Scientific Infrastructure
The CSIR is equipped for world-class innovation. The organisation recognises that scientific infrastructure is key in scientific discovery and producing solutions for industry and society. Scientific infrastructure includes laboratories, testing facilities, scientific instruments and equipment, clean rooms and pilot plants needed for research and technological innovation.
Collaboration between the research sector, industry and government results in the shared use of the infrastructure and helps build bridges that benefit the country.
Advanced materials testing laboratories
To test road building materials for road engineers, road owners, construction groups and consultants.
0
Agroprocessing pilot facility
To undertake research and development for the food and agroprocessing industries.
0
Biophotonics facility
To use photonics-based techniques for single molecule and/or cell studies.
0
Biorefinery Industry Development Facility
The vision for the CSIR biorefinery research and development is to use the methods developed to ascertain causes or sources of problems in manufacturing.
0
Biosafety level 3 research facilities
A controlled-access laboratory required for experiments involving hazard group 3 pathogens of high potential risk.
0
Coastal and hydraulics laboratory
To physically model ports, harbours and other coastal engineering designs in fine detail.
0
Computational fluid dynamics facility
Underpins integrated wind tunnel and experimental fluid dynamics studies in aerospace or industrial applications.
0
CSIR-hosted National Integrated Cyber Infrastructure
For high-performance computing, high-speed network capacity and research data infrastructure.
0
DSI-CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials: Characterisation facility
Growing our knowledge about the properties and behaviour of materials at nano-scale
0
Electro-acoustic facility
To test acoustic sensitivity, acoustic beam-patterns and electrical properties of underwater sonar transmitters.
0
Heavy vehicle simulator
To study how pavement structures and materials respond to wear and tear and for accelerated pavement testing.
0
High-precision carbon dioxide instrumentation
The facility deploys cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) instruments for the measurement of atmospheric carbon CO2 concentrations.
0
Laser-based manufacturing facility
To improve the efficiency and competitiveness of industry players using laser-based technologies.
0
Microfluidic facility
To design and prototype microfluidic devices that cater for the flow of liquids in channels of micrometre size.
0
Mobile intelligent autonomous systems laboratory
Features robotic platforms capable of autonomous navigation and manipulation, as well as an extensive range of sensors.
0
Nano-pollutants laboratories
To investigate the behaviour and interaction of chemical contaminants in water resources with aquatic biota.
0
National Centre for Nano-structured Materials
For the modelling, synthesis, characterisation and fabrication of novel nano-structured materials with specific properties.
0
Novel solid-state laser facility
The laboratory is well equipped with a range of optical diagnostic equipment that supports the development, analysis and optimisation of novel laser systems across the optical spectrum.
0
Optronics motion simulation facility
Provides the hardware-in-the-loop simulation capability for optronic sensor systems research at the CSIR.
0
Ship motion simulator
To support the naval forces by developing optronics for improved maritime surveillance.
0
Solar photovoltaic power plant
For research on technologies and policies to support the increased use of renewable energy in South Africa.
0
The combustion and gasification pilot plant
Studying and piloting cleaner energy alternatives for industry.
0
The photovoltaic testing facility
The photovoltaic testing facility, with its outdoor test facility and its indoor reliability lab is the most advanced in the country.
0
Water and health microbiology research facility
For tests on the presence of microorganisms in water.
0
The Advanced Design and Manufacturing Innovation Centre
The Advanced Design and Manufacturing Innovation Centre (ADMIC) supports ongoing research into new manufacturing techniques, technologies and materials, as well as specialised design and manufacturing training.
0
Detonics, ballistics and explosives laboratory
The facility is used to develop protective technologies, define optimal mobility solutions, evaluate products or systems to assist with procurement decision-making and, ultimately, ensure effective yet safe military operations.
0
Mechanical testing laboratory
The CSIR mechanical testing laboratory determines the mechanical properties of metallic and ceramic materials, and powder compacts.
0
Metal injection moulding facility
This technology makes it possible to overcome the geometrical and productivity limitations of traditional production techniques.
0
Investment casting facility
The CSIR investment casting facility is the only foundry in South Africa with a production-level vacuum casting capability.
0
Powder characterisation facility
The CSIR powder characterisation facility offers unique and broad heat-treatment and metallographic capabilities to serve customers in diverse manufacturing operations, including the powder production, aerospace, defence, nuclear and medical industries.
0