On July 24, 2012, NAIST received a delegation from the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). CSIR Strategic Research Manager Ntsika Msimang and Competency Area Manager Fulufhelo Vincent Nelwamondo visited NAIST with the Minister-Counselor of Science and Technology from the South African Embassy Tokyo, Mr. Buti Cecil Masoka.

Dean Kotaro Minato of the Graduate School of Information Science (GSIS) and Professor Kenji Sugimoto welcomed the delegation. First, a general introduction of NAIST and GSIS was given by the dean. Following that, they visited GSIS laboratories and inspected NAIST's current research and well-equipped facilities.

After the laboratory visits, a general introduction of CSIR and its research areas was given by both of managers. Through this visit the CSIR delegation was able to better understand NAIST's specific research areas and the representatives of both institutions discussed future opportunities for exchange. The results of this visit were very promising for both sides