Pretoria: The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity within the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is celebrating 80 years of touching lives through innovation. To commemorate this milestone, the council will host its 9th Biennial Conference from 8-10 October 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
According to South African Government News Agency, the theme of the conference will be ‘Science, Technology, and Innovation for a Sustainable Future.’ This event is organized in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (G-STIC), which is led by the Belgian Research and Technology Organisation (VITO). The conference will be held in conjunction with the 8th G-STIC Conference, marking G-STIC’s first event on the African continent.
The G-STIC Conference aligns with a decision made 10 years ago by the global community to adopt Agenda 2030 and its associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This ambitious global actio
n program aims to steer the world towards a more economically sustainable, socially equitable, and environmentally sound development path.
‘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 CEO of the CSIR, Dr. Thulani Dlamini. He believes that the gathering will serve as a dynamic platform to showcase the CSIR’s excellence in science, technology, and innovation, spanning more than 12 key sectors of the South African economy. ‘It also highlights our enduring commitment to driving sustainable development and shaping a future that is inclusive, resilient, and knowledge-driven,’ he added.
The conference will be attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including science experts, academics, government and industry leaders, and members of the public. They will come together to explore how research, development, and innovation (RD and I) can be leveraged to strengthen and grow
the local and global economy. The discussions and exhibitions during the conference will emphasize the critical role that RD and I plays in driving sustainable economic development and fostering innovation across various sectors.
‘Bringing G-STIC to Africa for the first time is a recognition of the continent’s growing role in shaping global innovation for sustainable development. Together with the CSIR and DSTI, we aim to strengthen partnerships that accelerate the deployment of transformative technologies and create solutions that matter both locally and globally,’ said General Manager G-STIC, Dietrich Van der Weken.