The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine on the national stage, having been named a finalist in two prestigious categories of the 2025/2026 NSTF‑South32 Awards. This recognition underscores the impact of the university in science, engineering, technology and innovation in South Africa.

The awards are widely known as South Africa’s Science Oscars. It is the largest and most comprehensive national awards event honouring outstanding contributions in the above-mentioned fields. The NWU received five nominations this year.

This year’s event, the 28th ceremony, will take place on 16 July, with simultaneous events being presented in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The 2026 theme, Healthy Ageing, aligns with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021 to 2030).

Finalists represent excellence across diverse categories

Prof. Kgaugelo Lekota, associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, has been named a finalist for the TW Kambule‑NSTF Emerging Researcher Award. This award is sponsored by the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). Prof. Lekota is recognised for his work in advancing genomic solutions to combat zoonotic disease (infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans) and antimicrobial resistance, while also building the next generation of scientists in South Africa.

Prof. Jaco Hoffman and the International Longevity Centre South Africa (ILCSA) in the Optentia Research Unit have been named finalists for the Special Annual Theme Award: Healthy Ageing.

This contribution links African ageing evidence to pan‑African and global policy networks, delivering Africa‑ready approaches to healthy ageing. Prof. Hoffman is co‑director of the ILCSA, professor of Socio‑Gerontology in the Optentia Research Unit, lead of the Ageing and Generational Dynamics in Africa (AGenDA) programme, a professorial fellow at the Institute of Population Ageing at the University of Oxford, and coordinator of the African Research on Ageing Network (AFRAN).

These finalists highlight the commitment of the NWU to impactful research and innovation that address pressing societal challenges. They also affirm the role of the university as a leader in advancing knowledge and shaping solutions for South Africa, Africa and beyond.