NWU calls for fair access to research as scholars confront the cost of knowledge

Research can change lives, but what happens when the people who need it most cannot afford to access it? This question took centre stage as the North-West University (NWU) brought together academics, researchers and library professionals to examine the rising cost of publishing research and the barriers that prevent…

NWU and GRAIN SA strengthen ties to advance agricultural research and graduate readiness

By Ashleigh Kootzen

The School of Agricultural Sciences in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) of the North-West University (NWU) and Grain SA brought together representatives from more than 30 organisations at Pienaarskamp on Friday, 16 October 2026, to explore how…

NWU researcher discovers three ancient insects from a 90-million-year-old deposit

Three tiny insects that lived about 90 million years ago have helped a North-West University (NWU) researcher uncover new clues about life on Earth during the age of the dinosaurs. The discovery also sheds light on how insects fed on plants and how some became the crop pests farmers face today.

Expert questions why workplace mental health continues to decline

Despite growing investment in employee well-being, workplace stress and mental health challenges continue to rise – a contradiction explored by North-West University (NWU) extraordinary professor Renzo Bianchi.

Prof. Bianchi, who is a psychologist at the Norwegian University of Science…

Humanities Spring School puts human-centred scholarship in the spotlight

The Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) has concluded another successful Spring School week, bringing together academics, researchers and emerging scholars for a week of intellectual exchange, debate and collaboration.

Held under the theme “Humanising a fractured…

When AI reviews the reviewers: Who is judging our research?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help researchers write, analyse data and search vast amounts of information. But when the same technology begins to influence whether research deserves publication, a more difficult question emerges: who is actually making the scientific judgement?

Prof…

Study links unemployment to South Africa’s environmental footprint

Dalton Appolis

The health of the environment is seldom mentioned in the same breath as job creation and economic growth. Now this interconnection has been highlighted in research by North-West University (NWU) alumnus Dalton Appolis.

Dalton, a…

Vice-chancellor urges young researchers to “mine” Africa’s knowledge and innovation

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, delivered the keynote address at Mintek-SCi 2026, the Science Convention of Innovators.

The North-West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, has challenged emerging researchers and innovators in…

Scientist turns research and motherhood into an award-winning STEM legacy

A desire to help her own children understand science has grown into an award-winning journey of research, innovation and entrepreneurship for the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Dr Moleboheng Mokhele.

That journey has now been recognised on a national stage. Dr Mokhele is a senior…

NWU PhD student earns international recognition for occupational hygiene research

A study highlighting a less recognised form of chemical exposure among South African petrol attendants has earned the North-West University (NWU) PhD student Lize van der Westhuizen international recognition.

Lize received the award for the best oral presentation by an early-career…