Innovation News
AI model sheds light on language evolution
AI model of Early Child Development explains how language evolves.
Professor Benjamin Rosman leads South Africa’s AI policy panel
The Director of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University’s MIND Institute to head a panel of independent experts in AI research, law and governance.
SACAQM opens AI_r Sensor Hosting Programme
The move is to encourage participants and broaden data access to improve air quality monitoring capacity.
David Fine Award winner develops cold chain logistics solution
The inaugural 2025 winner, Wisdom Mokasi, used his grant to find a promising solution for delivering temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals.
Global immersive work Kancícà Premieres at Digital Dome
A landmark moment for African storytelling, immersive innovation, and international co-production.
Lessons from SA's AI policy based on fake research
The incident is being treated as an embarrassment. It’s something more serious: a failure of the very standards the revised policy must uphold.
Targeting lung immunity in the race for better TB vaccines
New ways of generating vaccines for tuberculosis using mRNA technology.
From compost to clinic
It's African Vaccination Week in SA 24-30 April, and here's the tech reshaping how Africa can make HPV vaccines.
Nasal spray could transform treatment of deadly cerebral malaria
Master's student Taznita Kista's nose-to-brain innovation could deliver fast and targeted treatment to the brain.
From beats to bytes: AIAM's first AI-driven African music projects
Five artist-engineer teams of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University's AI & Africa Music (AIAM) Project unveiled prototypes exploring AI and African musical traditions.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ postgrads earn global innovation nod
A strong showing at a pan-African Makerthon secured students both a top prize and entry into a prestigious tech incubator.
Inhalable TB treatment a step closer to market
Novel inhalable nanosystem treatment for tuberculosis gains global recognition for market potential.
More protection for gig economy workers
South Africa is proposing to extend labour and social protections to platform workers.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ RHI shaping the future of TB prevention in SA
Meet the researchers and advocates making progress against tuberculosis through innovation and Africa-based leadership.
SAMRC renews Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit for 5-year term
Funding renewal recognises importance of applying advanced molecular biology tech to address some of the most pressing infectious disease challenges in Africa.
Low-field portable MRI enables new insights into brain ageing in rural South Africa
Portable magnetic resonance imaging machines installed in rural Mpumalanga offer unique approach to brain imaging and ageing studies in low-resource settings.
From injury to innovation
What began as a child’s encounter with trauma has grown into a research programme committed to understanding recovery.
Breathing new life into TB treatment with inhalable nanomedicine
A new nano-based drug delivery technology could outwit tuberculosis (TB) - one of humanity’s most ancient diseases.
Global STEM leaders gather at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ for TechWomen 2026
TechWomen is U.S Department of state-sponsored global programme that connects women STEM professionals from U.S innovation hubs with emerging leaders in Africa.
Getting better together
Conquering diseases such as cancer requires many minds. A transdisciplinary approach, via hubs, can enable thriving.
Universities, institutional autonomy and the global knowledge commons
With global uncertainty, universities remain one of our greatest intellectual assets. It must draw on the best global minds but keep an eye on social redress.
The cosmologist-potter using AI to fight superbugs
Distinguished Professor Bruce Bassett’s cosmic journey to Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ to join the “leading AI research group in the country”.
R20-million in prizes up for grabs
Innovators invited to build the future of transport in South Africa’s busiest province.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ announces winners of AI & African Music Project
Supported by Charles Goldstuck, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ alumnus and US-based music executive, the project assists African music creators to leverage AI in music innovation.
Thrive — Flourishing in a changing world
Welcome to the 20th edition of CURIOS.TY. This milestone reflects how far the magazine has come since its launch 10 years ago.
CURIOS.TY 20: #Thrive
What it takes to #Thrive ... The issue explores what it truly means to flourish – across a lifespan, within communities, and on and with our planet.
Why cyber security remains a human discipline
Artificial intelligence is reshaping cyber security, but what it leaves behind may matter more than what it automates.
Science Innovation Day shows commercially viable novel ideas
From ground-breaking research to connecting researchers, exciting ideas are coming out of the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University Faculty of Science.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ innovation moves from ideas to impact
A group of tech transfer officers from Africa visited Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ to learn more about how the Universty enables, manages and commercialises Intellectual Property.
