North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola has been appointed as the foreign affairs secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Science for a two-year term beginning in May 2024.

Prof Babalola, director of the Food Security and Safety research niche area, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Having collaborated on research projects with various countries, including Nigeria, her appointment highlights her commitment to fostering global partnerships.

In the face of global water scarcity and pollution challenges, a recent study by North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Lobina Palamuleni has uncovered a potential solution using an unexpected material: sunflower seeds.

Traditionally recognised for their versatility in food, medicine and industry, sunflower seeds may now play a pivotal role in sustainable water treatment methods.

North-West University (NWU) student Oreneile Oscar Mosenogi has been chosen to represent the South Africa at the prestigious World Youth Festival in Sochi, Russia from 29 February to 8 March 2024.

Oscar is currently serving as the stakeholder relations officer of SABYA.

The World Youth Festival is the largest l youth event in the world and offers a platform for open conversation and opinion exchange to foster collaboration and to address critical global youth issues.

A delegation of academics and researchers from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, led by Prof Jovana Nikolov and Dr Andrej Vraničar, visited the North-West University's Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST) from 20 to 24 February.

The visit, funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, aimed to contribute expertise to the development of best practices in measurement and analysis using gamma spectroscopy and liquid scintillation counter (LSC) techniques.

In a collaborative effort to address the pressing issue of substance use disorder, the North-West University (NWU), in partnership with the Resurrection Hope Foundation and Ultrapex Sustainable Project, hosted a campaign event on 24 February.

Prof Lebogang Katata-Seru, acting deputy dean in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, represented the NWU at the event themed “Be a Hero, Be Drug Zero”.

“Malaria remains a formidable global health challenge with approximately 608 000 deaths attributed to it in 2022, the majority occurring in sub-Saharan Africa,” says Dr Fortunate Mokoena, a senior lecturer in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Despite being nutrient-rich and drought-resistant, indigenous foods are often overlooked in food security strategies. North-West University (NWU) student Modjadji Mandy Rasehlomi seeks to change that.

Modjadji, a master’s student in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, has been delving into the untapped potential of indigenous foods to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of No Poverty (SDG 1) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2).

Water is a limited natural resource and for Africa to improve its management of this resource, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning skill sets need to be taught and embraced at institutions of higher learning.

Dr Rebecca Quam, an American veterinarian, will soon conclude nine years of voluntary service at the NWU, leaving an indelible mark on both the institution and the local community.

Affiliated with the Christian Veterinary Mission, Dr Quam brought not only her wealth of experience in companion animal medicine but also a deep passion for teaching to the university.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area is proud to be hosting a public lecture featuring Prof Molefi Kete Asante, a towering figure in African-American scholarship, on 19 March 2024.

The theme of the lecture is “Afrocentricity, communication and culture: Building a common history”.