Environmental Sciences & Management NWU

10/08/2026

🏅 Celebrating excellence at UESM!

Congratulations to Prof. Louis du Preez, who received the prestigious Havenga Prize for Life Sciences from the South African Academy for Science and Arts on Friday, 2 October 2026.

This honour recognises his outstanding scientific career spanning more than three decades, including his contributions to herpetology and parasitology and the advancement of Afrikaans as a language of science.

The UESM is proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Prof. du Preez! 👏



NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU Water Research Group NWU - North-West University NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Green Team African Amphibian Conservation Research Group

10/05/2026

🎓 Reconnecting with our NWU Planning alumni!

It was wonderful to reconnect with our alumni at the South African Planning Institute’s (SAPI) Planning Africa Conference in Cape Town.

We are proud to see our graduates putting their knowledge into practice and making meaningful contributions to planning across South Africa. Their work helps shape the future of our cities and communities. 🌍

Once an NWU graduate, always part of the NWU community! 💜



NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU - North-West University NWU Microbiology NWU Water Research Group NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Green Team Niké Wesch Karen Puren

09/30/2026

🌊 Postdoctoral research opportunity at NWU!

The Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Marine Sedimentary Geology and Foraminiferal Palaeoceanography, under the supervision of Prof. Eugene Bergh.

Explore past climate, ocean, and environmental change through marine sedimentary research and foraminiferal proxies.

📍 Based in Potchefstroom
🔬 Three-year fellowship, with annual performance reviews
💰 R320 000 annually, tax-free
🧪 R50 000 annually for project running expenses
🚚 R20 000 once-off relocation allowance

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field obtained within the past five years and have experience in foraminiferal research.

📅 Application deadline: 25 October 2026
📅 Appointment date: 1 January 2027

📧 Submit your application to [email protected] with the subject line: PDRF application.

Please see the attached advert for the full criteria and required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Share this opportunity with a researcher who could be a great fit!


NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU Water Research Group NWU - North-West University NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Green Team NWU Microbiology

09/28/2026

📸 Your photo could be part of ENVIRA 2026!

There’s still time to enter the ENVIRA Photography Competition. UESM staff, postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students are invited to share their best photographs and videos.

From landscapes and wildlife to the tiny world under a microscope, spectacular moments and funny creatures-we’d love to see what caught your eye! 🌿🔬🎥

📅 Entries close: 16 October 2026
🔗 Enter here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUsJM-0R6LV_my4gjnWk4QqAeVZaTNvzgZuR_Gc6wuvJxdZA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107277512672003688821


NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS), NWU NWU Microbiology NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Water Research Group

09/28/2026

🚶‍♀️🚲 Looking back at Car-Free Tuesday!!

On 22 September, we encouraged our UESM community to rethink the trip to campus: walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transport where possible.

Thank you to everyone who took part and shared a glimpse of their journey! Small changes to our daily routines can help us build a greener campus. 🌿

How did you travel that day?
Tell us in the comments, or share your photo of your car-free experience 📸



NWU Green Team NWU: Green Campus Initiatives NWU Microbiology NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU - North-West University Selna Cornelius NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

09/24/2026

🇿🇦 🔥 Happy Heritage Day from the UESM!

Today we celebrate the cultures, languages, traditions, and histories that make South Africa who we are. Heritage Day gives us a chance to share our stories, learn from one another, and appreciate the places and communities that shape our lives.

And whether you’re gathering around a braai, sharing a family meal, or spending time outdoors, we hope today brings good company and meaningful conversation.

How are you celebrating your heritage today? 🌿

09/18/2026

🚙 4x4 & Recovery Training – UESM

Registration is now open for our upcoming 4x4 and recovery training sessions:

📅 27 October 2026 – 4x4 Training
📅 28 October 2026 – Recovery Training

🔒 Open to NWU Master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and staff only.

✅ Attendance of both sessions is compulsory for anyone wishing to drive UESM vehicles.

📎 Please include proof of registration when submitting your application.

