Digital Story Collection

The aftermath: Drone captures the devastating fire damage in the Garden Route

Turning a smartphone into a medical diagnostic tool

The CSIR biophotonics group has developed technology that converts a smartphone into a spectrometer to detect illnesses in bodily fluid samples such as urine, saliva and blood.

Climate change mitigation: Coastal vulnerability mapping strengthens the hand of SA’s decision-makers

The CSIR, together with Stellenbosch University and Nelson Mandela University, has documented activities and vulnerabilities along the SA coast. The geospatial layers and maps developed can be used by government to manage the potential risks and assets of SA’s coastal areas.

New diagnostic technology to detect viral diseases affecting aquaculture in Africa

CSIR researchers are collaborating with their counterparts in other African countries to validate novel diagnostic assays developed at the CSIR to detect viral diseases affecting African aquaculture. Freshwater fish farming has become increasingly important in Africa because it is an affordable and sustainable source of animal protein.

The game-changing potential of genome engineering in Africa | Janine Scholefield | TEDxJohannesburg

Novel polymer composite packaging solution to prolong shelf-life of food

30% of food losses or wastage is linked to inadequate packaging solutions in South Africa. The CSIR is developing a packaging solution that features nanocomposite technology which has the potential to extend the shelf-life of spices, nuts and wine.

Introducing smart farming solutions to assist emerging farmers

The CSIR, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation and the Agricultural Research Council, is developing a precision agriculture information system that uses drones and other transformative technologies to support farmers with near real time information to enhance decision making on the farm.

CSIR Women in cosmetic development

Phatheka Ndzotoyi, Vivey Phasha and Dr Sreejarani Pillai join their skills as part of the CSIR’s agroprocessing team to not only grow the agri-entrepreneur sector, but also develop advanced and regulatory-compliant products focusing on skin, body and hair care.

CSIR women in biophotonics

When Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa, Dr Lungile Thwala, Dr Masixole Lugongolo and Dr Mabotse Tjale talk about shedding light on disease – from its diagnosis to its progression and the best treatment regimens – they are not only referring to increasing their understanding. These women in the CSIR’s biophotonics team literally shine a light on disease.

Reinventing the Future of Mining Together

This video focuses on the work the CSIR has embarked on in navigating towards implementing its innovation strategy and repositioning itself as the research, development, and innovation partner of choice for the mining industry. It further punts how the CSIR intends to continually develop niche capabilities and fit-for-purpose solutions for the sector.

Vegan protein powder for food companies

The CSIR’s Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre (BIDC) has developed a mycoprotein product for local SMME MycoSure, which can be added to soups, shakes and other foods.

CSIR Transport Safety Laboratory (TSL)

CSIR Transport Safety Laboratory (TSL) is a state-of-the-art facility that is part of the country’s efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve transport infrastructure through scientific research, data-driven solutions, and advanced technologies.

Western Cape firefighter drones to use CSIR sensors

Table Mountain authorities in the Western Cape may soon call on firefighter drones to detect and extinguish small fires in hard-to-reach places before they spread to the City of Cape Town.

Phycoremediation for Climate Change Adaptation

The video offers an overview of the African Development Bank project, which explored the feasibility of implementing phycoremediation technology as an adaptation measure for climate change vulnerability in rural waste stabilization pond systems across SADC countries.

CSIR innovation for smart ports

The CSIR is assisting the maritime sector to operate safe and efficient ports. The team collects data for decision-making by port authorities, conducts physical modelling to optimise marine structures and undertakes numerical modelling for port layout and ship simulation. Researchers also undertake studies to contribute to environmentally sustainable ports.

Scientific support for South African cannabis products

Local cannabis cosmetic business Green House Village is one of 23 SMMEs that the CSIR has supported with the development of high-quality, regulatory-compliant, safe, efficacious and affordable cannabis products for local and international markets.