CSIR, Saudi Arabian partner take next step in defence research

This initiative also includes the creation of a bi-national research cluster and several human capital development programmes at South African and Saudi Arabian universities.

The new research program was announced by André Nepgen, executive director for the CSIR's operating unit for defence, peace, safety and security (DPSS) at the biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence 2012 exhibition in Pretoria. "The programme will lead to growth of the technological depth and scope in this research field. This is of great importance to both the CSIR and KACST, and, through our strategic partnership, will grow an agile, effective and robust technical capability that contributes to the establishment of knowledge economies," Nepgen said.

Human capital development

The mission of the programme for electronic defence research is to perform research and innovate at the forefront in the field of electronic defence (ED), to source and supervise postgraduate students, to produce published outputs in international journals and conference proceedings, and to create new knowledge to the benefit of the people of South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The new programme will not only perform research in the field of ED, but also aid the CSIR and KACST with human capital development through masters and doctoral student supervision. Furthermore, it will contribute to the creation of new knowledge in a field that is under-subscribed in terms of skills in both countries.

The Dean of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria, Prof. Roelf Sandenbergh indicated that the university is fully committed to the success of the new research programme and intends to contribute to the research efforts of the cluster through the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering.