The North-West University (NWU) takes pride in the calibre of its academics. The expert work of the NWU’s researchers and lecturers is often recognised internationally, resulting in opportunities to collaborate with some of the most renowned and highest-ranking universities in the world.

Prof Paul Smit, associate professor of and programme leader for Labour Relations Management at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, has been invited to collaborate as a visiting fellow with the Centre for Business Research (CBR) at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.

The visit will enable Prof Paul to conduct research on the use of metrics in labour law research. This includes connecting with their labour index (CBR-LRI) dataset and developing a social justice scorecard.

Prof Paul will attend Cambridge University from June to August 2024. “Undertaking any research at Cambridge is nothing but ‘out of this world’.” He says being invited as visiting fellow is the highlight of his academic career. “Conducting this kind of research at one of the absolutely best universities in the world and having the NWU linked to it is magical.”

He believes it also gives recognition to the NWU as one of the top 10 universities in Africa.

Prof Paul and Prof Simon Deakin, director of the Centre for Business Research, have been in contact at conferences and seminars over the past few years and have discussed the possibility of a joint research project between the NWU and Cambridge University. This has now come to fruition.

“This is wonderful and exciting news. It is indeed full recognition of Prof Paul’s expertise, as well as a golden mantle for the NWU and all it has to offer. The invitation is truly a great achievement and reason for celebration,” says Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU.

Prof Paul Smit, programme leader for Labour Relations Management, is excited to take his research to Cambridge University. He says being invited as a visiting fellow opens more doors to collaboration.