1. Highlights of the CSIR Research and Innovation Conference ( Feedback to the Portfolio Committee) Dr David Walwyn CSIR Group Manager: Research and Development March 2006

2. Slide 2 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za The CSIR Mandate “The objects of the CSIR are, through directed and particularly multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, to foster, in the national interest and in fields which in its opinion should receive preference, industrial and scientific development, either by itself or in co-operation with principals from the private or public sectors, and thereby to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the people of the Republic, and to perform any other functions that may be assigned to the CSIR by or under this Act.” (Scientific Research Council Act 46 of 1988, amended by Act 71 of 1990)

3. Slide 3 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Background to the Conference Celebration of the CSIR’s 60 th Anniversary Profile the CSIR’s research portfolio Multidisciplinary (all units) New knowledge only (not implementation) Presentations Combined with peer-reviewed papers; papers to be published in a special issue of the SA Journal of Science (June 2006) Invited (local and international) speakers to cover developments within selected fields (bioscience, photonics and environment); to highlight key research questions Posters Open invitation to all CSIR

4. Slide 4 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Conference Programme Two day event 29 presentations; 40 posters 320 delegates (mainly CSIR) Cocktail event to launch the brand Themes Materials, Metrology and Manufacturing Built Environment Defence, Peace, Safety and Security Natural Environment Biosciences Photonics Mining ICT and Modelling

5. Slide 5 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Highlights (Presentations) Built Environment (Infrastructure) Durability of road construction materials Assessment of land for low-income housing Defence, Peace, Safety and Security Digital radio frequency memory device for radar jamming Ground vibration testing (flutter analysis) Natural Environment and Sustainable Development Planning tool for systematic conservation of SA’s freshwater Ecological theory and science/society issues (wood fuel, Namibia carbon balance, elephants and trees) Human footprint exceeds sustainable limits Biosciences and Health Expression of antibodies in plants Aptamers as a therapeutic agent against HIV

6. Slide 6 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Highlights (Presentations 2) Economic Development Materials and Manufacturing Low cost automation of SMEs (SmartFactory) Supercritical carbon dioxide and probiotic encapsulation Semi-solid metal alloys and automobile components Photonics Improved efficiency of carbon dioxide laser Synthesis of carbon nanotubes Mining Radar techniques for mapping underground structures ‘Smart’ mining using sensor integration (predict rock failure) ICT and Modelling Trend analysis in elections Bootstrapping pronunciation models

7. Slide 7 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Highlights (Posters) Health Anti-malarial and insecticidal leads from indigenous plants Nano-particle drug delivery (TB) Bioceramics Defence Processing of satellite images Industry Buckling of woven fabrics Fluidised bed processing Carbon nanotube manufacture Corrosion inhibitors

8. Slide 8 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Highlights (Posters 2) Energy Solar cell technology Fuel cell research Education and Communication Digital doorway Sign language through a computer interface Open source text to speech software Agriculture Sorghum fortification Use of microwaves to protect stored maize Biological control agents against Panama disease in banana

9. Slide 9 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Summary Successful event! Number of delegates benefited from its multidisciplinary nature and learning about the overall CSIR capabilities/research Researchers gained experience in explaining the importance and implications of their work to a general audience Highlighted CSIR’s contribution to research and innovation across the three spheres: Social Economic Environment To be repeated in a revised format in the future? R&D outcomes Single day, parallel sessions

10. Slide 10 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za CSIR S&T Strategy Objectives Revitalise the S&T base Focus the strategic research portfolio Improve the overall quality and tempo of CSIR research outputs (including human capital development) Encourage longer term/critical mass investments in emerging research areas

11. Slide 11 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Strategic Research Portfolio Performance-based block funding Competitive funding Thematic programme Young researchers establishment Scientific equipment Emerging research areas Executive strategic initiatives

12. Slide 12 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Grant Fund Allocations (with CAPEX)

13. Slide 13 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Block or Core Funding Performance based Allocation = last year * performance factor * strategic alignment Well defined evaluation criteria Peer review through Research Advisory Panels

14. Slide 14 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Competitive Funds Thematic Programme Open, competitive, proposal driven Five themes Digital analysis and mathematical modelling Geomatics and spatial analysis ICT, biosciences and health Knowledge-intensive manufacturing and materials Environmental security Annual call, external evaluation, low transaction cost, pilot and full projects, 2 year duration

15. Slide 15 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Competitive Funds II Young researchers establishment fund R125K per year for three years; 10 per year Designed to support a young researcher in developing a research career Scientific equipment Support for the depreciation charges R17.5 million over 5 years already committed Human Capital Development Funding to support upgrading the qualifications of existing employees New posts for PhD students New posts for post docs

16. Slide 16 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Emerging Research Areas One of the key B60 outcomes; scope and nature well defined Designed to boost CSIR research in new areas of S&T Two areas identified for 2005/6 Nanotechnology Photonics Total of six are planned

17. Slide 17 © CSIR 2006 www.csir.co.za Performance Indicators Further detail in the S&T strategy

18. The End