Media Releases
On Thursday, 13 February 2025, the Council for Scientific, and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Clyrofor signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance innovation, foster skills development and support the commercialisation of cybersecurity
Titled “Managing the impacts of a Green Hydrogen / Power-to-X economy: an Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline for South Africa”, the instructional manual offers practical guidance for assessment practitioners, project developers, decision-makers and stakeholders involved in the planning and environmental authorisation processes for complex green hydrogen systems.
Ocean productivity is one of the most critical processes on the planet because it helps to regulate global climate and supports essential ecosystem services (such as fisheries). Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in the sunlit surface of the waters of the ocean and drive the ocean productivity. However, despite the importance of phytoplankton, scientists do not have a clear understanding of how climate change can impact them. Some climate models suggest that ocean productivity will increase in the future, whilst others suggest that it will decline.
Abalone farmers along South Africa’s coast are now using ocean colour maps to track marine algal blooms that could harm their export molluscs. Scientists from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) developed ocean colour and temperature data from satellites that is easy to access as an online tool. The work forms part of the country’s ocean economy plan to boost aquaculture jobs.
The CSIR-hosted Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth Systems Science (ACCESS), along with other CSIR researchers and partners, are assessing the economic impacts of wind disruptions, and they are supporting the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) and its clients with short- and long-term wind predictions.
At the peak of the fruit picking and packing season, it is normal for Cape Town’s gusty summer southeaster to swirl over and around Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak. It is normal for that strong Cape Doctor wind to then blow down to the bay, focusing, as if through a lens, onto container ships and cranes moving in the port.
A recent international study (the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) has sent shockwaves through the South African education community by revealing that more than eight out of ten Grade 4 learners cannot read for basic meaning in their home language. Without this essential skill, South African children are deprived of the opportunity to fulfil their true potential, with the impact being the most devastating for those from disadvantaged communities. Watch for more information
With South Africa currently holding the G20 presidency, African artificial intelligence (AI) experts at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have put up their hands to contribute to the G20 agenda of addressing global economic challenges.
ScienceScope Volume 22 Number 2 of 2024
In this issue we showcase the CSIR's research, development and innovation support for small, medium and microenterprises in South Africa, across industries.
READ & WATCH OUR COVER STORIES
During the event, the MMP featured a mix of exhibitions, technological demonstrations, breakaway sessions, an exciting panel discussion and an anchor address by DSTI’s Deputy Director-General, Dr Mmboneni Muofhe; CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini and the Minerals Council South Africa CEO, Mzila Mthenjane.
Through MMP’s Advanced Orebody Knowledge (AOK) Programme, the event showcased local and global innovative technologies aimed at creating “glass-rock” environments for mining development and technology adoption in South Africa.