Health Sciences

Research chair aims to take results from the laboratory to the community

South African researchers are increasingly looking for innovative ways to improve health outcomes, particularly as the country faces rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. A new research chair, the first for biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), aims to make an impact on the lives of people suffering from metabolic ailments. 

Submitted on

Accreditation brings NWU’s medical school closer to reality

The North-West University (NWU) has reached a decisive milestone in establishing the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine following the accreditation of its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

The CHE confirmed the accreditation in correspondence dated 21 August 2026. The six-year, 940-credit programme will be offered in contact mode at the Potchefstroom Campus.

Submitted on

Researcher wins best poster presenter award at international public health conference

North-West University (NWU) researcher Dr Charity Masilela put public health research at the university on an international platform when she received the Best Poster Presenter Award at the 12th International Conference on Public Health, held in Bali, Indonesia, from 5 to 7 August 2026.

Submitted on

Social interaction is essential for healthy childhood development

Parents often focus on academic achievement, but one of the most powerful influences on a child's development is something far simpler: meaningful social interaction. According to Linique Hanekom, a speech-language therapist at the Centre for Health & Human Performance in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), everyday interactions such as talking, playing and responding to children are fundamental to their language development, emotional wellbeing and ability to build healthy relationships.

Submitted on