Research News

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.…

How brown seaweed and spent oyster mushroom substrates could be used as chicken feed

One of the greatest challenges facing Africa is food security. Dr Godfrey Mhlongo, a recent PhD graduate in animal science from the North-West University (NWU), believes indigenous chickens, brown seaweed and oyster mushroom spawn could help feed the continent and preserve the environment.

He has conducted research on the use of oyster…

Researcher investigates energy security for Southern Africa

While state-owned electricity utilities have long dominated energy production in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), greater private sector involvement could boost energy security across the subregion.

The good news is that SADC member states are actively investing in the energy sector to ensure stability and create…

Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba - a convergence of minds and ideas

The Faculty of Health Sciences at North-West University (NWU) recently hosted an Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The dynamic one-day hybrid-event brought together community champions - including academics, community leaders, practitioners and students - to explore the potential of engaged scholarship.…

Students gain valuable insight and exposure at congress

By Bonolo Monaisa

Students and staff from the North-West University (NWU) recently attended the 28th South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBMB) Congress in Polokwane on 10 July 2024.

Hosted by the University of Venda, the congress was themed "Biochemistry Leading the Future" and…

NWU researchers take aim at bridging continents

In their pursuit of driving innovation and expanding the North-West University’s (NWU’s) global research, a delegation of nine researchers recently embarked on a fruitful international visit to the United Kingdom (UK).

The researchers visited two prestigious institutions, the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE) and…

NSTF awards prestigious “Science Oscars” to two from NWU

The North-West University (NWU) is celebrating two wins at this year’s NSTF-South32 Awards.

Prof Linda Godfrey and Jonker Sailplanes (Pty) Ltd received these prestigious awards ─ also known as the “Science Oscars” – during a hybrid event and live broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town on 11 July.

Prof Godfrey, an…

Newborn screening saves lives at the North-West University

They are vital hours and every one of them matters. They are the window that can change the course of a child’s life for the better, and the North-West University (NWU) is ensuring that those first 24 to 72 hours after birth is optimised to safeguard newborn health.

For Dr Ilse du Preez, acting director of the Centre for Human…

NWU launches educational card game, Prosper, to mark World IP Day

The North-West University (NWU) has launched a new educational card game called Prosper to celebrate World IP Day in 2024. The game is all about using intellectual property (IP) to teach people about the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prosper was created by the Bunt brothers (Dr Byron Bunt and Dr Lance Bunt),…

The World Intellectual Property Day Celebration at the North-West University

The North-West University (NWU) recently played host to the annual World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) celebrations in collaboration with several key partners – including the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the…