CSIR in the business of developing a strong SET pipeline
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation, continues to invest in the development of young people and assist them to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy. During this Youth Month, the CSIR is reflecting on the impact of its intervention programmes and its contributions towards meaningful growth and development opportunities for young researchers in science, engineering and technology (SET).
The CSIR is Africa’s largest science organisation, and its workforce consists of about 40% of young people from multidisciplinary fields, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to the development of a strong SET pipeline to contribute towards building the country’s knowledge economy as we transition to the fourth industrial revolution.
The CSIR implements various programmes to upskill the youth and combat youth unemployment. Some of these programmes include the CSIR bursary programme, Graduates in Training (GIT), Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, the biennial Emerging Researchers Symposium (ERS), the Youth Forum and various science outreach initiatives.
During the 2021 academic year, the CSIR bursary programme funded a total of 86 students. One of the beneficiaries of the bursary is Justin Harrison, 30, a doctoral student from the University of the Witwatersrand working at the CSIR’S Photonics Centre. His research focuses on laser beam shaping and amplification for high-power applications such as additive manufacturing, cutting and welding.
As part of equipping young people with much-needed skills, the CSIR, in collaboration with the YES programme, has appointed 55 unemployed youth for a period of 12 months who are placed at the CSIR and its partnering small and medium-sized enterprises. One of the candidates currently placed at the CSIR is Wandisa Chesane, 28, who is a Btech (Chemical
The GIT programme, on the other hand, focuses on developing graduates with relevant skills as part of work readiness training. The programme offers rotational work experience, assisting graduates towards their professional registration with recognised professional bodies. Through this initiative, the CSIR has recruited 80 candidates. One of the graduates currently benefiting from this programme is
Engineering) graduate from the Vaal University of Technology. She is currently studying towards a Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering. She has a passion for using software for process design, modelling and the simulation of chemical engineering to drive strategic research and development.
As part of developing the next generation of established researchers, the CSIR will host the ERS, a platform that provides emerging researchers with the opportunity to network, present and exhibit their research work.
Tina Chunga, 28, who is a process engineer in the Agro-processing Research Group at the CSIR. She holds an Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering and is a registered candidate engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Her research interests are in processing, analytical and quality assurance methods in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and essential oils.
This year’s ERS will be held under the theme “Innovation in entrepreneurship” at the CSIR ICC in Pretoria on 12 and 13 July. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za or emergingresearchersymposium1@csir.co.za.