Engineering News

NWU rakes in eight nominations for ‘Science Oscars’

The North-West University (NWU) has received eight nominations for this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. It is another feather in the University’s cap in its pursuit of excellence without boundaries.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards, also known as the ‘Science Oscars’, is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted…

Let us make mining sexy

Professor Quentin Campbell from the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) has an eloquent, soft-spoken way with words. Therefore, when he said, “it is time to make mining sexy”, the attendees at the NWU’s first ever mining indaba immediately took note with a chuckle.

Prof Campbell was serving as moderator during a…

From waste to compost

By Kangwa Nkonde

An initiative by Dr Willem van Niekerk, a senior lecturer in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Mechanical Engineering, aims to assist the community in turning waste into compost.

This project demonstrates a practical and eco-friendly approach to composting. It uses readily…

The NWU explores collaboration for engineering in agriculture

The Enterprise African Regional Network (EARN) will continue to be a major factor in luring young people into the agricultural sector as it provides African entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed in the food-producing industries. On Monday, 5 February 2024, African Greeneurs from EARN conducted a visit to the Faculty of Engineering…

Engineering professor wins best paper award

Prof Jan de Kock from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering clinched the Best Paper Award at the recent Southern African Universities Power Engineering Conference (SAUPEC 2024).

The conference, jointly hosted by Stellenbosch University and the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), serves as a…

A shared vision ahead: an engagement that marks a new era of cooperation

On Monday, 18 December 2023 the North-West University (NWU) and the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) engaged in a discussion aimed at promoting collaboration and fostering a relationship that will benefit both parties.

The meeting took place at the office of the of the vice-chancellor in Building F1 on the Potchefstroom Campus,…

Academic represents NWU at Association of Energy Engineers conference

Professor in mechanical engineering Prof LJ Grobler represented the North-West University (NWU) at the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) World conference that took place from 25 to 27 October 2023 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida.

The AEE is an international non-profit membership association focusing on…

Meet our researchers

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

Prof Philimon Modisha is an associate professor in the Faculty of Engineering and his research is centred on liquid organic hydrogen storage. His research is mostly at the Department of Science and Innovation Hydrogen South Africa…

Xcel – opening closed doors in engineering

A second chance to achieve better matric results may just be the key to a thriving career in engineering. Through the innovative Xcel programme, the North-West University (NWU) is giving talented matrics whose final results stand in the way of their dream to become engineers the opportunity to pursue their passion.

Xcel allows students…

Is it still ethical to conduct coal research in South Africa?

As the debate on the effect of fossil fuels on climate change rages on, questions regarding the use of fossils fuels as a major part of the country’s energy-producing package are hotly disputed. Now, Prof Marco le Roux of the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) asks: Is it still ethical to conduct coal research in South…