The National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) formerly known as the National Council for Scientific Research (NCSR) is a government institution under the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). The Institute was established by the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997 through Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 73 of 1998, after the repeal of the National Council for Scientific Research (NCSR) Act, CAP 236 of the Laws of Zambia.
NISIR's predecessor, the NCSR was created in 1967 by an Act of Parliament (Act 236) to replace the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of Central Africa, which was similarly preceded by other research institutions namely the Agriculture Research Council of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1959 - 62), Agriculture Research Council of Central Africa (1963- 66), and the Agricultural Research Council of Zambia (1967- 1970. The NCSR was mandated to advice Government on matters of Science and Technology (S&T), Read more
"To strengthen R&D capacity in science and technology in order to meet needs of agriculture, manufacturing , health, water, ICT, energy and environment, industries, sectors".
"To be a centre of excellence in scientific, technological and industrial research in Zambia by 2030".
"To be a centre of excellence in scientific, technological and industrial research in Zambia by 2030".
NEW NISIR BOARD CONSTITUTED
A new NISIR board committee was appointed in 2020 by the Minister of Higher Education in exercise of the power entrusted in him as Honourable Minister responsible for Science and Technology and according to part IV of the Science and Technology act no. 26 of 1997, constituted the management board of NISIR. He congratulated and wished the team all the best as they superintend over the affairs of NISIR. Honourable Mushimba was happy especially that it was a unique board with an addition of 5 qualified competent ladies who have recorded competence in their qualifications. Minister Mushimba noted that the crop of think tanks hired are coming with a sound backdrop of finance and accounting, engineering, and the business sector.
The New board members are Judith Lungu, Hildah Silavwe, Mizimo Musokotwane, Filipo Zulu, Jane Chinkusu, Happy Musumali and Namakau Siyanga.
The institute is located on three campuses; the headquarters situated along the Lusaka International Airport Road, the Animal Science Research Center located in Chilanga and the Tree Improvement Research Center in Kitwe.The Institute has seven (06) Centers. The headquarters has (04) Centers, Kitwe (1) and Chilanga (1)