Academic News

NWU researcher collaborates in international fungi study

The fungus that spoils bread does not work alone. It has guests hidden deep within its cells – bacteria – with whom it has a mutually beneficial relationship that can be positive or negative for humans. Understanding and modifying this relationship can have a profound impact on the food, medical and agricultural industries. This is the focus of…

“Jaws” and tourism

It was 1975 and the concept of the “blockbuster film” was in its infancy. A young director named Steven Spielberg adapted Peter Benchley’s harrowing novel Jaws into the first bona fide summer spectacular that changed the face of modern cinema forever. What was once revered was now hated and feared. Sharks: big fish with large teeth that are…

Study highlights the link between obesity and academic performance

While most people are aware of the health risks associated with children being overweight or obese, they do not know about the academic consequences that come with these conditions.

Deidré van Staden, a North-West University (NWU) master’s degree graduate, conducted a study in which she explored how child obesity, overweight, stunting…

NWU in top 100 of Emerging Economies University Ranking

The North-West University (NWU) has once again made its mark in the international rankings with a top 100 placing ― and overall sixth place in South Africa ― in the Emerging Economies University Ranking of Times Higher Education (THE).

The NWU has an overall 97th place out of 606…

Research commons spaces contribute to graduate and research output at NWU

To keep abreast of the trends of the twenty-first-century, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) academic libraries has embarked on major space renovations since 2014.

One such renovation includes the establishment of research commons spaces at each of the three campus libraries.…

South Africa must move its economy into sustainable job-rich growth territory

Prof Raymond Parsons from the Business School of the North-West University (NWU) says South Africa must urgently capitalise on the economic “rebound” this year to move its economy into more sustainable job-rich growth territory in the period ahead.

“The widely expected official…

NWU Mahikeng Library makes studies easier for undergraduate students

On 4 March 2021, the library on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus launched new additions to its undergraduate student commons. 

According to Tiyani Mabunda, the director for open scholarship, the new additions include a 24-hour study area with…

NWU lecturer uses information technology to make a difference 

Chuku Taole, North-West University (NWU) Information Technology (IT) lecturer and Vanderbijlpark Campus alumnus, is committed to making a positive and lasting difference in the Lethabo Power Village where he grew up. 

For the past few years, the former NWU Student Representative Council member, together with a group of former…

NWU study: how indigenous fruit trees can benefit food security

“Indigenous fruits have long been collected from the wild for human consumption and other purposes. This concept of ‘one tree, many uses’ speaks to how indigenous fruit trees are valued for many things other than just their fruits.”

This is…

NWU Engineering encourages entrepreneurship in communities through I2P Lab

The Faculty of Engineering on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus recently added an Idea2Product (I2P) Lab to their technology arsenal.

The I2P Lab is a national initiative funded by the Department of Science and…