Media Releases
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.
The launch of Skubu marks a significant step in integrating circular economy principles into retail, demonstrating how innovation and sustainable business practices can benefit communities. Beyond environmental benefits, the demonstrator also tackles food security by allowing lower-income citizens to access quality products in smaller quantities at more affordable prices.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Linda Godfrey, CSIR principal researcher who leads Circular Innovation South Africa, a DSTI initiative hosted by the CSIR, said, “Skubu is a great demonstration initiative to show how circular economy principles can be implemented through collaboration. The intention is to focus on the national system of innovation, which looks at how a country creates and applies new ideas to improve technology and grow its economy. This includes bringing universities and science councils closer to the private sector to help de-risk and scale circular interventions,” she explained.
In the latest edition of ScienceScope, we feature some of the CSIR’s work to help meet the needs of the continent while answering critical questions about how it can contribute to global sustainable development goals. Read and watch stories about science, technology, and innovation for a sustainable future.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has successfully produced 316L stainless-steel powder using a recently commissioned ultrasonic atomiser machine, co-funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). This machine produces high-quality powders that have the required particle size, flowability and density for use in additive manufacturing (AM), specifically for powder bed fusion techniques. Currently, South Africa depends on imports to access powders of this quality.
The ultrasonic atomiser machine is designed to make various metal powders from both reactive and nonreactive materials. Utilising this capability, the CSIR is positioned to provide, at a pilot scale, 316L stainless-steel powder to the South African market. The powder production process involves meticulous characterisation using advanced analytical methods to ensure consistency in particle size distribution, flowability and packing density.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is celebrating 80 years of touching lives through innovation. As part of celebrating this milestone, the organisation will host its ninth Biennial Conference from 08 to 10 October 2025, 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, marking G-STIC’s inaugural conference on the African continent.
The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR to collaborate research and technology development initiatives at Necsa on 23 April 2025.