As Starlink’s vast constellation of satellites traverse the sky in low-Earth orbit, they evoke wonder and awe in those gazing up at the night heavens. Science fiction has become technological reality. Yet, for South Africans, the benefits remain as distant as the stars beyond our solar system.

The North-West University (NWU) continues to strengthen its international networks in line with its strategy, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond. Central to this vision is the commitment of the institution to global partnerships, academic excellence and societal impact.

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.

In what has been dubbed an “accountability forum”, where pressing questions were asked about the future of South Africa, the North-West University (NWU) hosted the Youth 20 (Y20) Postgraduate Day at its Mahikeng Campus on 19 August.

The gathering was part of the NWU’s biennial Research and Innovation Week, which this year was aligned with South Africa’s presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) and emphasises solidarity, equality and sustainability.

Neighbours share more than fences, and neighbouring countries more than borders. This is especially true for the relationship between South Africa and Botswana. In the theatre of southern African politics, South Africa and Botswana share more than just a 2 000 km border: they share intertwined fates.

“You are not too young to invent. You are not too rural to innovate. And you are certainly not too poor to dream big.” These were the words of North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka as he addressed learners, educators and community members during the third annual Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day in Kuruman on 6 August 2025.

Home to the legendary All Blacks and a global reputation for sporting brilliance, New Zealand recently connected with the North-West University (NWU) over a shared drive to push the limits in high-performance sport and sports science.

In the heart of the Northern Cape, science will step out of the classroom and into the community as the North-West University (NWU) brings its third Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day to Mothibistad on 6 August 2025.

The event, to be held at the Thabo Moorosi Multi-Purpose Hall in Kuruman, is part of a growing outreach initiative by the NWU to strengthen public engagement with science and spark the interest of rural learners in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. It follows successful editions in Mabieskraal (2023) and Taung (2024).

In a landmark development for South Africa’s energy transition, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) and former CEO of the National Nuclear Regulator, has been appointed both a member and chairperson of the Ministerial Expert Panel on Nuclear.

The appointment, announced by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, places Prof. Tyobeka at the helm of a body tasked with advising government on the pace, scale, and procurement approach for new nuclear capacity.

He is known for setting the highest standards for himself, and now Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has been entrusted with doing the same for the country. As the newly appointed member and chairperson of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), he will steer an institution that plays a critical role in setting and upholding South Africa’s national standards.