Meet our researchers

The faculties at the North-West University (NWU) are doing exciting work on the research front.

Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko is the director of Professional Development and Community Engagement in the Faculty of Law. His research is on the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He explains more about what his research entails…

Understanding the impact of family structure on street children

A recent study conducted by Dr Karabo Mohapanele, a PhD graduate in sociology from the North-West University (NWU), sheds light on the crucial role of families in influencing children's behaviour and shaping their lives, and on how family dynamics and structure play a significant role in the emergence of street children in North West.

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Shaping future drug development with ethical approaches

In the realm of pharmaceutical research Prof Chrisna Gouws, a professor at the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™) of the North-West University (NWU), is leading a significant charge towards transforming drug development.

Her work in animal-free testing methods revolutionises how pharmaceuticals are researched…

Using the law to advance justice and sustainability

It is easy to see how a lack of the proper application of the law, particularly in the South African context, may ultimately lead to anarchy because of those determined to sidestep it.

Fortunately, efforts such as those by the Research Unit for Law, Justice and Sustainability at the North-West University (NWU) are at the forefront of…

Exploring social justice in labour law, and how can it be measured

Social justice in labour law is not abstract and intangible, but measurable. Setting out to prove this, labour relations researcher Prof Paul Smit is investigating whether it is possible to develop a social justice scorecard, similar to an employment equity or broad-based black economic empowerment scorecard.

“What is social justice and…

AI symposium sparks innovation and collaboration in higher education

By Menziwa Msibi

The North-West University (NWU) Library and Information Service and the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering recently hosted the 3rd IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Potchefstroom.

They did this in collaboration with the International Federation of…

Engineering student scoops first prize in optimisation modeling competition

Hendrik Snyman, a fourth-year industrial engineering student at the North-West University (NWU), emerged as the victor in the recent Operations Research Society of South Africa (ORSSA*) optimisation modeling competition.

The competition, which took place during the tutorial session of this year's 52nd annual ORSSA conference, presented…

Legalisation of marijuana: A continuing debate

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Leepile Sehularo addressed the contentious issue of marijuana legalisation in South Africa during his inaugural lecture on 20 September 2023.

Under the theme "Legalisation of marijuana: The debate continues," Prof Sehularo provided a thorough examination of the profound implications of the…

Public lecture examines public leadership and governance in South Africa

The South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) hosted a public lecture on public leadership and governance in contemporary South Africa on 14 September 2023.

This public lecture was also a commemoration of the late Prof Barry Rhulani Hanyane, a lecturer and well-known political analyst at the NWU’s School…

Staff member and student impress at pharmaceutical conference

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Lesetja Legoabe and student Monique Labuschagne had an impressive showing at the 42nd Academy of Pharmaceutical Science of South Africa (APSSA) Conference.

Prof Legoabe from the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences received the best publication award for his work titled "…