News
In the context of South Africa’s research, development and innovation (RD&I) agenda, Boitumelo Leotlela’s recognition as Best Student at the Foundational Digital Capabilities Research (FDCR) 2025 Conference is a powerful milestone, especially as the nation celebrates Women’s Month.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, hosted the FDCR2025 Conference. Co-located with the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists (SAICSIT) 2025 Conference, the event brought together scientists, engineers, policymakers, leading experts, innovative thinkers and key stakeholders from the private and public sectors across Africa to explore the future of digital capabilities in an increasingly interconnected world.
The FDCR Platform facilitates research, development and innovation in digital transformation through collaborative initiatives and open-access frameworks. These efforts aim to establish a robust information and communication technology industry by (South) Africa for (South) Africa.
Held at the Umhlanga Coastlands Hotel and Convention Centre from 15 to 18 July 2025, the FDCR2025 Conference featured four interactive workshops, a Student Day and 17 full papers aligned with the conference theme. It reflected the intent of the FDCR Platform to facilitate research, development and innovation across the digital economy value chain.
Phelisa Ntayiya, a software engineer within the Geospatial Modelling Analysis research group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has been nominated as a finalist in the prestigious 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). This recognition places her among South Africa’s most inspiring and accomplished women in science and research.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) hosts its annual Career Day on 5 and 6 August 2025 at its Pretoria campus. The event aims to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) among grade 9 to 11 learners from under-resourced schools who have selected mathematics and science as their focus subjects.
Joining many around the world in this year’s Plastic Free July 2025 the CSIR is highlighting how technological solutions can contribute to reducing plastic pollution. Researchers can calculate the flows of plastics in the economy and assess its impact on various strategies to reduce future plastic pollution in South Africa.
Applications are now open for the first intake of the programme: Biomanufacturing and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) - CSIR-BG-1A. This four-week course includes two weeks of online sessions followed by two weeks of compulsory in-person training at the CSIR. Click here for more information.
In a significant stride for international scientific collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr Thulani Dlamini, hosted Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Honourable Reem Alabali Radovan, during her official visit to South Africa on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, at the CSIR Scientia Campus in Pretoria.
On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) welcomes Honourable Minister Reem Alabali Radovan of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to highlight Germany’s cooperation with South Africa in the area of local manufacturing of vaccines and health technologies.