When the Scientific Research Council Bill was introduced in Parliament back in April 1945 the Council that was to be created from Act 33 of 1945 with the same name was presented as an institution with a very broad agenda. Not only would it conduct, coordinate and popularise research into the use and beneficiation of the country’s resources in service of the nation, butalso train young researchers, assist in elevating South Africa onto the world stage through highlevel research, provide government with credible information and, in doing all of these activities, contribute to the promotion of “peace and happiness” (sic) throughout the world