NWU honours excellence in community engagement

Thirteen academics from the North-West University (NWU) received recognition for their excellence in community engagement.

They were honoured during the NWU’s Excellence in Community Engagement (CE) Awards Ceremony that took place on 31 March.

The…

Hypertension: a problem among young people

No one escapes the silent killer.

High blood pressure is one of the major factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease and is often referred to as the “silent killer”.

It is clear from several studies conducted by the Hypertension in Africa…

Covid-19 and the fuelling of global individualism

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research focus area recently hosted a webinar by Prof Ian Goldin, a world-renowned researcher.

The title of the webinar was “The Covid-19 pandemic: From global crisis to a better world”, during which Prof Goldin talked about the necessity to think about life after Covid-19.

Whisper’s PhD research could help South African industry embrace digital transformation

Just as offices, shops, classrooms and lecture halls are embracing digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so must the manufacturing industry. Known as Industry 4.0 or I4.0, the transformation is essential for the sustainability of local manufacturing. This prompted a PhD Engineering student at the North-West University (…

NWU-WTO Chairs Programme explores Africa’s trade potential

Ever since the World Trade Organisation Chairs Programme (WCP) was launched at the North-West University (NWU) some years ago within the TRADE research focus area, Africa has remained a key focus area for the WCP’s research and outreach activities. Although Africa is known to have the potential to become an economic powerhouse and trading hub,…

NWU researcher collaborates in international fungi study

The fungus that spoils bread does not work alone. It has guests hidden deep within its cells – bacteria – with whom it has a mutually beneficial relationship that can be positive or negative for humans. Understanding and modifying this relationship can have a profound impact on the food, medical and agricultural industries. This is the focus of…

“Jaws” and tourism

It was 1975 and the concept of the “blockbuster film” was in its infancy. A young director named Steven Spielberg adapted Peter Benchley’s harrowing novel Jaws into the first bona fide summer spectacular that changed the face of modern cinema forever. What was once revered was now hated and feared. Sharks: big fish with large teeth that are…

Study highlights the link between obesity and academic performance

While most people are aware of the health risks associated with children being overweight or obese, they do not know about the academic consequences that come with these conditions.

Deidré van Staden, a North-West University (NWU) master’s degree graduate, conducted a study in which she explored how child obesity, overweight, stunting…

NWU academic receives a research medal from the education association

Prof Christo van der Westhuizen from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Self-Directed Learning (SDL) research unit has been awarded the Education Association of South Africa (EASA) Research Medal for 2020. 

This award is made to established…

New book highlights migrants’ mental health challenges

Horrific scenes of migrants who have perished on the high seas while in search of a better life is a too-familiar sight on television screens, online and in newspaper pages. Extreme hunger, repressive governments and ethnic and religious conflicts are cited as among the contributory factors for the crises. A North-West University (NWU) academic…