Groundbreaking research in child health assessment has now led to the development of the first free, open-source motor performance test designed specifically for African children.
Breakthrough research by Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman, an extraordinary professor at the North-West University (NWU), and a team of international collaborators has now been published in Communication Medicine of Nature.com.
Little understood but more common than many realise, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that often leaves individuals living with it – and their families – feeling isolated and marginalised. With April being Autism Awareness Month, the time is ripe to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion in society of individuals with ASD.
A North-West University (NWU) professor has been selected for a new diploma in sports pharmacy offered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a significant milestone for both the institution and the pharmacy profession.
Prof. Stephan Steyn, an associate professor in Pharmacology, will join the inaugural 2026 intake of the programme, the first qualification of its kind worldwide, positioning the NWU among the early contributors to the emerging field of sports pharmacy.
Taking along the spirit of Ubuntu, a North-West University (NWU) academic is stepping onto the international stage to connect South African public health research with global networks through her appointment to a key leadership role at a major international conference.
Dr Mpho Chipu from the School of Nursing has been appointed by the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) as country coordinator for the 12th International Public Health Conference set to take place in Bali, Indonesia, from 5 to 7 August 2026.
Prof. Pieter Kruger, director at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Health and Human Performance, opened his national cycling campaign with outstanding results in sprint and endurance events at the South African Track Cycling Championships. The event took place from 1 to 6 April 2026 at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town.
Prof. Kruger won gold in the 3 000 m Individual Pursuit, the 10 km Scratch Race and the 750 m Sprint Time Trial. His winning margin in the 750 m event was 0,3 seconds. He also took silver in the 1 500 m Individual Pursuit on the opening day.
The North-West University (NWU), through its Centre for Health Professions Education (CHPE), recently played a key role in a major continental initiative to strengthen the quality of health professions education across Africa.
The North-West University (NWU) has reached a significant milestone in its academic and institutional development with the appointment of Prof. Binu Luke as the inaugural chief director of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, effective from 1 April 2026.
Long-term capacity building is required to address perinatal mood disorders which affect more than a third of women in South Africa, negatively impacting individuals and families.
To address this, local, international health care professionals and academics met in Mahikeng from 9 to 13 March 2026. The purpose was to advance a joint programme aimed at improving early detection and management of perinatal mood disorders in rural South Africa. Limited access to specialised mental-health services in these areas continues to affect maternal and child health.
North-West University (NWU) nursing student Mecayla Johnson will represent South Africa at the 46th International WorldSkills Competition after winning the WorldSkills South Africa Occupational Standards national competition.
Mecayla represented the NWU at the national competition from 8 to 12 March 2026 in KwaZulu-Natal where she competed against seven participants from across the country. They were tested on their knowledge and grasp of their respective talents in simulated hospital and clinic scenarios.