Health Sciences

Faculty of Health Sciences to host one-day Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba

On 18 July the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Health Sciences will host the Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba, a dynamic one-day event dedicated to exploring the intersections of academic research, community engagement and societal impact.

Taking place at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, this event is set to attract scholars, practitioners, community leaders and students, all eager to discuss and showcase the transformative potential of engaged scholarship.

Submitted on Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:55

Academic a finalist in M&G 200 Young South Africans

Dr Monray Williams, a senior lecturer in the subject group Biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), has been announced a finalist in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans for 2024 in the Science, Technology, and Innovation category.

This annual feature by the Mail & Guardian newspaper celebrates 200 young South Africans, aged 35 and under, who are making significant contributions in their fields.

Submitted on Thu, 07/04/2024 - 14:21

Toxic fungi and mycotoxins threaten Africa's food security

Africa is facing a challenge in ensuring food security due to contamination of agricultural products by toxic fungi and their byproducts, mycotoxins, amid climate change.

This is according to Prof Mulunda Mwanza, who delivered his inaugural lecture at the North-West University (NWU) on 6 June 2024.

"Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, which infect staple crops including maize, peanuts, wheat, rice and various tree nuts,” he explained.

Submitted on Fri, 06/07/2024 - 12:26

Academic, student and alumnus win big at Nursing Awards

The North-West University (NWU) made a significant mark at the North West Provincial Nursing Awards held on 23 May 2024 at the Sun City Convention Centre.

The event, organised by the North West Department of Health, recognised outstanding contributions and excellence in the nursing profession. These awards also show appreciation for the dedication and selflessness of nurses in the province, and motivate them to uphold and improve the standards of nursing education and practice in the North West province.

Submitted on Fri, 05/31/2024 - 07:23

Nurse survey reveals concerning trends in South African healthcare

Nurses should be celebrated for countless reasons. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system and touch the lives of individuals and communities in profound ways.

Nurses Day, observed annually on 12 May, commemorates the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This year, amidst the ongoing global health crisis, the significance of nurses and the challenges they face are more evident than ever.

Submitted on Wed, 05/15/2024 - 10:48

From cadavers to virtual dissection: reshaping medical learning

The School of Nursing at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) is keeping up with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Anatomy and physiology education have been completely revolutionised by the recently introduced anatomage table, which visualises anatomy as it would appear on a fresh cadaver. This initiative is evidence that the NWU is continuing to put its students first.

Submitted on Wed, 05/15/2024 - 08:45

NWU rakes in eight nominations for ‘Science Oscars’

The North-West University (NWU) has received eight nominations for this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. It is another feather in the University’s cap in its pursuit of excellence without boundaries.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards, also known as the ‘Science Oscars’, is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards.  It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

The NWU is proud of this year’s nominees, who include:

Submitted on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 10:27

Meet our researchers

Researchers across the faculties at the North-West University (NWU) continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.

Prof Andries Monyeki is the director of the research focus area Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec).

Submitted on Fri, 04/19/2024 - 11:58