Prof. Egon Werlen from Switzerland experienced science beyond the textbook on 13 October 2026, when he visited the North-West University (NWU) Science Centre as part of his visit to the Faculty of Education. 

The tour transformed scientific concepts into experiences that could be seen, touched and tested, highlighting the value of interactive and informal science learning.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and a member of the Self-Directed Learning research unit, was assigned by Prof. Dorothy Laubscher, director of the u, to host Prof. Werlen for the day during his visit to the faculty. 

Drawing on her background as a trained microbiologist and science communicator, as well as her previous experience working at a science centre, Dr Moleboheng took the opportunity to introduce him to the NWU Science Centre and showcase the importance of making science accessible, engaging and relevant to diverse audiences.

Prof. Werlen heads the research field personalised and adaptive distance learning at the Institute for Distance Education and eLearning Research at the Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences in Brig, where he also co-holds the UNESCO Chair on Personalised and Adaptive Distance Education. A psychologist by training, he is also an extraordinary associate professor in the Self-Directed Learning research unit at the NWU.

During the visit, Prof. Werlen explored a range of interactive exhibits under the expert and good-humoured guidance of Lebogang Seabelo, a staff member at the centre. The exhibits included a plasma ball, hands-on electricity demonstrations, a hyperbolic slot and straight bar experiment, and a mini science show. These activities offered practical insights into scientific principles that can sometimes be difficult to understand through textbooks alone, demonstrating how hands-on exploration can make science more tangible and memorable. Prof. Werlen expressed his enjoyment, as he found it fun to explore scientific topics in a playful way.

For Dr Moleboheng the visit was particularly meaningful because of her own experience in science communication and her commitment to promoting science learning beyond the traditional classroom. Having worked in a science centre herself, she recognises the value of informal learning environments in sparking curiosity, encouraging experimentation and helping people connect scientific concepts to their everyday lives. Hosting Prof. Werlen at the centre was therefore an opportunity to share an approach to science engagement that aligns with her broader interest in making science accessible, particularly to young learners.

The visit also highlighted the role of the NWU Science Centre in promoting scientific literacy and encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through interactive demonstrations and experiential learning, science centres provide opportunities for learners and visitors to engage with scientific ideas in ways that complement formal education.

Beyond the demonstrations, the visit created an opportunity to reflect on science communication, public engagement and the different ways in which people encounter and understand scientific knowledge. It also underscored the value of international academic visits in encouraging the exchange of ideas and opening possibilities for collaboration in science education and communication.

As the NWU continues to strengthen its commitment to community engagement, scientific literacy and innovative teaching and learning, the NWU Science Centre remains an important bridge between scientific knowledge and the public, inspiring curiosity and demonstrating that science is not only something to read about, but something to experience.

Dr Mokhele and NWU Science Centre staff welcomed a visiting professor from Switzerland on 13 October 2026. From left are Tshepang Manyedi, project coordinator, Lebogang Seabelo, Dr Moleboheng Mokhele, Prof. Egon Werlen, Mathapelo Mothibi, with Kagisho Motsaapheko sitting in front.