Optentia Research Unit

09/06/2026

We have an exciting event we want you to know about...

27/05/2026

https://ianrothmann.me/news-updates/df7dbeihqq98t5uevm4d3w7p0ikq69?fbclid=IwY2xjawSDs95leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEebMdo3AKs_KMnRBAsd2mEuE50KMXIYyryA9TmffpAMwOFhHaOOWuoBp66wCc_aem_VKZ27VIHUx_KQrQqLsi3fA
Prof Ian Rothmann reflects on the newly published book exploring capabilities and their impact within the world of work. An insightful contribution to understanding how human potential, wellbeing, and performance can flourish in modern workplaces.

Cambridge University Press, brings together leading scholars from across the globe to explore how workplaces can be redesigned to build human capability, promote dignity, and advance social justice.

06/05/2026

https://news.nwu.ac.za/researchcom-names-researchers-among-best-psychology-scientists?fbclid=IwY2xjawRnyEVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeV1t4fYPgEg58wQK4GxF-Csp02PGA76cTGsUWgLnzhsPBLfuD6FDUJLmrrQk_aem_HxCBoye-b8_Qo8D8gTo1vg
🌍 Global Recognition for Psychology Research Excellence!

We’re proud to share that Research.com has named three outstanding researchers affiliated with North-West University among the top psychology scientists worldwide in its 2026 rankings.

👏 Congratulations to:
• Prof. Ian Rothmann (Optentia Research Unit)
• Prof. Linda Theron (Extraordinary Professor, Optentia Research Unit)
• Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman

Their inclusion highlights the global impact of psychology research connected to NWU, while also showcasing the strength of the Optentia Research Unit and its contributions to the field.

💡 This recognition reflects a continued commitment to advancing meaningful, high-quality research that makes a difference.

The 2026 ranking edition of the leading global platform, Research.com, places three of the researchers of the North-West University (NWU) among the best scientists in the field of psychology. The inclusion of Prof. Ian Rothmann and extraordinary professors Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman and Prof. Lin...

30/04/2026

📢 Announcement from our research unit

We are pleased to share that a new book, Capabilities at Work: The Added Value of the Capability Model for Well-Being and Work, will be published on 19 June 2026 by Cambridge University Press.

Edited by Jac van der Klink (Tilburg University) and Sebastiaan Rothmann (North-West University), this volume offers a fresh perspective on the role of work in people’s lives. Moving beyond the idea of work as merely a source of income, the book explores how work can enable individuals to develop their capabilities, pursue meaningful life goals, and participate fully in society.

The book brings together research and applied insights demonstrating how human resource management, public administration, and organisational leadership can contribute to more equitable and meaningful workplaces. It highlights practical ways to remove structural barriers, enhance the quality of work, and promote fair access to opportunities across gender, socio-economic, and cultural contexts.

This publication is relevant for academics, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone committed to advancing equity and well-being in the world of work.

The book will be available as Open Access via Cambridge Core.

Cambridge Core - Organisation Studies - Capabilities at Work

29/04/2026

https://news.nwu.ac.za/five-researchers-earn-nominations-years-science-oscars
Prof Jaco Hoffman from our Ageing and Generational Dynamics program is one of North-West University's researchers to be nominated for the 2025/2026 NSTF‑South32 Awards. Congratulations Prof Hoffman!

Our researchers continue to receive national recognition for their impactful work across a wide range of disciplines. The North-West University (NWU) has five nominees for the 2025/2026 NSTF‑South32 Awards. This further affirms our standing as a contributor to excellence in science, engineering, t...

16/04/2026

Day 2 of Usiba 2026 wasn’t just about sharpening research and writing skills — we also took a moment to celebrate a very special occasion 🎉

Happy birthday to Optentia’s amazing director, Prof Bee Ngwenya! 🥳 Your leadership inspires us every day, and we’re so glad we could celebrate with you. Here’s to another fantastic year ahead!

15/04/2026

Day 2 of Usiba 2026 and we are officially in our *academic glow-up era* ✨📚

🚀 “Elevate your research, ignite your impact” wasn’t just a theme — it was a whole mood.

Prof Ian Rothmann had us crunching numbers like pros, turning jamovi and Mplus into our new besties (stats, but make it spicy 😄).
Meanwhile, Prof Jaco Hoffman sprinkled in wisdom (and a dash of humour) on how to navigate the wild journey to a published article — because yes, academia *can* be fun!

And for those chasing the quiet life… the serene surroundings became the ultimate writing retreat. Think deep chats with study leaders, big ideas, and words finally making it onto the page ✍️🌿

Research was elevated. Impact was ignited. Coffee was definitely consumed ☕🔥

14/04/2026

It is the first day of Usiba 2026 at Khaya iBhubesi, Parys. This afternoon, Dr Lynelle Coxen explains how to structure a systematic literature review.
https://www.nwu.ac.za/date/optentia-usiba-writing-retreat-2026

26/03/2026

What is Usiba? It is a writing retreat for academics and postgrad students.

When: 14 - 17 April 2026

Where: Khaya iBhubesi, Parys, South Africa

Want all the details about what you can learn and accomplish at the writing retreat? Get all the information here: https://www.nwu.ac.za/date/optentia-usiba-writing-retreat-2026

** Registration closes 7 April.

12/12/2025

Optentia News | December 2025

The December 2025 issue of Optentia News is now available.

In this edition, we share recent work, reflections, and developments from Optentia, with a focus on our research, our people, and the impact of what we do.

Read it here:
https://tinyurl.com/whad37px

If you prefer scanning instead of clicking, you can download the QR code here:
https://tinyurl.com/optentia-qr-code