Emerging scientist to explore new nanoparticle therapy for brain cancer
PhD candidate Michael Gomes wins scholarship to advance his research into advanced, targeted drug delivery systems for glioblastoma.
New review points to faster, safer vaccine development
Viral mimic systems and other tech platforms could enable local testing of vaccine candidates and antiviral therapies.
DNA meets metaphor in unique arts with science programme
Postdoc poet Dr Tebogo Matshana explores memory, ancestry and change in the body through artist-in-lab fellowship at genomics institute.
SWEAT Africa 2026
Positioning Africa at the centre of global innovation, investment and collaboration. SWEAT Africa takes place from 13–14 February 2026.
Biomedical Soft Robotics debuts in Joburg
Four institutions collaborate to develop core skills and resources which will form the basis for soft robotics capacity.
Peco Power wins prestigious Empower a Billion Lives competition
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ spin-out company has been named the Energy Supply Track Winner in this competition from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Building AI, the African way
AMLD Africa 2026 urges Africa-led artificial intelligence and machine learning education, research and innovation.
Low-platinum catalyst could make hydrogen production cheaper
International research team develops catalyst that replaces some of the costly metal with nickel and cobalt.
Flies and the hidden drivers of cholera
Study finds that flies can transmit cholera-causing pathogens. Africa carries the largest cholera burden, which is why an oral cholera vaccine trial is timeous.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ies awarded prestigious Google PhD Fellowships
Jess Rees and Tristan Bester, have been awarded the highly competitive Google PhD Fellowship for 2025.
Music and architecture students join forces
Architecture and sound came together innovatively at the recent Resonant Spaces performance.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ ranked first for innovation performance
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University has been recognised as the top-ranked university in Sub-Saharan Africa for innovation performance in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII).
Real-world data gives Africa a smarter path to fighting HIV and TB
African biostatisticians have offered a powerful, data-driven alternative that can accurately inform HIV policy, reduce healthcare costs, and save more lives.
Science Faculty pioneers an Innovation Day
Regardless of their area of focus, all Faculties at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University can benefit from understanding and promoting innovation across their Departments.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ case studies selected to demonstrate societal impact
TB, HIV, Covid diagnostics save lives and applied theatre technique addresses increasing HIV infection in youth.
Nature’s 10 names Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ie for role in global pandemic treaty
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’ Precious Matsoso is one of Nature’s 10, a list of people who shaped science in 2025.
The ghost workers behind the AI revolution
How Africa’s invisible digital labour is fuelling the AI revolution and why it’s time to confront the human cost.
The silent engine of SA’s future is hiding in plain sight
Advanced mathematical sciences, from pure and applied mathematics to statistics, data science and operations, research, quietly underpin and power every modern.
New video series explores what innovation really means in a university
Produced by the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre, the series explores what innovation looks like beyond the boundaries and expectations imposed on this important concept.
Winners of Irish Tech Challenge SA 2025 announced
Seven high-growth tech companies selected to receive up to €10,000.00 in grant funding, a pre-acceleration program and a fully-funded business immersion week.
Building communities of belonging in academia
New Head of Postgraduate Studies and Researcher Development aims to cultivate connections and shared growth to ward off postgrad isolation.
Curiosity and passion drives visionary ‘knowledge worker’
‘Research leadership cannot be reduced to a technical enterprise. It must be innovative,’ says new Research Director.
WIC maps agripreneurship untapped potential
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre (WIC) studied how to better support and develop young agripreneurs in South Africa.
Rerouting mental health in Africa
Africa has the world’s most diverse genome research, which holds potential for precision medicine and revolutionising mental health treatment.
South Africa’s G20 opportunity in the age of AI
As G20 president, South Africa can highlight the importance of digital sovereignty for ensuring dignity, economic justice, and resilience.
When digital progress leaves basic literacy behind
Digital access is expanding fast across South Africa, but without basic literacy, can it truly empower?
