The National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, is a government institution set up by the Science and Technology Act No. 26 of 1997 through the Statutory Instrument No. 73 of 1998. This was after the repeal of the National Council for Scientific Research Act Cap 236 of the Laws of Zambia.

The institute is located on three campuses. The headquarters is situated at Waterfalls along the Lusaka International Airport Road. The Livestock and Pest Diseases Research Centre is situated in Chilanga. The Sustainable Use of Under-utilised Genetic Resources Research Centre located in Riverside, Kitwe.

The institute is governed by a Management Board consisting of seven (07) members appointed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training (MSTVT) as stipulated in the Act for a period of three (03) years.

NISIR is funded by the Government of Republic of Zambia. However, multilateral and bilateral cooperating partners fund specific projects of mutual interest.

The institute with its unique laboratory facilities and experience is a leading research and development institution in Zambia. It is in a position to make significant contributions to the growth and diversification of the Zambian economy for the benefit of all citizens.

The need for sustainable development requires that science and technology plays its central development role. It is, therefore, imperative that the institution takes the lead in providing research and development goods and services that address the needs of the country. To this end the mission of the institute is:-

Mission Statement

"To be a lead institution that will effectively provide solutions for sustainable socio-economic development of the nation through innovation, scientific and technological research".

Vision

"Effectively and efficiently undertake research and development in order to improve the quality of life of citizens".

The functions of the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research as stipulated in the Science and Technology Act of 1997 Section 4 and Statutory Instrument No. 73, are:

• To conduct and promote Scientific, Technological and Industrial Research in Zambia;
• To carry out research in civil, mechanic, chemical, electronic and electrical engineering, nuclear science, textile technology, biotechnology, energy resources, industrial chemistry, food science, materials science and natural products, information science, cartographic and location analysis;
• To liaise with other research bodies within and outside Zambia conduction similar research activities;
• To cooperate with other organisations and institutions of higher learning in training programmes and other matters relevant to research
• To disseminate research findings
• To cooperate with the Ministry responsible for Science and Technology, the Council and other relevant institutions in matters pertaining to research policies and priorities
• To cooperate and liaise with industry
• To develop and maintain a vibrant relation with the business sector
• To mobilise financial, technical and other resources for the purpose of carrying out research

The Board

Prof. Steven Simukanga, Chairperson, (Vice Chancellor, UNZA)	Mrs Regina Mulenga, Member, (Stanchart)	Dr. Dennis Wanchinga, Member (Executive Secretary, NSTC)
Prof. Francis Tembo, Secretary (Executive Director, NISIR)	Mrs Catherine Mungoma, Member, (Director, SCCI)	Mr. Bernard M. Chisenga, Member, (Head, ICSP, NISIR

The functions of the board are:

a) to administer approved estimates the property and funds of the institute in such manner and for such purposes as will, in the opinion of the Board, promote its best interests;
b) to administer approved estimates for the institute;
c) to approve and submit to the Ministry responsible for Science and Technology, research programmes, estimates of expenditure and financial estimates of the institute;
d) to receive on behalf of the Institute grants in aid, gifts, donations, fees, subscriptions or other moneys and make disbursements there from;
e) to formulate conditions of service for the employees of the institute;
f) to appoint employees of the institute upon such terms and conditions as it may determine; and
g) do all such things connected with or incidental to the functions of the board

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