The National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) was first established as the National Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (NCSR) in 1967. In the last forty-three years NISIR has made a place for itself as the premier research institute nationally, regionally and internationally.

I am glad to be a part of this important organization at a time when Zambia is emphasizing the importance of scientific and technology research as well as innovation to the economic development of our country. Scientific research, technology development and innovations are getting strong support from the highest authority in Zambia, his Excellency the President as well as the political leadership.

We are in the process of reviewing our past achievements and preparing for our future with plans to create several specialized centers of excellence and link our research products to technology developers and users. In formulating our research agenda and defining our priorities, we will look more closely at our national needs and ways to address them. The process of change will cover the ways we operate, as well as our organizational structure and the areas of focus.

NISIR has created a strong knowledge base with regard to its research programs in Post-Harvest Food Processing and Nutrition, Livestock Diseases and Productivity, Water resources and Environment, Sustainable utilization of genetic resources, Nuclear Energy Application. In order to achieve its aspirations, NISIR seeks to improve its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Materials research programmes as well as introduce new programmes relevant to the socio-economic development of our country

NISIR has come a long way since its inception. Although our current and future challenges are tremendous, we will optimize our resources and take advantage of every opportunity to achieve our goals.

Professor Francis Tembo
Executive Director