July 2024

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Welcome to the fourth edition of the North-West University's newsletter, Research@NWU. The aim of this newsletter is to showcase research projects, researchers and related events.

"Science Oscars" winners do NWU proud

Cutting-edge research and innovation have earned the university two wins at this year's NSTF-South32 Awards. Prof Linda Godfrey and Jonker Sailplanes (Pty) Ltd received these prestigious awards – also known as the Science Oscars – during a hybrid event and live broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town on 11 July.

Researcher investigates energy security

While state-owned electricity utilities have long dominated energy production in the Southern African Development Community, greater private sector involvement could boost energy security across the subregion. According to Prof Muhiya Lukamba the good news is that member states are actively investing in the energy sector to ensure stability and create opportunities for private sector investment.

Screening of newborns saves lives

They are vital hours and every one of them matters. They are the window that can change the course of a child’s life for the better, and the NWU is ensuring that those first 24 to 72 hours after birth are optimised to safeguard the health of newborns.

Seaweed and mushroom substrates as chicken feed

One of the greatest challenges facing Africa is food security. PhD graduate in animal science Dr Godfrey Mhlongo believes indigenous chickens, brown seaweed and oyster mushroom spawn could help feed the continent and preserve the environment.

Advanced wireless networks are crucial

Artificial intelligence has significantly transformed communication systems in today's modern world. The integration of AI into various communication systems will likely lead to more advanced capabilities and the invention of new applications.

Meet our researchers – Prof Anja Franken and Dr Suranie Horn

Researchers across the faculties at the NWU continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise. We introduce the work of two researchers.

Prof Franken and Dr Horn are both from the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI).

Please share your comments and input by sending an email to
the newsletter editor, willie.duplessis@nwu.ac.za