Water Research Commission (WRC) Board

CSIR Research Group Leader, Dr Harrison Pienaar, who works within the Water Research Centre, which is part of the CSIR Smart Places cluster, was recently appointed as Deputy Chairperson of the Water Research Commission (WRC) Board.

The primary function of the WRC is to promote coordination, cooperation and communication in the area of water research, to establish water research needs and priorities, stimulate and fund water research according to priority, promote the effective transfer of information and technology and enhance knowledge and capacity building within the water sector.

“First and foremost, I’m humbled by the opportunity to respond to this significant ministerial request. Being able to serve the country in this strategic role is an absolute honour. I look forward to using my expertise and knowledge in a manner that will improve access to water and sanitation services by advancing the important catalyst role and contribution of water research, development and innovation (RD&I),” Dr Pienaar said.

Through his active involvement in water R&D for over two decades, Dr Pienaar has always enjoyed a fruitful and longstanding professional relationship with the WRC, as well as the Department of Water and Sanitation. 

Key responsibilities, Dr Pienaar will be spearheading involve the effective implementation of his fiduciary duties as a board member, among others, is to always act independently with unfettered discretion, exercising independent judgement and making decisions that are in the best interest of the WRC.

The ministerial appointment took place on Wednesday, 26 April 2023. Nine other board members were also appointed.