📄 Application form:
https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/sites/natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/files/files/uesm/Application%20for%20UESM%20Training.pdf

📧 Submit your completed application to [email protected].

⚠️ Space is limited, so submit your application as soon as possible!

Tag a colleague or fieldwork partner who still needs to complete their UESM vehicle training! 🚙



NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU Water Research Group NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU - North-West University NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG African Amphibian Conservation Research Group NWU Microbiology NWU Green Team

09/15/2026

🌸🌿 ENVIRA Spring Edition 2026 is here! 🌿🌸

A fresh season brings a fresh collection of stories celebrating the people, research, and achievements that make the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) thrive.

📖 Inside this edition:

🏆 Accolades celebrating the achievements of our staff and students
🚪 An improved “Behind the Office” interview featuring Dr. Henno Havenga
🌾 Agriculture is in the building! Explore the exciting new branding of the Agriculture floor
🤝 Community engagement initiatives making a meaningful difference
🔬 Research Group Showcases highlighting the innovative work taking place across UESM
💭 Reflections on research, collaboration, fieldwork, and memorable experiences
📊 UESM Caliper: Postdoctoral Research Impact and the Top 10 SCOPUS Rankings
📚 Insightful research articles showcasing the depth and impact of our work
🕊️ Heartfelt tributes honouring the lives and legacies of Prof. Carlos Bezuidenhout and Dr. Thlomaro “Ribs” Marebane

Celebrate a new season of excellence, innovation, and connection with us. 🌱

📖 Read the ENVIRA Spring Edition:
https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/sites/natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/files/files/uesm/ENVIRA/ENVIRA-Spring-Edition2026.pdf

🌐 Visit the UESM website:
https://natural-sciences.nwu.ac.za/unit-environmental-sciences-and-management


NWU - North-West University NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Water Research Group African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS), NWU African Amphibian Conservation Research Group NWU Microbiology NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU Green TeamNWU FNAS Student Chapter

09/14/2026

We are proud to see our colleague Kristel Fourie, from the African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS), NWU, participating in this international panel discussion tomorrow! 🌍

Join the conversation on how artificial intelligence, lived experience, and global partnerships can contribute to better disaster recovery and stronger community resilience.

📅 Tuesday, 15 September 2026
⏰ 09:00–10:30 SAST
💻 Online

Follow the registration link in the original post.

🌍 Voices on the Map: Using AI for Better Disaster Recovery

Join us online tomorrow for an insightful panel discussion exploring how lived experience, international collaboration and artificial intelligence can help communities recover from disasters and strengthen resilience.

We are proud that Kristel Fourie from the NWU African Centre for Disaster Studies (ACDS) will represent South Africa as one of the international panelists.

📅 Tuesday, 15 September 2026
⏰ 09:00–10:30 SAST
💻 Online event

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/voices-on-the-map-using-ai-for-better-disaster-recovery-tickets-1995610289095

The discussion forms part of Social Sciences Week 2026 and will consider both the opportunities and challenges of using AI to amplify community voices and improve disaster recovery.


Environmental Sciences & Management NWU NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Water Research Group NWU - North-West University

09/09/2026

🐸 AmphiBios Issue 3 is now live!

The latest issue features the article “Spotlight on Threatened Rain Frogs in South Africa” by Prof. Louis Du Preez and Mr. Tiaan Botha.

The article explores the discovery of the Boston Rain Frog (Breviceps batrachophiliorum) and its implications for the conservation of Bilbo’s Rain Frog (Breviceps bagginsi), now classified as Critically Endangered.

With more than 75% of its natural grassland habitat lost to plantations and less than 1% of its global population occurring in protected areas, urgent conservation action is needed. Encouragingly, ongoing research and collaboration with landowners and Anura Africa are helping to inform future habitat management and protection.

Read the latest issue here:
https://amphibios.app/articles/spotlight-threatened-rain-frogs-south-africa


NWU - North-West University NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences NWU FNAS Student Chapter NWU Water Research Group NWU Forb Ecology Research Group - FERG NWU Climatology Research Group_CRG African Amphibian Conservation Research Group