New experts in innovation support and development at WIC
Tebogo Machethe and Thandeka Mhlanga recently joined the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ receives US$1.8 million from Bezos Earth Fund
The award supports innovative use of artificial intelligence to protect biodiversity and advance climate solutions worldwide.
AIrSynQ – a breath of fresh air at the beach
Guests at Blaauwberg Beach Hotel in Cape Town experience how Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ research powers a new AI air quality system.
You want to save the planet? Change the way you think
Lifestyle changes will be of more benefit in the fight against climate change than industrialised solutions such as electric vehicles.
How cashew nut shells could help Africa make vaccines
Waste to wonder: Chemists and scientists are engineering a next-generation vaccine from a surprising and humble source.
Where we MIND humans as much as code
In a world dictated by data, scale and speed, the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ MIND Institute prioritises the human being.
How Africa’s quantum tech could rewrite the future
This year is the International Year of Quantum, and Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ researchers are making extraordinary contributions to the field.
The African Data Drive
New interactive tool to bridge Africa's critical data gap for sustainable development.
New cross-continental AI partnership
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½, UCT, partner with the CISPA Helmholtz-Center for Information Security to drive research into cybersecurity and trustworthy AI.
Disruption as a catalyst for reinvention
[Editorial] For a leading African university like Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½, disruption has become not just an inevitability, but a force for reinvention.
Curios.ty 19: #Disruption
The crises, tech, research and people shaping up our world (Spoiler: Quantum is here).
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ breaks ground on Africa’s first fully integrated BioHub
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Interdisciplinary and Translational Science (WITS) BioHub is one of the most ambitious projects in the University’s 100-year history.
Afretec Network awards $2.3M in multi-institutional research grants
The Carnegie Mellon University Africa-led network has awarded almost $7.43M in research funding since it was established in 2022.
Fak’ugesi 2025 promises epic Power Surge
Africa’s digital creativity is poised to generate its own momentum as the annual Festival takes place from 7 to 10 October 2025.
Apply now for the exciting AI & African Music pilot project
The project aims to support ground-breaking music ideas that harness AI and champion African creativity, and build new futures for AI in music.
SA must refine its own AI future and secure algorithmic sovereignty
The country stands at a crossroads. It is essential that we and other African countries build the capacity to refine our own data.
Google.org backs the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ MIND Institute with US$1M boost
The Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute has been awarded core funding of US$1 million by Google.org.
Painless microneedle patches could transform HIV treatment for children
What if treatment could be as simple as putting on a plaster, twice a week?
Next-generation ‘molecular scissors’ may offer hope for chronic hepatitis B sufferers
The genetic blueprint of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) could be permanently inactivated with newly engineered TALENs.
From research to market
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ transfers lipid formulation tech, made to enhance drug delivery and efficacy, to Afrigen Biologics.
AI: ‘Laziness and stupidity’, our biggest risk
In remembering South Africa’s Grand Geek lies a legacy that shows us how we should think about and engage with artificial intelligence.
Breakthrough quantum research will have revolutionary impact
"We will be able to quickly solve very hard problems in fields such as chemistry, pharmacology, logistics, finance and many more," says Professor Andrew Forbes.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ philosopher elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Lucy Allais, Professor of Philosophy at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and at Johns Hopkins University, is the first female South African philosopher to join the Academy.
Smart cities start with people, not technology
Lessons from Westbury, Johannesburg, show that technology must be controlled by the community and enhance people’s daily lives.
Rhisotope Project goes live
Scientific innovation offers new weapon against rhino poaching, by making rhino horns detectable and traceable.
Entrepreneurship workshop brings innovative ideas to life
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre recently held its annual Entrepreneurship / Prospector @Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ workshop.
€10,000 Irish Tech Challenge SA applications close on Monday
Tech startups in South Africa are reminded that the window to enter the Irish Tech Challenge 2025 (ITCSA) is about to close on 4 August 2025.
MIND Director named coveted CIFAR Fellow
Professor Benjamin Rosman has been appointed a Fellow of the prestigious CIFAR Learning in Machines & Brains programme.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ie recognised as one of Africa’s change leaders
Propelled by ambition and motivated by success, Dr Bradley Max Segal is one of five Africans featuring in FORBES AFRICA's 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 cover story.
