Natural Sciences

The CSIR has developed a train energy optimisation model with the aim of incorporating it into a real-time driver assist programme. This optimisation algorithm has the potential to significantly reduce the energy usage and therefore, the cost of train operation. A significant portion of the South...

Cyber security experts at the CSIR supported a municipality that had experienced an information network security breach. Cyber criminals, who obtain access to confidential information stored on a municipality’s system, may use that data to commit identity theft or financial crimes. The municipali...

Cybersecurity experts at the CSIR have developed a prototype software package for personal computers and servers that rapidly and accurately detects network port scan activity. Conventional signature-based network intrusion detection technology is designed to detect cyberthreats by matching netwo...

With more computational resources at the disposal of researchers, multi-physics simulations are becoming a reality. Fluid-structure interactions (FSI), a subclass of multi-physics problems is gaining in popularity. FSI can broadly be defined as the multi-field simulation or modelling of the inter...

The CSIR is developing adaptation guidelines for various types of human settlements in South Africa that are at risk because of climate change. The Green Book project stems from a grant awarded by the Canadian-based International Development Research Centre (IDRC) under a cities and climate chang...

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the biggest threats to water resources, human health and the environment in South Africa. In many cases, its impact is exacerbated by agricultural practices and other developments that disrupt the structure and flow of water bodies. The CSIR and partners designe...

CSIR researchers have worked with the Department of Water and Sanitation to determine how much water is being used by farmers in KwaZulu-Natal and how much is required for irrigation, commercial forestry and other activities. A series of maps detailing this water use is currently being produced a...

The CSIR has developed a platform that allows entrepreneurs to operate their own television stations over the mobile Internet. The platform is made up of two main components. The first component, called Adaptive Real-Time Internet Streaming Technology (Artist) addresses bandwidth constraints. Usi...

The CSIR has developed a robust system to rapidly detect deformation of land surfaces. This is particularly useful in mined areas, where early detection of deformation is pivotal. In South Africa, large areas are affected by surface deformation associated with underground mining or natural geolog...

The CSIR has developed a tool that identifies and makes use of Television white spaces (TVWS) channels for broadband services without generating interference with adjacent primary licensed services. Television white spaces are the unused spectrum channels in the TV broadcasting frequencies. This ...