nnovation took centre stage as the NWU recently honoured researchers and creators at the IP Creators Celebration at Crista Galli in Potchefstroom.

Hosted by Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) under the leadership of chief director Dr Janine Chantson, the event featured a welcome by Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, community engagement and postgraduate studies with assigned function of the Vanderbijlpark Campus, and comments from Dr Chantson. A keynote address on the role of intellectual property in research, commercialisation and societal impact was delivered by Jetane Charsley from the National Intellectual Property Management Office.

The programme included the Whartels® Journey, presented by Prof Petro Erasmus, and the Academic Integrity Information Technology System Application (AIITSA) Journey, shared by Prof Anné Verhoef. Certificates of appreciation were awarded in two categories: SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Dr Moleboheng Ramulumo-Mokhele, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning, received recognition in the SHAPE category. "Being recognised in the SHAPE category at the NWU IP Creators Celebration is deeply meaningful to me. It affirms the vital role that the humanities play in shaping innovation, creativity and social transformation," she said.

Speaking about her project, Renewable Rangers, she added: "It uses storytelling, play and education to introduce young children to renewable energy and environmental stewardship. It translates complex STEM concepts into engaging, age-appropriate experiences that build ecological awareness and a sense of responsibility."

Associate professor Byron Bunt from the subject group History said that being recognised as an IP creator in the SHAPE category may inspire others in the humanities. "Even though we are not STEM scientists who are traditionally known for IP creation, we can contribute meaningfully, and even the tiniest idea can eventually turn into a commercially viable output that stands just as tall as any engineering or computer science technical invention."

In the STEM category, John Klerck from NWU Enterprises expressed gratitude for the recognition. "It was a great honour to be recognised alongside such extraordinary researchers at the university. This recognition demonstrates that contributions by students during their studies have the same potential to make a real-world impact as those by their lecturers and research leaders," he said.

"As part of NWU Enterprises, I am particularly excited about our collaboration with TTIS and the other inventors in further developing and commercialising these innovations, transforming academic excellence into tangible solutions that benefit society," he added.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the Wall of Innovators by Johann Coetzee from TTIS, followed by networking over dessert and coffee.