Digital Humanities takes centre stage in futures research
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and the University of Edinburgh join forces with a new research Chair in Digital Humanities to shape more inclusive, just, and equitable digital futures.
Shanghai delegation at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ to explore innovation and collaboration
The high-profile delegation from the Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment (SSCI) visited to identify potential key strategic partnerships.
When is it acceptable to use AI in academic publishing?
This field is evolving rapidly and the education sector, for one, is abuzz with discussion on AI use for writing.
Bots with brains: Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ robotics goes underground
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’ RAIL Lab trains intelligent machines to navigate caves, pour milk, and plan like humans, pushing the frontiers of autonomous AI research.
The art of sound in architecture
Artist-in-residence Fellow brings sound innovation to School of Architecture and Planning
Another round of UTF grants provides innovation opportunities for Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University is set to benefit from the second instalment of the University Technology Fund (UTF), meaning more innovation is on its way.
Plug in. Power up. The future is African-made
There’s a certain kind of energy that builds before something truly powerful happens. This year’s Fak’ugesi Festival is taking shape.
Prestigious NRF P-rating for Dr Mitchell Cox
Cox earned the rating for his work in research and developing cutting-edge structured light and low-cost laser internet.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ named recipient of prestigious grant for AI climate research
The Bezos Earth Fund’s AI Grand Challenge for Climate and Nature has awarded the grant to the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Climate Risk Modelling project.
Light is the science of the future
Scientists on the African continent have made notable contributions to photonics research.
US HIV funding cuts – what’s being lost
The US cuts in research funding are devastating to the fight against HIV/Aids. It’s going to be very hard to recover.
WBS hosts first Natural Gas Symposium
Stakeholders from the oil and gas industry attend this much-anticipated conversation on the status of natural gas supply in South at the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Business School.
How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t
The solution demands two simple and clear actions: declare that photo manipulation has taken place and disclose what manipulation was carried out.
Understanding intellectual property can supercharge innovation
Producing knowledge is a daily pursuit at universities — knowing how best to protect and draw value from it is crucial.
Tech can drive blood donations
South Africa must shift from finding new blood donors to building relationships with existing ones. Technology can help.
World renowned Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Sterkfontein Caves reopen
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University announces the reopening of one of humanity’s most important palaeontological sites to the public.
Breaking Barriers: Meet the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ies hacking their futures
The Hack Your Future podcast celebrates the trailblazing Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ alumni and researchers who are transforming industries and challenging the status quo.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre leadership changes announced
Announcement by Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation on the way forward for the WIC.
Writing the AI-wrongs in journalism
The rise of AI in journalism signals the time for guidelines around disclosure, transparency and accountability.
CBIE delegation visits Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ to strengthen partnerships
The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) delegation and Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ stakeholders explored research, innovation, and academic opportunities.
Student side-hustles
From selling handbags to offering haircuts, there are Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ies out there turning campus corners into mini marketplaces.
Using your own tech for work? Why it’s a security hazard
Letting employees use their own devices such as laptops and phones for work has many benefits – and many risks, too.
Curios.ty 18: #Work
Work isn't static. It changes as we change. In this issue, we turn to our researchers as we grapple with the evolving nature of work and an unknown future.
Let’s talk about #Work
[Editorial] AI, Africa, equity, skills, burnout, toxic workplaces, semigration, sex work, and retirement, all in this issue of Curios.ty.
The chalk-dust revolution
What impact does the changing world of work have on how higher education is delivered to students?
What we did in 2024
Our research impacted humans, animals and machines, while our students’ side hustles drove innovation, and our scholars deepened our knowledge.
Looking back at 2024 with the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre
It was a year of establishment and growth for the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre (WIC) as it broke new ground to coordinate and encourage innovation across Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½.
Lightning sparks art: New Fellow joins Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Lightning Lab
WIC’s new Artist-in-Lab Fellow aims to create evocative art exploring the mysterious, inexplicable, and magical essence of lightning.
Boost for air quality monitoring in Gauteng
South African Atmospheric Quality Monitoring (SACAQM) and Evotel join forces to monitor the province’s air quality.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ joins Upanzi Network - an African research labs collab
Carnegie Mellon University Africa announced today that it will expand its digital public infrastructure initiative across the continent.
