CSIR young researchers lead tech innovations for SA’s food security, agriculture, and health challenges
On Thursday , 19 June, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will host a hybrid media briefing to showcase the remarkable efforts of young South African researchers who are harnessing science, technology, and innovation to address urgent challenges in food waste, public health and agriculture.The briefing aims to showcase the role that the CSIR has played over the past 80 years in supporting the advancement and skills development of young people in STEMI.
On Thursday , 19 June, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will host a hybrid media briefing to showcase the remarkable efforts of young South African researchers who are harnessing science, technology, and innovation to address urgent challenges in food waste, public health and agriculture.The briefing aims to showcase the role that the CSIR has played over the past 80 years in supporting the advancement and skills development of young people in STEMI.
A key highlight of the briefing is the organisation’s pioneering work in tackling food waste and its impact on food security in South Africa. The CSIR works closely with the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa as part of the Food Loss and Waste Initiative (FLWI), which plays a key role in analysing data submitted by signatories. This initiative forms part of efforts to support a Voluntary Agreement that encourages players across the food value chain, including farmers, retailers, wholesalers, and food service providers to share anonymised data via an online portal. The CSIR then analyses this data to attain an understanding of trends and facilitate the tracking of progress over time.
The briefing will also feature a smart technological innovation called ILIMA—a digital platform developed by the CSIR to uplift small-scale farmers. ILIMA aims to help micro farms gain better access to local and international markets. Despite making up around 65% of farms in South Africa, these smaller farmers take home less than 5% of the industry’s income. ILIMA is set to change that by improving traceability and transparency across the agricultural supply chain, backed by blockchain technology.
Moreover, the organisation will also present a health-focused project targeting children’s well-being. Titled "Production of Biotherapeutic Limosilactobacillus reuteri for Use in Paediatric Gummy Supplements," this initiative sets out to locally produce L. reuteri—a probiotic known for its role in supporting digestive and immune health in children. With South Africa currently reliant on imported probiotics, this project could be a game-changer in paediatric health. It offers the potential to reduce costs, ensure product transparency, create jobs, and support the local economy through local biomanufacturing. A demonstration of the probiotic prototype will also be featured during the briefing.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Thursday, 19 June 2025
Time: 11:00 – 12:30
Venue: Meiring Naudé Road Brummeria ( Cilla Building 9)
Join Virtually:
Youtube Streamlink: https://youtube.com/live/TbCoFP_NFRg?feature=share
For RSVP and media enquiries, contact:
Phetolo Phatsibi, CSIR Media Practitioner
Email: PPhatsibi@csir.co.za
Mobile: 0813968871
About the CSIR:
The CSIR, an entity of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, is one of Africa’s leading organisations in scientific and technology research, development and implementation. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.
This year, the CSIR celebrates 80 years of touching lives through innovation. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za
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