Research

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.

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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 and Technology in Norway, examined the growing workplace mental health challenge during a recent presentation titled, “The workplace mental health paradox”.

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NWU Council approves revised IP Policy as TTIS begins a new phase

By Vukosi Mathale

The NWU Council approved the revised Intellectual Property (IP) Policy at its meeting on 17 September 2026.

The revised policy covers intellectual property arising from the research and innovation activities of the NWU and sets out the responsibilities of employees, students and internal contractors.

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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 researcher at the 10th Occupational and Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals (OEESC) Conference, held in Manchester in the United Kingdom from 14 to 16 September 2026.

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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). 

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