IN CONVERSATION WITH Dr Mutsa Monica (CSIR Senior Researcher)
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The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, will mark its 80th anniversary with the hosting of its 9th Biennial Conference from 8–10 October 2025. The event, themed “Science, Technology and Innovation for a Sustainable Future”, will be held in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community (G-STIC), an initiative led by Belgium’s Research and Technology Organisation (VITO).
This year’s gathering carries special significance as it will be hosted alongside the 8th G-STIC Conference, making it the first time the global event takes place on African soil.
The CSIR@80 | G-STIC Conference builds on the global community’s adoption of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ten years ago. These goals chart a course for more sustainable, equitable and environmentally sound development worldwide.
> “For over eight decades, the CSIR has been a catalyst for innovation — advancing industrial development, strengthening state capabilities, and improving lives across South Africa,” said Dr Thulani Dlamini, CEO of the CSIR. “This conference will showcase the CSIR’s excellence in science, technology, and innovation across more than 12 sectors of the economy, while reaffirming our commitment to inclusive and knowledge-driven sustainable development.”
The three-day conference will convene science experts, academics, government officials, business leaders, and the public to discuss how research, development and innovation (RD&I) can be harnessed to strengthen economies locally and globally. Exhibitions and panel discussions will highlight the crucial role of RD&I in driving sustainable growth and fostering technological progress across diverse sectors.
> “Bringing G-STIC to Africa for the first time recognises the continent’s growing influence in global innovation for sustainable development,” said Dietrich Van der Weken, General Manager of G-STIC. “Together with CSIR, we aim to deepen partnerships that accelerate transformative technologies and deliver solutions with impact both locally and globally.”
Beyond its focus on science and technology, the conference will underline the importance of cross-border collaboration in achieving the SDGs by 2030. It will also strengthen alignment with South Africa’s sustainability priorities, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the broader global innovation agenda.
The CSIR@80 | G-STIC Conference is positioned as a critical platform for African and global cooperation in sustainable technology innovation — highlighting the continent’s role as a driver of transformative solutions for a more resilient and inclusive future.
This year’s gathering carries special significance as it will be hosted alongside the 8th G-STIC Conference, making it the first time the global event takes place on African soil.
The CSIR@80 | G-STIC Conference builds on the global community’s adoption of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ten years ago. These goals chart a course for more sustainable, equitable and environmentally sound development worldwide.
> “For over eight decades, the CSIR has been a catalyst for innovation — advancing industrial development, strengthening state capabilities, and improving lives across South Africa,” said Dr Thulani Dlamini, CEO of the CSIR. “This conference will showcase the CSIR’s excellence in science, technology, and innovation across more than 12 sectors of the economy, while reaffirming our commitment to inclusive and knowledge-driven sustainable development.”
The three-day conference will convene science experts, academics, government officials, business leaders, and the public to discuss how research, development and innovation (RD&I) can be harnessed to strengthen economies locally and globally. Exhibitions and panel discussions will highlight the crucial role of RD&I in driving sustainable growth and fostering technological progress across diverse sectors.
> “Bringing G-STIC to Africa for the first time recognises the continent’s growing influence in global innovation for sustainable development,” said Dietrich Van der Weken, General Manager of G-STIC. “Together with CSIR, we aim to deepen partnerships that accelerate transformative technologies and deliver solutions with impact both locally and globally.”
Beyond its focus on science and technology, the conference will underline the importance of cross-border collaboration in achieving the SDGs by 2030. It will also strengthen alignment with South Africa’s sustainability priorities, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the broader global innovation agenda.
The CSIR@80 | G-STIC Conference is positioned as a critical platform for African and global cooperation in sustainable technology innovation — highlighting the continent’s role as a driver of transformative solutions for a more resilient and inclusive future.
