CSIR 🇿🇦

Today we pause to reflect on what it truly means to be human in a world of rapid change. While progress has uplifted many, inequality and hardship remain deeply entrenched. For #TeamCSIR, our mandate is clear: to improve the quality of life for all South Africans. #HumanRightsDay is not just a commemoration—it’s a call to action. Through research, innovation and collaboration, we strive to make human dignity real and we renew our commitment to building a capable, inclusive and sustainable society. This year’s theme, The Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real, reminds us that rights must be lived, not just written. Every contribution counts. #HumanRightsMonth2026 #BillOfRights30yrs #HumanDignity

What if you could see a gas leak before it became a crisis? GasCAM is a #TeamCSIR-developed, industrial electro-optical imaging system that makes gas leaks of sulphur hexafluoride from electrical switchgear and petrochemical volatile organic compounds visible to the naked eye using infrared imaging technology. Come see the GasCAM at the South Africa Innovation Week from 16 - 20 March 2026 at NASREC, JHB. #SAIW2026 is a flagship initiative of @tiaorgza, an agency of the @dstigovza. Learn more about locally developed sensor systems here csir.co.za/what-we-do/man…

Wastewater surveillance to spot disease outbreaks before clinics fill up: by analysing sewage samples, #TeamCSIR can estimate how many people in a community are infected, including those without symptoms or access to testing. This approach was developed during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now being expanded to diseases like cholera, typhoid and protozoan infections, all closely linked to #watersafety and #sanitation. Combined with advanced mathematical, statistical and spatial modelling, wastewater data can act as an early warning system to help public health authorities prepare for outbreaks, especially in vulnerable communities. ℹ️ This project is a collaboration with @UPTuks 🎥 Watch: Wastewater surveillance to catch typhoid, cholera outbreaks early

#TeamCSIR recorded a 10 000-fold reduction in E. coli at the Mossel Bay Municipality's wastewater treatment works following an algae-based treatment. The special algae mix, cultivated at the CSIR’s microbiology laboratories in Stellenbosch, is a low-cost, low-energy way to improve water quality for nearby farming. “The algae are naturally occurring biomass, so we are using nature to heal itself,” says CSIR researcher, Dr Luyanda Ndlela. The CSIR is also exploring how the algal biomass might be harvested and repurposed after treatment for feed, bio-packaging or biofuels, contributing to a #circulareconomy. 🎥 Watch to learn more! 🔗 csir.co.za/media-hub/news… ℹ️ This project is funded locally by the @dstigovza through a European Biodiversity Partnership programme.

Focused on enabling an integrated, effective transport system In alignment with the Inaugural National Transport Conference theme, “Transport: the enabler for growth, job creation, inclusivity and sustainability," #TeamCSIR Impact Area Manager, Dr Mathetha Mokonyama, shared insights on the future of transport and logistics, highlighting how data, digital platforms and collaboration can advance the sector. He highlighted the predictive logistics tracking platform developed by CSIR, the Logistics Observatory, which brings together regulators, industry, and innovators to enable increased efficiency. The CSIR is helping South Africa move towards a more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready transport system. He emphasised how customer-centric design is key in driving the industry’s transformation.  We are also making meaningful contributions at various panel sessions focused on enabling an integrated effective transport system across aviation, ports, rail, and road safety-related themes at the #NTCDoTConference hosted by the @Dotransport at the Gallagher Convention Centre from 16 to 18 March 2026. For more info, visit us at stand 27 or csir.co.za/what-we-do/mob…

South Africa's #photonics sector is advancing, and the African Laser Centre (ALC), hosted by #TeamCSIR is at the forefront of building the next generation of skilled researchers and innovators. ALC is now accepting applications for its 2026/27 Workshop and Conference Training Programme. Apply now/Learn more: csir.co.za/sites/default/… or scan the QR code.

