The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, commonly known as the CSIR, is a world-class African research and development organisation established through an Act of Parliament in 1945. The CSIR undertakes directed, multidisciplinary research and technological innovation that contributes to the improved quality of life of South Africans.
The CSIR’s shareholder is the South African Parliament, held in proxy by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

CSIR vision
We are accelerators of socio-economic prosperity in South Africa through leading innovation.

CSIR mission
Collaboratively innovating and localising technologies while providing knowledge solutions for the inclusive and sustainable advancement of industry and society.

CSIR values
CSIR values statement:
Our beliefs, principles and the impact we wish to make to improve the quality of life of South Africans are EPIC. Team CSIR pursues Excellence, celebrates People, personifies Integrity, and welcomes Collaboration.

Our 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.”
(Scientific Research Council Act 46 of 1988, amended by Act 71 of 1990)

The CSIR brand is rooted in the organization’s mandate, mission, vision and values. It is about having a passionate belief that science, technology and meaningful industrial development are the catalysts through which we can grasp the opportunities our continent has to offer and improve the quality of life of South African people. Our research is rooted in scientific excellence, leadership and innovation, as well as understanding the needs of industry. The CSIR is continuously enhancing its portfolio of services and adjusting the profile of its innovation portfolio by increasing its focus on the later stages of the technology readiness level scale and increasing its income from technology transfer. This is in keeping with best practices from globally successful research and technology organizations.