Research

A chance for change or a missed opportunity? Researchers must choose now

Research is at a crossroads, but the choice facing researchers is clear: make a difference to the world’s most pressing problems or be relegated to irrelevance.

“We are reminded that the decisions we make regarding the type of research we prioritise will either be the turning point towards a more sustainable and equitable world, or a missed opportunity by which history will judge us harshly,” said Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) at the opening of NWU Research and Innovation (R&I) Week.

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Mental health awareness workshop encourages postgraduate students to prioritise well-being

Postgraduate students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus were given a timely reminder to prioritise their mental health during a mental health awareness workshop.

The in-person session, which Student Counselling and Development hosted on 5 August 2025, was for postgraduate students from different faculties, creating a safe space to discuss the realities of academic life, the pressures of balancing multiple responsibilities and the importance of taking time to focus on well-being.

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Chantel Muller’s POWERful vision

In a world where innovation meets wellbeing, Chantel Muller is proving that the two can powerfully coexist. A published author and senior lecturer in marketing research and sports marketing at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus, Chantel is redefining how technology can transform health — and she’s doing it from right here at the NWU.

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Multilingualism shapes online communication

Languages clash, blend and connect users across the North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus Updates Facebook Group, revealing how multilingualism drives communication in a digital student space.

Ontiretse Motingwa, an NWU graduate, led a study that examined how language choice, ethnicity and power relationships influence communication patterns on the NWU Mahikeng Campus Updates Facebook Group. The group, moderated by NWU students, functions as a platform where members post, comment and engage in various languages, including indigenous ones.

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Smart mushroom biotechnology can enhance feedstuffs for broiler production

Feed costs are exceptionally high in the broiler chicken industry, prompting farmers and researchers alike to find ways to reduce the cost of feed without compromising bird health. Dr Makiwa Simeon Mthana, a North-West University (NWU) animal science graduate, has come up with a potential solution that uses mushroom biotechnology to enhance the nutritional utility of soyabean replacements.

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International expert launches tissue bioprinting laboratory at NWU

Tissue bioprinting and regenerative medicine are critical new frontiers in advancing human health. In partnership with a top Spanish researcher, the NWU has dramatically expanded its bioprinting research and innovation capabilities in its quest to find alternatives to animal testing and enhance personalised medicine.

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To the stars with Prof Abebe

Prof Amare Abebe, research director at the Centre for Space Research, was recently appointed as the new president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS). AfAS is the continent's primary professional body promoting astronomy research, education and outreach. It also plays a key role in positioning Africa as a global hub for astronomical excellence, driving innovation and inspiring future generations across the continent.

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The allure of stardom: How celebrity casting is shaping musical theatre

Musical theatre, a vibrant blend of song, dance and drama, has long been a playground for the audacious and the talented. Star and celebrity have always been a staple for glittering marquees of Broadway to the neon-lit stages of the West End, however this has in recent decades become a contentious issue as celebrity as a concept has undergone tremendous change. When looking to fill seats in theatres the phenomenon of casting TV and film stars has become a defining feature, sparking debates as intense as a show-stopping ballad.

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