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CSIR principal researchers Steven Weerts and Dr Susan Taljaard attended the 11th Conference of Parties for the Nairobi Convention (COP 11) at the invitation of its Secretariat. Here, they engaged in key issues dedicated to safeguarding the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.
The African Laser Centre is a NEPAD flagship initiative and is funded by the Department of Science and Innovation. The CSIR Photonics Centre, a key node of the African Laser Centre (ALC), and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) would like to take this opportunity to introduce the ALC Research Collaboration programme and to invite proposals from South African researchers planning to collaborate with partners on the African continent to apply for support from the ALC Research Collaboration programme.
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The CSIR is inviting researchers employed at public universities and universities of technology in South Africa to participate and apply for funding to support their laser-related research programmes in the 2025/2026 financial and academic years. Researchers have the opportunity to submit a multi-year project proposal with a maximum duration of three years. Contracting with successful proposers will be done on an annual basis, with continued funding after year one of the projects subject to the submission and approval of an annual progress report.
“Revitalising South Africa's rail sector demands a concerted effort in research and innovation. By embracing sustainable and adaptive strategies, leveraging advanced technologies like the Logistics Observatory and fourth industrial revolution tools, and aligning with global climate goals such as COP 28, we can ensure a safe, efficient and resilient rail network that supports our economy and society.” — Dr Sandile Malinga
The ALC Knowledge Exchange Programme (KEP) supports the development of centres of expertise in photonics-related disciplines across the African continent. The programme aims to support the mobility of doctoral and master’s degree students on short-term exchange visits between South African research institutions and research institutions from the rest of Africa.
The CSIR hereby invites applications from researchers in South Africa or across Africa with active collaborations with researchers at South African universities for bursary support for students, who intend to further their postgraduate studies in laser and laser application-related disciplines at South African universities in 2025.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Corporate Social Investment office recently hosted the final pitches of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme, which was launched in 2021. The programme aims to nurture aspiring young entrepreneurs in South Africa by guiding them through the process of building sustainable businesses with the potential to grow and contribute meaningfully to local economies. It offers foundational entrepreneurial skills, mentorship and additional support to ensure the creation of viable enterprises.
Energy storage is crucial for Africa's sustainable future, especially as demand grows and grids become constrained. The continent, traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, is increasingly embracing renewables like solar, bolstered by advances in battery technology. These innovations enable storing excess energy for use when needed, addressing the intermittency of renewable sources.
