News
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.
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.
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.
On 20 August 2025, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) captivated the University of Limpopo campus in Mankweng with a demonstration of its 5G Testbed and Television White Space (TVWS) technologies at a public lecture and stakeholder engagement session on "South African Public Relations with Science – Advancing Science Communication for a Knowledge Society." While the event’s theme centred on water, CSIR’s contribution spotlighted an equally critical enabler of development: next-generation digital connectivity.
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation – Council for Scientific and Industrial Research African Laser Centre Knowledge Exchange Programme (DSTI–CSIR ALC-KEP) is designed to enhance expertise in photonics and photonics related applications across Africa. It facilitates short-term exchange visits for master's and doctoral students between South African and other African research institutions. The focus is on knowledge and technology transfer, offering financial support for students to learn or share insights and experience in a collaborator’s laboratory.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will host its 8th Emerging Researchers Symposium (ERS), an initiative designed to empower the next generation of researchers. This initiative supports candidate researchers, postgraduate students from various universities and post-doctoral fellows by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work and compete in a supportive environment.
CSIR researchers and other public and private sector experts shared progress on various satellite, imaging, drone and data technologies at the National Space Conference (NSC) held at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, from Wednesday, 20 August to Friday, 22 August. These technologies will help the continent advance agriculture, respond to climate change, enhance data transfer and communication, transition to renewable energy, protect citizens and secure borders.
The CSIR’s Dr Sandy Thomalla has been selected as a first author on the seventh assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Thomalla is a career oceanographer who currently leads the CSIR-hosted Southern Ocean Carbon-Climate Observatory (SOCCO). She joins fellow first authors from across the globe in a four-year voluntary process of compiling the world’s most influential and respected climate policy document.
The CSIR is set to participate in this year’s NAACAM Show to showcase its latest advancements in micromobility, component manufacturing, and skills development. The organisation has been involved in the development and testing of prototypes of two- and three-wheeled vehicles, partnering with local manufacturers such as Whoppa Cycles. These micromobility solutions are designed to offer sustainable and efficient transportation options, supporting the reduction of carbon footprints and the enhancement of urban mobility.