Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Africa's largest research and development organisation focused on accelerating socioeconomic prosperity in South Africa.
CSIR About UsThe Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation established by an Act of Parliament in 1945. Based in Pretoria, it operates as an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation under the executive authority of the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
As Africa's largest R&D organisation, the CSIR accounts for approximately 10% of the continent's total R&D budget and employs around 3,000 scientific and technical researchers. Its mandate is to foster industrial and scientific development through directed, multidisciplinary research and technological innovation.
The organisation focuses on seven primary areas: Industry, Energy, Natural Environment, Built Environment, Digital Environment, Health, and Defence and Security. By leveraging enabling technologies and international partnerships, the CSIR supports both public and private sectors to align with national priorities.