Nobel laureate warns of big tech and disinformation threats to democracy
Nobel laureate Maria Ressa believes South Africa’s traditional media is strong, but that won’t last, posing an ongoing threat to democracy.
Toolbox for academia and industry engagement
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre (WIC) partnered with Afretec to workshop practical steps of collaboration.
Unlocking intelligence: The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ MIND Institute to transform AI research in Africa
The Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute advances AI research, exploring machine, human, and animal intelligence.
New Digital Dome launches in Joburg
After major refurbishments, the old Johannesburg Planetarium has been transformed into the state-of-the-art Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Anglo American Digital Dome.
Seeing stars in a whole new light
After 64 years, the Johannesburg Planetarium has been upgraded featuring new cutting-edge digital projectors that will enhance its role in science education.
Workshop explores sustainable design in the age of AI
The workshop gave scholars insights that empowered them to create AI-powered solutions for Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Young engineers shine with innovative tech
EIE Open Day 2024: Can a robot do medical triage? Can a face detector spot you when you’re wearing a mask? Can geysers be smart?
Training the Next-Gen animators
Four young South African 2D animators train with the world’s best to become teachers for a new generation.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ teams clinch coveted SATNAC Challenge awards
Swelihle Sibiya and Andile Mgomezulu won the R&D Challenge and the Huawei Challenge respectively, at the 2024 SATNAC Industry Solutions Challenge.
Until…until…until…#UntilUnlocked
Fak’ugesi Festival unleashes the potential that lies within communities when technology, art, and culture intersect in Africa.
Fak’ugesi Festival 2024 countdown
Africa’s biggest creative digital innovation festival is from 3 – 5 October 2024 at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’ Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct.
Pioneering disability inclusion: Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ DRU and Afretec lead the way
Two-day workshop redefines inclusive education and how to leverage new technologies to empower students and staff with disabilities.
Water data hub for Gauteng
The water dashboard will help residents to keep track of shortages and repair issues and help to understand just how bad things are.
LINK and ITU partner to boost digital skills in Africa
The parties aim to fast-track digital skills development for policymakers and ICT professionals.
WIC leadership role changes announced
These reflect the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre's agility and responsiveness in continuing to grow the University’s innovation ecosystem.
Affordable new AI device to monitor air pollution hotspots in real-time
A team of particle physicists have rolled out the first inexpensive South African air quality monitoring system using AI to predict areas of high pollution.
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Foundation for Democracy opens its doors for business
The Foundation looks to reshape discussions about democracy in Africa.
From knowledge to impact: Bridging the academic-entrepreneurship divide
Aspiring African innovators and entrepreneurs converge at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ to learn skills to transform ideas into market-ready solutions.
Postgrads learn how to become ‘academic entrepreneurs’
To grow their entrepreneurial spirit and skills, 70 postgraduate students attended the Pan-African Entrepreneurship Week during the winter break.
Peco Power empowers rural community with Rent-to-Own Electricity
The pioneering technology from Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ is transforming energy access with its new impact-driven Champion Franchise Model.
The psychological games cybercriminals play
Catching online scammers: Our model combines data and behavioural science.
Mobile phone data help track pathogen spread and evolution of superbugs
Novel way to map spread and evolution of pathogens, and their responses to vaccines and antibiotics, reveals how to help predict and prevent future outbreaks.
‘It’s all about the youth’
Dr Solomon Assefa, the former Vice President at IBM Research, delivered the inaugural Professor Barry Dwolatzky Memorial Lecture.
Afretec awards almost $1.7 million
One of the grant recipient projects from Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University will investigate the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½-Bath Spa collaboration takes off
Three-year bursary scheme to support strategic collaboration between the two universities.
New cutting-edge digitisation equipment for Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Digitisation Centre
This addition marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to preserve the University's vast archives and collections.
