A researcher of the North-West University (NWU) has done the institution proud by being acknowledged as one of the top three researchers in the humanities and social sciences at the recent South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA)*.

Prof Shan Simmonds was the second runner-up in this category for young researchers under the age of forty. She received the South African Distinguished Young Women in Science Award in Durban on 8 September. This award is given for outstanding contributions in advancing science and building knowledge in specific areas of research.

The North-West University (NWU) is showcasing its impactful research projects and programmes during its biennial Research and Innovation Week.

This year’s theme is “Research and innovation for sustainable impact”. The event is taking place from 18 to 22 September.

Research and Innovation Week is organised by the NWU’s Research Support department, in collaboration with faculties. They also use the event to conduct roadshows across campuses, taking research support services to the users.

“What is in a name?” William Shakespeare wanted to know.  A young researcher from the North-West University (NWU) knows exactly how important a name is. She is currently believed to be the youngest gnathiid taxonomist in the world, at the forefront of describing these parasites and identifying their names – or the lack thereof.

Dr Anja Erasmus thrives on recording the tiny sea species and listing important information used to identify them. She is one of only a few active gnathiid taxonomists in the world ― the others being in the Philippines, Japan, Australia and Europe.

The new Covid-19 subvariant EG.5 – also known as Eris – has made its way into South Africa with the first case reported in Gauteng in mid-August.

This after it crossed the borders of China, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal and Spain.

Dr Hazel Mufhandu, senior lecturer and virologist at the North-West University (NWU), tells us more about Eris.

Prof Marita Heyns, a researcher at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, recently delivered her inaugural professorial lecture titled "Trust @work".

The hybrid event brought together academics, family members, and friends from various parts of the globe.

Prof Heyns selected one of her research interests – how trust manifests within organisational settings – as the subject of her inaugural address.

In an intriguing joint announcement, the Walter Sisulu and North-West universities unveiled the astounding results of their preclinical trials for a groundbreaking combination vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) and Covid-19. The universities reported an unprecedented 100% protection in vaccinated animals – a significant step forwards in the unrelenting battle against tuberculosis, one of the world's most devastating diseases.

The lack of qualified nurses is placing a stranglehold on the public health sector in South Africa, but through its commitment to bettering the lives of all South Africans, the North-West University (NWU) is helping to loosen this suffocating grip.

A recent study by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) estimates that there is only one nurse for every 218 patients in the country, with a need for tens of thousands more.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, associate professor at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform has just returned from the United Kingdom after a week-long innovation boot camp at the University of Oxford.

Prof Hayeshi was one of the 10 participants selected to deliver demo pitches, after which her presentation was chosen as one of the top five pitches.

By Vukosi Mathale