s push toward an innovation-led economy. It will enhance industrial competitiveness, catalyse job creation, and position South Africa as a leader in sustainable technology development. It signals a shared commitment to harnessing each party’s expertise to support South Africa’s reindustrialisation and technological advancement.