New Student Entrepreneurship Hub launched
The E-Hub marks the beginning of a new era in fostering student-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and Liberty launch new Fintech Hub
New Hub will be a place where researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals can get together to leverage technology to solve problems in the field of finance.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ celebrates Intellectual Property Day
By awarding Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ researchers for their contribution to IP rights, the event highlights the integration of innovation and creativity for a shared future.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ welcomes 12 000 future researchers
The University held its annual Postgraduate Orientation Programme from 4 – 6 March in the Great Hall and online.
Light correcting light
Researchers have found a way to send patterned light messages through obstructions, without distorting the message.
Launch of Irish Tech Challenge SA 2024 ignites innovation
The Tech Challenge seeks to foster partnerships between South African and Irish startups.
Advancing gender and leadership in higher education
A group of ten Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University staff and students recently attended the Afretec Gender in STEM Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda.
Committed to enabling access to education
The University received several queries pertaining to fees, funding, financial aid, and accommodation. Here are the many ways Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ assists students.
How academics can counter ‘AI thinks, therefore I am’
2023 will be remembered as the year that artificial intelligence (AI) – or, more specifically, large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT – changed the world.
South African technology winners visit Dublin
Pelebox founder, Neo Hutiri, is one of the five winners of the Irish Tech Challenge - a prestigious competition seeking to unearth high-impact SA start-ups.
Royal Academy of Engineering awards Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ie special medal
Neo Hutiri recognised as top achiever among Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation winners.
3D scanning: We recreated a sacred South African site
One criticism of current 3D models of archaeological sites is that they are presented devoid of human traces and history. We captured the spirit with our model.
UK Fellowships for Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ humanities researchers
The African Fellowships programme advances South-North research collaboration to find solutions to global challenges.
Mission impossible? Not for these postdocs
8 Postdoc Fellows join Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ to boost research on the intersecting themes of climate change, just transition, sustainability, and inequality.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ies shine at intervarsity entrepreneurship finals
Tech entrepreneur wins for financial inclusion platform and medical student recognised for enabling tech efficiency and savings in spaza shops.
Phishing scams: Don't drop your guard
Cybercriminals don’t take breaks. Even seasoned internet users fall prey to these scams. Here are seven safety tips from a cybersecurity expert.
New Optica Emerging Leader in Optics Chair
SA visionary and quantum expert, Dr Isaac Nape, has been appointed as the inaugural Chair that seeks to advance quantum research.
Research ethics and integrity as a force for good
While polarisation has emerged as a defining characteristic of our age, ‘good’ ethics can navigate differences to tackle shared challenges.
'Teleporting' images across a network securely using only light
Researchers show for the first time, how we can transport images across a network without physically sending the image.
Upgraded Micro-CT Scanner to advance research
Advanced 3D imaging technology allows for fossil-bearing rocks to be examined non-invasively and saves time and resources.
Partnership unlocks cloud computing opportunities
BCX, Alibaba Cloud and Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University have partnered to empower students to foster skills for the digital economy in Africa.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ secures Digital Transformation research grants
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University scholars have secured funding as a network partner of the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec).
Science is the unifying force to bring Africa together
Breaking barriers to intracontinental mobility is paramount and the continent must engage in closer collaboration, placing science at the forefront.
First FEBE Research Seminar breaks down barriers
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment hosted its inaugural Research Seminar on 25 and 26 October 2023.
2023 Afretec Conference celebrates collaboration
Higher education leaders from across the continent recently convened for the second Pan-African network's annual conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
WMI summit explores the changing mining landscape
The Summit is another step forward in developing mining tech and skills to drive a low-carbon future and just energy transition.
Fak’ugesi 2023 Awards celebrate digital creativity
Honouring 10 Pan-African innovators for outstanding creative achievements as the Festival celebrates a decade of African creativity.
What to see and what to do at the 2023 Fak'ugesi Festival
A virtual feast of Africa’s best creative showcases, digital workshops, talks, music, and digital art exhibitions
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ launches new PGDip in Science in the field of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Graduates and third year students encouraged to apply now for the new PG Diploma to drive business ownership and job creation.
How do we use Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education for Good?
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ workshop on Learning and Teaching debates responsibility, equity, and access of generative AI in Higher Education.
