Media Releases
CSIR researchers deployed a buoy equipped with a series of instruments in Theewaterskloof Dam, one of the largest dams in the country, located in the Western Cape. The team of researchers aim to gain deeper insights into microalgae biodiversity and its significance in supporting the ecosystem health of South Africa’s drinking water dams.
The research team will employ a combination of satellite data and in-water physical and chemical measurements to assess microalgal diversity in near real-time. This approach will also enable the early detection of potential overgrowth of toxic algal species, which can negatively impact water quality and ecosystem stability.
The Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica, plays a disproportionate role in buffering the impacts of climate change by taking up 50% of the global oceanic uptake of carbon, and 75% of the excess heat generated by anthropogenic carbon that remains in the atmosphere.
The CSIR has announced the appointment of an industry advisory panel in the digital transformation space. This signifies the organisation’s efforts to align with industry-specific priorities in the quest to achieve digitalisation for greater societal and industrial impact.
In the last few years, the PoCT, lost on average, 1 200 hours per year of operational time due to extreme wind disruption. Extreme wind gusts can result in terminal equipment becoming unsafe to operate, thereby impacting terminal operations. This sometimes leads to congestion inside and outside the port, resulting in vessels being at anchorage for extended periods. Several industries, including the time-sensitive fruit industry, are severely impacted by wind disruptions in the port.
The Cyber Excellence Academy is an intensive training programme designed to equip participants with industry-leading expertise in cybersecurity. By fostering a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, strategies and best practices, the academy aims to produce a new generation of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals who can proactively safeguard organisations against ever-evolving cyber threats.
The MoU provides a framework for joint programmes and co-development initiatives with an intent to bolster the sector.
"We are proud to partner with the AIDC to strengthen the global competitiveness of the local automotive industry. This collaboration is a significant milestone in advancing the growth and development of South African automotive manufacturing. By supporting the growth of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and driving innovation, we aim to create a thriving industry ecosystem and contribute to economic growth," said acting CSIR Group Executive, Sipho Mbhokota.
On Wednesday, 28 June, young researchers from the CSIR showcased groundbreaking Fourth Industrial Revolution(4IR) innovations aimed at improving South Africa's healthcare system in remote regions.
To address the issue of limited diagnostic resources in rural areas, the CSIR is developing a machine learning-powered diagnostics system, a technology that combines cutting-edge machine learning algorithms to autonomously help medical professional diagnose diseases with better accuracy and speed.
Researchers in South Africa and across the globe have, through regular monitoring of the ENSO system, presented evidence that a moderate-to-strong El Niño is developing in 2023.
Speaking at the El Niño 2023 Summit held at the University of Pretoria, CSIR senior researcher and ACCESS Director, Dr Neville Sweijd, emphasised the need for early preparation in anticipation of the potential impacts of the 2023 El Niño in South Africa and its neighbouring countries.
Joint media statement
Africa’s plans to build capacity to respond to future pandemics received a major boost as South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) received an investment worth $4 458 033.00 (around R80 million) from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to drive skills and health innovation.
The investment, which seeks to strengthen Africa’s biomanufacturing capability through a workforce training and skills development programme, is a significant milestone that will reduce the continent’s dependence on imported critical health products.