News
New research by the CSIR and its partners reveals that climate change denialism looms large in South Africa, with nearly half of the population believing coal to be a renewable energy source. These findings, among many others, were shared in the inaugural Citizens’ Environmental Awareness, Beliefs and Behavioural Preferences In South Africa 2022 report, published in 2024. Click here to read this story.
A team of port and coastal researchers at the CSIR intends to create a lasting impact at this year’s African Harbour Masters’ Conference. Taking place in Cape Town from 2 to 4 April 2025, the CSIR will showcase its technologies, innovative capabilities and approaches to port development and operations, including eco-friendly systems that sustainably address the diverse needs of coastal communities.
Researchers at the CSIR have contributed to the book titled “Antarctica in the Earth System”, aiming to raise awareness of the vulnerability of polar regions. This publication serves as an invaluable resource for educators designing teaching materials, students studying polar sciences, policymakers shaping climate strategies and researchers working to protect the fragile ecosystems of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
The CSIR is pleased to announce the commencement of its Vaccine Production Technologies course (CSIR-VP-1A), scheduled to start on Monday, 21 July 2025, as part of its African Biomanufacturing Workforce Training and Skills Development Programme.
The deadline for applications is 05 May 2025.
CSIR researchers collaborated with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and GFA Consulting Group to develop two planning tools to support South Africa’s transition to a green hydrogen economy.
Green materials expert Prof. Suprakas Sinha Ray says one of the most promising applications for chitin derivatives is in fireproof fibres and plastics, which could be incorporated into firefighter gear and building materials.
Chitin is a hardy biological molecule that fortifies the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects.
“South Africa’s seafood industry processes tons of shellfish every year, producing mounds of chitinous waste that could be absorbed into our circular economy and repurposed,” says Ray.
Through chemical engineering, chitin can be converted into chitosan, a polymer that can be woven into other common synthetic polymers, such as those used to produce fabrics or PVC pipes. Read more...
On Monday, 17 March 2025, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) hosted a media briefing to release its annual report on power generation statistics in South Africa. The report analyses loadshedding statistics and the energy availability factor for the period 1 January to 31 December 2024. Media statement.
Members of the media were invited to the briefing as follows:
The CSIR will be in the media, and you don’t want to miss out on the conversation. Join the conversations to discover an opportunity for collaboration.
More than 80 ocean climate scientists, engineers and technicians are now skilled in advanced robotics, modelling, satellite remote sensing, ocean chemistry and more, thanks to over a decade of investment in Southern Ocean climate research by the CSIR and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
“We now have these very mature capabilities in South Africa to understand the Southern Ocean and how it impacts climate, and that understanding is then implemented into Earth systems models,” says Dr Sandy Thomalla. “With better Earth systems models, we can feed back into society by supporting policy and governance around adaptation and mitigation strategies.” Read more...