Signing, to save a life
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½-Afretec Tech-Entrepreneurship Workshop held marks a pioneering stride for young, aspiring entrepreneurs.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ scientists opens up the world of pharmaceutical research at National Science Week
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Advanced Drug Delivery Platform use the national science fair to interact with future generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and innovators.
Immersive experiences with Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ NeuRL
NeuRL’s Immersive Virtual Reality Lab uses innovative body owner illusions to understand cross-cultural bias.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½-UoE research partnership ‘heads to Space’
Researchers from Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and the University of Edinburgh held a symposium to explore collaborative opportunities for Space Research projects.
Supporting youth to become job creators
The next generation is essential to Africa's future and to global shared interests in creating a safer, healthier, and more prosperous world.
Smarter human oversight is crucial in facial recognition AI
Enhanced human verification techniques and practices will always be required to ensure accuracy and ward off inherent biases.
Researchers demonstrate noise-free communication with structured light
A new approach to optical communication that can be deployed with conventional technology.
Remembering SA's “Grand Geek” and programming pioneer
Many speak fondly of how Professor Barry Dwolatzky took them into a derelict disco and enthusiastically explained the tech co-working space he envisioned there.
Curios.ty 15 (#Energy): Igniting innovation
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½' research magazine focuses on how our researchers are powering up their creativity and expertise to find sustainable energy solutions.
Energising and futureproofing our world
Editorial: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but for South Africans it feels like we are upending this fundamental law of physics.
Can Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ go off the grid?
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to almost zero is the next big thing on the global agenda, but academics agree it’s not feasible in the medium term on campus.
Overcoming energy poverty
Researchers are developing innovative solutions to counter the energy poverty that impacts teaching and learning.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ mourns the passing of Prof. Barry - SA's 'Grand Geek'
South Africa has lost an innovator, a strategist, a humanitarian, and a much-loved Professor who dedicated over 50 years of his life to Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ breaks ground on R250 million sports complex
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Brian and Dorothy Zylstra Sports Complex is an integrated facility for training, research, and clinical practice.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre signals a new era in #InnovationForGood
The WIC will harness the creativity and ingenuity of the University’s rich, diverse community of innovators to solve complex, real-world problems.
Fine advice on failing, luck and limiting expertise
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University awarded Dr David Fine an honorary degree at the Faculty of Science graduation ceremony on 17 April 2023.
Be(IE) innovators of the future
The first Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Course sparks a new era for #Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Innovation.
Sun-powered microgrid study launched in Pretoria
The Pecogrid pilot study will examine the viability of the large-scale rollout of microgrid inverter systems in informal communities.
Two leading Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ scientists appointed to National Advisory Council on Innovation
Professor Lynn Morris and Professor Bavesh Kana will advise government on how to harness and grow innovation.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and Telkom launch new industry solutions lab
Telkom and Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ sign a partnership agreement to establish the new Telkom Industry Solutions Lab.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Innovation Centre announces team
Dr Adam Pantanowitz has been appointed as Chair in Innovation and Director of the WIC, and Letlotlo Phohole as Senior Programme Manager.
New high-tech Digital Dome catapults Johannesburg Planetarium into the future
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University and Anglo American to transform the Johannesburg Planetarium into a world-class digital research, training, and science engagement facility.
Global recognition for research and innovation in pharmaceutical sciences
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Professor of Pharmacy, Yahya Choonara, is the 2022 FIP Distinguished Pharmaceutical Science Award winner.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ to kick-start a national quantum technologies initiative with R54 million funding
The South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SA QuTI) aims develop a well-established critical mass in the national quantum community.
CTIF & Jamfest 2022: Unplugged - but still connected
Joint hybrid conferences for African civic tech innovators and media makers, journalism innovators, and other creatives.
Boost to pursue his high-risk, high-reward ideas
Professor Benjamin Rosman is one of 18 early-career researchers in the world to be named CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars for 2022-2024.
African sci-tech could drive future black hole discoveries
Astronomers have revealed the first image of the black hole at the centre of our galaxy, the Milky Way.
R50 million donation to advance innovation in South Africa
Alumnus Dr David Fine's generous donation will be used to establish the Angela and David Fine Chair in Innovation.