#TeamCSIR pre-owned workshop equipment for sale: 📍CSIR Stellenbosch 📨 HGnade@csir.co.za 📆 Deadline: 20 March 2026

We wrapped up an incredible #RadioDay event with our partners @UNISA, @IEC_SA, @CSIR and @UNISA_Radio! We explored the intersection of radio, AI and democracy, and the role of media in shaping our public discourse. Our panellists brought fire insights on media literacy, fact-checking and the importance of accurate information in our democracy. Thanks to everyone who joined us, both online and offline. Your engagement and questions made the conversation truly unforgettable. For those who missed it - worry not, we've got the full discussion up on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/live/_GMmJTdau…. PS: Here's a sneak peek into the event 📸. Huge thanks to our partners for their expertise and support. Together, let's keep promoting informed citizenship and strengthening our democracy! #MediaMatters #InformedCitizenship #RadioDay #JournalismMatters

#TeamCSIR helps SA #biotech firm produce key molecule for lab-grown meat. Local company @Immobazyme now produces a growth factor used internationally to grow meat products more sustainably. This follows the successful industrial scale‑up of the molecule’s production process at the CSIR, with funding from @tiaorgza 🎥 Watch: "South Africa now makes critical molecule for lab-grown meat" ℹ️ csir.co.za/media-hub/news…

Chemical signals in the sediment: #TeamCSIR traces pollution in South Africa’s waters Long before pollution causes obvious or large-scale environmental damage, it leaves subtle chemical fingerprints in rivers, groundwater, estuaries and coastal sediments. Detecting these early warning signs requires specialised instruments and scientific expertise available at the CSIR’s environmental chemistry laboratory in Stellenbosch. Read more: csir.co.za/media-hub/news…

In recognition of the key role of media, democracy, and accountability in an election year, #TeamCSIR is excited to co-host the roundtable discussion under the theme “Radio and artificial intelligence (AI)” today 12 March 2026 from 18:00 - 20:00 at the Bamboo Auditorium in Kgorong Building, Unisa Main Campus Pretoria. CSIR's Professor Pravesh Debba, who led the election prediction team at CSIR for the 2019, 2021 and 2024 elections will share his insights under the theme: Technology and transparency: The CSIR on election prediction model and social media trends from previous elections. Join the CSIR, @npclub, @IECSouthAfrica and @unisa roundtable livestream here: youtube.com/live/_9BaUqKnH…

#TeamCSIR infrastructure innovation solutions features tonight, 12 March 2026, at 17:00 on the SABC1 4IR show! Catch CSIR researchers sharing insights on digital twinning technology developed with the @dstigovza at the Cofimvaba Science Centre in the Eastern Cape, where high school learners are engaging with real world science.

📻Tune in: #TeamCSIR senior manager for talent acquisition and management, Phumudzo Maboho, will be on Phalaphala FM (99.1 - 107.8 FM) today, 12 March 2026, from 14:30 to talk about women and girls’ participation in STEM. Don't miss it!

📻Tune in: #TeamCSIR senior researcher, Dr Luyanda Ndlela, will be on Ukhozi FM (90.1-107.4 FM) today, 11 March 2026, from 21:30 to talk about why clean water matters. Don't miss it!

#TeamCSIR is facilitating South Africa’s #rail revitalisation through strategic and technology solutions that strengthen #logistics. Key initiatives include the Logistics Observatory and Scorecard, key tools which have been designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and performance across the sector. On the 9 March 2026 at the Eastern Cape Department of Transport #ECDOT Research Symposium, CSIR Executive Cluster Manager, Nomsa Dlamini, called for collaboration, urging stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to join forces in making meaningful contributions toward rail revitalisation. She also highlighted the need to develop and invest in a coordinated national rail research agenda to address sectoral challenges. For more info on the CSIR's Logistics Observatory, watch youtube.com/watch?v=_KUwzU…

Five #TeamCSIR instruments are available for sale and can be viewed at the CSIR Scientia Campus in Pretoria. 🔗 csir.co.za/work-with-us/f… 📨 Solly Motaung: smotaung@csir.co.za ℹ️ csir.co.za/sites/default/…

📻Tune in: #TeamCSIR research engineer, Ntshuxeko Makondo, will be on Munghana Lonene FM (89.4 - 103.2 FM) today, 9 March 2026, from 21:30 to discuss bridging the digital divide with Low Earth Orbit and 5G Technologies. Don't miss it!

Please join us as we celebrate our newly promoted #TeamCSIR principal researchers! Reaching this milestone in the life of any CSIR researcher requires both local and international recognition of a sustained track record, with significant outputs that impact society and the research community. Congratulations Dr Isabel Meyer on your outstanding accomplishment! Your commitment to excellence inspires us all. 💙

Please join us as we celebrate our newly promoted #TeamCSIR principal researchers! Reaching this milestone in the life of any CSIR researcher requires both local and international recognition of a sustained track record, with significant outputs that impact society and the research community. Congratulations Dr Graham Barbour on your outstanding accomplishment! Your commitment to excellence inspires us all. 💙