A researcher in physiology at the North-West University (NWU) has received one of the highest levels of recognition for excellence in higher education teaching in South Africa. Dr Annemarie Wentzel, senior lecturer and researcher in physiology, is one of only six recipients of the 2026 National Teaching Awards (NUTA). 

The award acknowledges educators who have made exceptional contributions to teaching and learning, and recognises Dr Wentzel’s innovative, inclusive and impactful approach to student development.

She will be formally honoured at the NUTA Gala Awards Ceremony on 20 November. 

Creative and thought-provoking

As a researcher who specialises in neuro-cardiology, neuro-endocrinology, cardiometabolic stress reactivity and machine-learning modelling of stress-systems, Dr Wentzel says she had no formal teaching training.

“I came into teaching as a scientist and researcher with just a deep fascination with brains, a few unconventional ideas and a childlike enthusiasm for making complexity feel discoverable.”

The NUTA panel commended her commitment and influence as a teacher, noting that her creative and thought-provoking teaching approaches have brought about meaningful change across departmental, institutional and international contexts. The panel further highlighted the strong evidence that her teaching practices are both effective and highly valued by students and peers.

Curiosity and purpose

The NUTA recognition follows another significant achievement in 2025, when she received the NWU Innovation in Teaching Award during the university’s Excellence Awards.

Reflecting on the latest accolade, Dr Wentzel says it is both humbling and deeply encouraging.

“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to a community of people who have generously shared their wisdom, encouraged me and consistently created space for others to grow. I am deeply grateful to the NWU, to Prof. Yolandé Heymans, Monique Koetaan and Robin Bunt for their guidance throughout the process, and to my colleagues in Physiology, specifically Prof. Yolandi Breet, Prof. Carina Mels and Prof. Wayne Smith, for their constant encouragement and support.”

Making complex science come alive

Although recognised for her teaching, Dr Wentzel’s primary academic identity remains that of a physiologist and researcher.

Her research centres on exploring the physiological mechanisms in the human body, meaning the neurophysiological signals and rhythms that are activated during acute and chronic stress responses within healthy and at-risk populations. 

She says she is in awe of Creation, and being allowed to explore and describe the complexity and design of the human body is a privilege. Dr Wentzel believes that this sense of wonder infuses her teaching.

“For me, this award is more than an accolade. It is encouragement to continue creating spaces where students can gain knowledge and fulfil their calling, growing in knowledge, purpose and service,” she says.

“My students have given me the privilege of joining them as a co-adventurer on a journey through the extraordinary landscape of neurophysiology. I am grateful for the colleagues and mentors who have challenged and encouraged me, for my family’s unwavering support and for the NWU community that has made space for this work to grow. Above all, I give glory to God.”

Dr Wentzel describes her teaching approach as “rigorous, curious and deeply human”.

“I want students to experience physiology not as a list of facts to survive, but as a fascinating landscape to explore. My role is to create the conditions in which they can ask questions, make connections, wrestle with complexity and discover what they are capable of becoming.”

Continuing to advance research and learning

She is a researcher within the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) research unit at the NWU. Her current work includes collaborations with researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH) and various universities in the United States, as well as partnerships with colleagues in Sweden, Switzerland and South Africa.

Looking ahead, she hopes to launch a new clinical research project known as the SweetHeart Study. This study will investigate the neuro-cardio-endocrine trifecta in stress-induced diabetes.

As she prepares to receive the NUTA award for her teaching, Dr Wentzel remains focused on the purpose that has shaped her journey: to invite students into the wonder of knowledge, to help them recognise and develop their potential and to equip them to serve society with wisdom and compassion.

Dr Annemarie Wentzel has been selected as one of six recipients of the 2026 National University Teaching Awards in recognition of her innovative and impactful contribution to teaching and learning.