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…

National teaching honour recognises researcher’s passion for student success

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…

Africa already has answers to its health challenges

Africa does not have to look beyond its borders for every answer to its health challenges. Much of the knowledge, expertise and data needed to find solutions already exist on the continent.

That is the message from North-West University (NWU) physiology professor Lebo Gafane-Matemane,…

TTIS takes innovation management expertise to SARIMA 2026

By Vukosi Mathale

The Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) team joined research and innovation professionals from across southern Africa and beyond to participate in the 2026 SARIMA Conference, held at the NH Hotel Sandton in Johannesburg from 8 to 11 September 2026.

Summit to define, build and shape the future of digital humanities in South Africa

South Africa’s digital humanities community is set to come together for the Digital Humanities Cluster Summit, taking place from 7–9 October 2026 at UNISA in Pretoria, with online participation also available. 

The three-day national gathering will bring together researchers,…

Ubuntu approach can strengthen support for learners’ mental health

Refiloe Legodi, a lecturer in the subject group Social Work at the North-West University (NWU), presented her research at the Ubuntu Nursing Colloquium that took place in August at the Groenkloof Campus of the University of Pretoria. 

Her presentation, titled “Ubuntu in action:…

An unexpected academic journey into entrepreneurship

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele never planned to become a CEO. Her journey into entrepreneurship did not start with a business plan or a dream of running a company. It started at home, with her two young sons, Wavhudi and Rivhavhudi.

When her sons experienced speech and language delays during…

Bridging trade technology and transformation at SSIRC 2026

More than a hundred researchers, policymakers and academics came together in Mauritius for the 11th Social Sciences International Research Conference (SSIRC), held from 8 to 11 September 2026.

An important message throughout the four-day conference was that the social sciences are no…