Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Library and Information Services has strengthened its commitment to digital learning and scientific research by launching AccessScience, an online scientific reference platform developed by McGraw Hill.
The platform was introduced during an interactive training session held on 2 September 2026, in partnership with McGraw Hill and WWIS. The session exposed students and academics to digital resources designed to support teaching, learning and research across various academic disciplines.
The training featured McGraw Hill’s specialised platforms, including AccessMedicine, AccessSurgery, AccessPhysiotherapy and AccessPharmacy. These resources provide access to authoritative information that can support students’ academic development, professional preparation and research activities.
A key highlight of the programme was the official launch of AccessScience, presented by Gabriella Govender, Senior Business Development Manager at McGraw Hill. The platform provides access to scientific articles, multimedia content, textbooks, biographies of prominent scientists and updates on developments in scientific research. It also offers links to primary literature, enabling users to explore scientific topics in greater depth.
Govender said the platform was designed to make scientific knowledge accessible to students, educators and researchers across different fields of study.
“AccessScience brings together authoritative scientific information in a format that is accessible, engaging and relevant to students, educators and researchers. We are pleased to introduce this resource to SMU and to support the University’s commitment to strengthening scientific literacy and research excellence,” she said.
The launch was particularly significant for students from the School of Science and Technology, who participated actively in the training. Through demonstrations and guided engagement, students learned how to locate relevant information, explore scientific concepts, and access materials to support academic assignments and research projects.
Patrick Motiang, Acting Senior Librarian: Information Services, said the initiative formed part of the Library’s broader efforts to equip students with the skills and resources required to navigate an increasingly digital academic environment.
“Access to credible and current information is fundamental to successful teaching, learning and research. By introducing students to these platforms, the Library is helping them develop the confidence and information-literacy skills necessary to engage critically with scientific knowledge,” said Motiang.
For students, the training offered an opportunity to discover resources relevant to their academic journeys. Mandisa Dlamini, a final-year Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology student, welcomed the introduction of AccessScience and its potential application in her field.
“As an Environmental Biology student, I work with scientific information that requires accuracy, depth and reliable sources. AccessScience will be valuable in helping me understand complex scientific concepts, strengthen my research and access information that can support my final-year academic work,” said Dlamini.
The collaboration between SMU Library and Information Services, McGraw Hill and WWIS highlights the importance of partnerships in expanding access to scholarly resources and supporting student success. By facilitating practical engagement with specialised digital platforms, the initiative seeks to encourage independent learning, informed academic inquiry and evidence-based research.
The launch of AccessScience represents another step in SMU’s efforts to strengthen its digital information environment and promote academic excellence, innovation and lifelong learning. Through initiatives that expand access to credible scientific knowledge, the University continues to support education, research and the development of future professionals equipped to address complex challenges in society.
By Dimakatso Modise
