The CSIR recently hosted an introductory meeting with the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) – the German Aerospace Centre – at the CSIR International Convention Centre. This meeting came after a request from the DLR to explore research collaboration opportunities with the CSIR in the fields of aerospace and transport. The meeting was facilitated by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).
- CSIR, DLR, SANSA and SANEDI representatives
SANSA and the CSIR have a memorandum of agreement in place to develop a collaborative relationship and working environment between the two organisations; focus on current relevant initiatives; and cooperate in identifying possible future initiatives. The meeting was directed by Berenice Lue Marais of CSIR Strategic Alliances and attended by Dr Rachael Chikwamba, Group Executive: CSIR Strategic Alliances and Communication, Prof Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Executive Board Chairman: DLR, as well as delegates from the CSIR, DLR, South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and SANSA.
Key topics discussed at the meeting included:
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Alternative vehicle concepts;
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Transport system and operations;
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Transport infrastructure engineering;
- Strategic transport matters; and
- South African aerospace industry.
Marié Botha – CSIR Key Account Manager: Aerospace – presented the CSIR’s aerospace overview and Lee Annemalai – acting Executive Director: CSIR Meraka Institute – highlighted the critical market need for on-demand real-time fire information, locally and globally; he also demonstrated the Advanced Fire Informations System (AFIS).
Mathetha Mokonyane – CSIR Competency Area Manager: Transport Systems and Operation – pointed out possible areas of collaboration with DLR: vehicle ownership, foresight investigations/studies, lifecycle cost analysis and technical capacity exchanges.
The conclusion of the meeting highlighted possible areas of development on alternative vehicle concepts.
News contributed by Lebo Chokwe, CSIR Implementation Unit
25 March 2014
