Meet our researchers

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

Prof Andries Monyeki is the director of the research focus area Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec).

Dr Nicholin Scheepers is the programme leader at the Quality in Nursing…

Research looks at natural solutions for exposure to health-harming toxins

Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje from the North-West University (NWU) recently returned from a sabbatical in Ancona, Italy, where she conducted groundbreaking research in toxicology.

Over seven months, Prof Mazibuko-Mbeje delved into a crucial yet often overlooked area of study: the impact of toxins on human health, particularly in the…

Prof Bismark lauds Springboks as Newsmaker of the Year

The World Cup winning Springboks were named the 2023 Newsmaker of the Year by the National Press Club on Wednesday 17 April. The event is sponsored by the North-West University (NWU) and was held at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens. Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, lauded the Springboks for their immense…

Researcher uses artificial mussels to monitor water pollution

Water pollution is a significant environmental issue with far-reaching impacts on society. It is not confined to local or regional boundaries and is exacerbated by climate change, leading to human health risks.

In dealing with such unprecedented risks to our water resources, what is needed is innovation – the kind of innovation embodied…

Dr Fortunate wants to eliminate malaria

Dr Fortunate Mokoena has a vision. This senior lecturer in biochemistry at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) wants to make the continent she calls home a better, safer place for its citizens.

She hopes to do this by helping to eliminate malaria.

“Many of us born on the African…

Colonial texts with a difference provide insight for today

The ongoing influence of colonialism can be seen across the world, as it has had a lasting impact on societies and cultures. In South Africa, the repercussions of colonialism have been particularly profound, marked by periods of Dutch and British rule.

A research project titled "Colonial Pasts and Transnational Futures", led by Dutch…

Ethics first: workshop guides postgraduate students on using AI responsibly

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in the transformation and advancement of technology, and in this rapidly evolving digital world it is critical to know how to use it ethically.

The Alumni Relations Office of the North-West University (NWU) chose to impart relevant career advice regarding AI to the full-time NWU…

Optentia symposium emphasises the importance of balancing technological progress with ethical considerations

The Optentia research unit of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a symposium on technology, humanity and ethics, emphasising the importance of balancing technological progress with ethical considerations and human rights to ensure advancements support sustainability and individual well-being.

Optentia director Prof Ian…

Voter education: key issues explored prior to the general elections

Political commentator Mike Sham recently hosted a voter education event in collaboration with the Potchefstroom Student Campus Council (SCC) of the North-West University (NWU).

Mike Sham, as well as the students of the NWU who were present at the event, questioned the various political representatives in attendance about their…

World Intellectual Property Day celebrations launched

The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted the media launch for the World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) celebrations in partnership with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the National Intellectual Property…