Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (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 the country’s people.

The CSIR is committed to supporting innovation in South Africa to improve national competitiveness in the global economy. Science and technology services and solutions are provided in support of various stakeholders, and opportunities are identified where new technologies can be further developed and exploited in the private and public sectors for commercial and social benefit.

The core R&D base consists of key competency platforms drawing together research fields and scientific disciplines assembled to align with the needs of specific government departments, primary, secondary and tertiary industry sectors and society in key areas of socio-economic impact. Each area understands strategic stakeholder requirements and focuses on managing a portfolio of S&T competencies and research directions that contribute most meaningfully to attainment of scientific objectives within the sectors addressed. Each area embraces R&D and R&D oucomes, which are handled as an integral part of the research and innovation value chain. The following areas are defined:

Biosciences; the built environment; defence, peace, safety and security; information and communications technology; laser technology; materials science and manufacturing; natural resources and the environment; and space technology.