Potchefstroom Campus News

Researchers demonstrate that conservation and development can go hand in hand

While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.

At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos and Prof. Dirk Cilliers, is working to find exactly that balance.

“Conservation areas are the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation,” says Prof. Alberts. “They are essential to prevent the loss in biodiversity. Yet, we have to admit that… Read more

Alumnus turns challenges into beats

Thato Rantekane, better known as DJ Ooh Shucks, started his journey at the North-West University (NWU) in 2017. Like many students, he faced some bumps along the way, and in 2019, things got so tough that he had to step away from his studies. However, what seemed like the end became an essential new chapter for Thato.

After leaving…

Academic advocates for integrated rare disease treatment

Prof Chris Vorster, a chemical pathologist from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Human Metabolomics, delivered a compelling presentation at the 21st Annual Symposium on Diseases Relevant to South Africa. 

Paris and a podium for Terseus Liebenberg

On Saturday, 10 August, in a packed Stade de France, Jo-Ané van Dyk won an Olympic Games silver medal in the javelin throw, and beaming at her in the Parisian night was her coach, Terseus Liebenberg. There might be a few more silver streaks in the wily old fox’s mane, but…

Groundbreaking research leads to comprehensive and effective approach to forensic interviewing

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit recently celebrated a significant milestone with delivering the first PhD graduate in social sciences with relational dynamics and development. The groundbreaking research of Dr Constant Laubscher van Graan focuses…

Debate Society wins at Southern Africa Debating Championships

Two students from the North-West University (NWU) recently clinched the championship title in the prestigious Southern Africa Debating Championships, hosted by die University of Botswana in Gaborone.

With this amazing performance, they marked a historic achievement for the university, as it was the first time the NWU reached the finals…

Internationally acclaimed pharmaceutical business leader receives honorary doctorate

The North-West University (NWU) bestowed an honorary doctorate on internationally renowned pharmaceutical business leader and NWU alumnus Jannie Oosthuizen on Friday, 2 August.

Mr Oosthuizen is recognised for his exceptional contributions to and significant standing in the international health sector, where he is considered a key role…

Engineering Postgraduate Open Day opens minds to endless possibilities

The Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) held its Postgraduate Open Day on 25 July, granting prospective students the opportunity to engage with the faculty and peers.

The Open Day served as a platform for students to explore Engineering PhD programmes, the diverse research fields and advanced facilities of the NWU…

Meet our researchers

Researchers across the faculties at the NWU continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.

We introduce the work of two researchers - Prof Anja Franken and Dr Suranie Horn, both from the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI).

Self-driving cars, super-fast communication and smart cities need advanced wireless networks to run

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed communication systems in today’s modern world. The integration of AI into various communication systems will likely lead to more advanced capabilities and the invention of new applications. Autonomous vehicles, exceptionally fast communications speeds and smart cities come to mind.…

SADiLaR showcases research during the winter conference season

The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) at the North-West University (NWU) had a significant presence during South Africa’s winter conference season.

Its digital humanities researchers and operational teams presented…