Sharing knowledge and inspiring young people to take up science-related careers is just what the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is gearing up to do at this year’s National Science Festival in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, from 8 March to 14 March 2017.

Scifest, as the festival is popularly known, aims to stimulate the public awareness, understanding and appreciation of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation.

This year’s theme is “Tour de Science” and, against this background, the CSIR will be celebrating technologies that the organisation has developed in its 72 years of existence. Technologies such as the World’s first digital laser, which is an innovation  expected to spur numerous applications to improve the communication and health sectors;  the first successful microwave electronic distance measurement equipment which is used for land surveying throughout the world; an implantable expanding rivet, known as the bollard, was developed to be used in conjunction with a prosthetic ligament for the repair of knee ligament injuries; the contribution to lithium-ion battery research; and the biomedical stem cell technology used for restoring sight by replacing detective tissue are just a few of the CSIR’s innovation milestones.

“The CSIR believes in investing in the future of South Africa; which is why we take pride in spearheading cutting-edge research and development for the benefit of the people of our country. The CSIR’s exhibitions and workshops at Scifest, will not only be an indication of the CSIR’s commitment to a developing country, but also an indication of how passionate we are about sharing our work with the people for whom it is done,” says Tendani Tsedu, CSIR’s communication group manager.

In addition to the exhibitions and workshops that CSIR scientists will be presenting, young people will be afforded the opportunity to get more information about bursaries, internships and studentships.

The following workshops and exhibitions will be offered by the CSIR:

Nanomaterials: Scientists for the CSIR nanomaterials industry development facility will be covering both the nano clay and the polymer nano composites projects that the CSIR is currently running.

Biopharming: Biopharming is the use of genetic engineering to insert genes that code the useful pharmaceuticals into host animals or plants. This is done in order to produce large quantities of useful pharmaceuticals such as antibodies or vaccines over a short period of time and at a very little cost.

Cybersecurity awareness: Scientists from the CSIR will educate students about protecting themselves in cyberspace, especially on social media platforms. An interactive game designed to encourage participation among the scientists and the youth will also be played.

SANBio: An exhibition of some of the indigenous foods and medicines that were transformed into innovative products through applied technologies with an emphasis on indigenous foods and medicines, health and nutrition related interventions.

Energy: Creating awareness on the usage and conservation of energy in South Africa.

Lasers: Lasers are everywhere and essential to life as we know it today.

Human Capital Development: Overview and opportunities at the CSIR.

Scifest will be taking place at 1820 Settlers National Monument, Fort Selwyn Drive, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape.

ENDS

About the CSIR:

The CSIR is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research, technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more info visit www.csir.co.za.