NWU Researchers Win National Fellowships

A set of recent programs and opportunities highlight growing support for student and early-career scientists across multiple sectors, from Africa to the United States. North-West University researchers Rebaone Mofokeng and Nolwandle Khumalo received national fellowships at the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards for master’s and doctoral work on groundwater microbiology and honeybee gut microbiota, signaling recognition of women in science and potential public-health impact. NASA continues to promote fellowships and STEM education to strengthen the next generation of scientists and engineers, expanding opportunities for research experiences and workforce development. In the United States, the Dr. Kerry Evans Scholarship for Sciences opens for undergraduates pursuing science degrees, reflecting a philanthropic model to cultivate future scientific leaders. Caldwell University’s Biotechnology Research Fellowship Program entered its second year, offering high school fellows immersive lab experiences and exposure to advanced technologies, underscoring ongoing investment in early science training. Separately, NIH guidance outlines best practices for intramural-extramural collaborations to manage conflicts of interest, ethics, and intellectual property while enabling collaborative research across institutions.