Natural and Agricultural Sciences News

Inaugural lecture explores mathematics' role in modern theory

Prof Thekiso Seretlo, a mathematics professor at the North-West University (NWU), delivered a captivating inaugural lecture on 13 March 2024, at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

The lecture, titled "The role of finite simple groups in Clifford-Fischer Theory: group generations, codes and designs", shed light on the significance of finite…

Renowned astronomer to talk about asteroid threats and strategies for Earth's defense

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences will host a guest lecture on 20 March 2024, featuring distinguished astronomer and extraordinary professor, Prof Don Kurtz.

Prof Kurtz, an A1-rated professor based in the United Kingdom, will delve into the intriguing topic of "Impact!" during his lecture…

Prof Mnisi selected to attend agriculture, nutrition and health training programme

Prof Kenny Mnisi, a North-West University (NWU) academic in the School of Agricultural Sciences, has been accepted to attend the Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH) Academy Training of Trainers Programme.

The first training workshop will take place from 18 to 22 March 2023 in Stellenbosch.

The Agriculture, Nutrition and…

Another impressive accolade for Prof Babalola

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola has been appointed as the foreign affairs secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Science for a two-year term beginning in May 2024.

Prof Babalola, director of the Food Security and Safety research niche area, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Having…

Sunflower seeds show promise in water treatment study

In the face of global water scarcity and pollution challenges, a recent study by North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Lobina Palamuleni has uncovered a potential solution using an unexpected material: sunflower seeds.

Traditionally recognised for their versatility in food, medicine and industry, sunflower seeds may now play a…

Meet our researchers

Researchers across the faculties at the North-West University (NWU) are doing exciting work in their fields of expertise.

Prof Courtney Cook is an associate professor and researcher in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Dr Benjamin Rapanyane is a…

AI and machine learning skill sets needed to improve Africa’s water resources management

Water is a limited natural resource and for Africa to improve its management of this resource, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning skill sets need to be taught and embraced at institutions of higher learning.

This is one of the conclusions of Prof Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema, executive manager for the Southern African…

Botanist acknowledged for his remarkable contribution

Prof Stefan Siebert from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences was awarded the prestigious South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) Silver Medal at the recent 49th Annual SAAB conference at the University of Zululand’s Richard’s Bay Campus. This prestigious award was made in acknowledgement of his…

Why we shouldn’t hang our wetlands out to dry

A lack of awareness of our wetlands can have catastrophic consequences for South Africa’s biodiversity. Wetlands play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, water management and community livelihoods, but extensive agricultural expansion, urban development and industrial activities mean that these vital ecosystems are increasingly under…

In the stratosphere together: NWU, NASA and Princeton University reach for the stars in Super Pressure Balloon project

On Thursday, 16 April 2023, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the Super Pressure Balloon, carrying the Super Pressure Balloon Imaging Telescope (SuperBIT), from Wanaka, New Zealand. The SuperBIT operates in the stratosphere at an altitude of 40 kilometres above sea level.

The primary scientific goal of…