Two North West University professors have been appointed to the board of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the university said on Thursday.

They are Professor Amanda Lourens, director of research support at the institutional office, and Associate Professor Lulama Qalinge of the university's Mafikeng Campus.

Together with eight other members from various institutions, Lourens and Qalinge would serve on the board for a period of four years effective from 1 November 2009 to 31 October 2013, the university said in a statement.

Lourens said her appointment was a great honour and privilege and she hoped it would open new doors for research in the field of human and social sciences.

Qalinge, who is the acting dean of the school of social sciences at the Mafikeng Campus, said her appointment was a challenge and opportunity that could not be missed.