Environmental problems are complex, and addressing them requires integrated approaches using a broad skills base. Researchers at CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE) aim to provide integrated solutions, drawing on their own basic research as well as those of others, building on historical strengths and experience while at the same time working across disciplinary and institutional boundaries: Weblink

We endeavour to provide science-based solutions to the challenging environmental and natural resource issues facing society now and in the future. Our focus is on the national interest and we pride ourselves on our ability to lead large integrated research projects that can make substantial contributions. Our focus areas can be depicted as follows:

With over 200 researchers in all the major centres of South Africa, we are able to conduct world-class, directed, inter-disciplinary research and technological innovation, with partners and stakeholders, in the field of natural resources and the environment, to contribute to the social, economic and environmental improvement of South Africa and Africa.

General CSIR Mandate:
The CSIR was constituted as a Science Council by the Scientific Research Council Act (Act No 46 of 1988, as amended by Act 71/1990), and has as its mandate:

"The objects of the CSIR are, through directed and particularly multi-disciplinary 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."

CSIR NRE Vision: "to be the world-leading R&D unit contributing to the optimal utilisation of the natural resource base for the sustainable benefit of South Africa and Africa".

CSIR NRE Mission: "to conduct world-class, directed, inter-disciplinary research and technological innovation, with partners and stakeholders, in the field(s) of natural resources and the environment to contribute to the social, economic and environmental improvement of South Africa and Africa".

CSIR Corporate values:
The key values are:

• Leadership
• Integrity
• Responsibility
• Transparency
• Accountability

Strategic goals:

• Building and transforming human capital
• Strengthening the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) base and performing relevant R&D
• Transferring technology and skilled capital

Core competencies of the CSIR relate to R&D in:

• Biosciences
• Built Environment
• Defence, peace, safety and security
• Laser Technology
• Materials science and Manufacturing
• Natural Resources and the Environment
• Mineral Resources
• Space Technology
• Modelling and Digital Science

• The effective utilisation of the resource base
  • Forestry
  • Freshwater resources
  • Ecosystems
• Global Change
  • Global Change & Ecosystems
• The interface between people and the environment
  • Pollution and waste
  • Human health and the environment
• Environmental decision making
  • Environmental assessment and management
  • Energy

The capacity development programmes at the CSIR are numerous, some more prominent ones related to the following:

• The further studies and studentship programme for staff and selected students through Master's and Doctoral studies
• Co-supervision or supervision by current staff of students at tertiary education institutions
• Short lecture series by staff at tertiary education institutions
• Internships
• Hosting of visiting researchers
• Secondment of staff to other institutions
• Internal training
• Using R&D programmes to transfer technology to communities

A wide range of potential services are available, these will become more specific as the initiative matures and clarity is gotten on the research priorities and needs identified under the RSSC but will most likely be centred around the services that will could/will be provided by the CSIR NRE section.

The CSIR produces a wide array of publications, both as an organisation and from within the various sections mentioned in the core competencies section above, these are available for download, some of the latest and prominent are:

• CSIR Annual Report: Performance information, annual financial highlights and research, development and implementation highlights
• CSIR ScienceScope: Quarterly publication that features research and development within specific science themes.
• Guide to a Career in Research: Description of how research careers are managed in the CSIR, providing some suggestions on how CSIR researchers could improve their positions through gaining recognition and experience