The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine is honouring their top researchers for driving innovation and fostering creative research in disciplines crucial to Caribbean growth.
On Thursday, the University hosted its Campus Principal’s Research Awards Ceremony.
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, emphasised the importance of increasing recognition and appreciation for the University’s efforts, particularly in areas such as climate change, food security, and health.
Professor Antoine is also advocating for greater investments in research and development to accelerate the region’s success.
“The leading countries around the world have demonstrated the value of investing in research and development, which fuels creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Relevant research propels society forward, and percentage GDP invested is key. Most successful countries in the world understand this formula and invest in RDI.”
Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert spoke to the commercialisation of research outputs for entrepreneurship and economic development in Trinidad and Tobago.
According to Minister Imbert, there is a need for impartial research, especially pertaining to issues of national importance, such as challenges with foreign exchange.
“As the Minister of Finance, I am often subject to what I consider to be economic advice that is tainted by political bias, and I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with that. What I’m saying is that people have to understand that they may be affected by unconscious bias.”
According to Chief Executive Officer of National Flour Mills, Ian Mitchell, through NFM’s collaborative work with The UWI, they aim to reduce the countries dependency on imported food and the possibilities of transforming other aspects the local food industry.
“As a company, we are eager to explore and invest in local sources of ingredients that not only support agriculture, but also redefine the way we eat as a people. We see these efforts as integral to creating a sustainable and innovative food system that reflects our nation’s rich resources and talent.”
The Principal’s Research Awards comprised awards for Hurricane and Earthquake Alleviation Research, Most Impactful Community Research, Special Innovation Award, and Best Researcher. The University also presented Khaion Maithland of Queen’s Royal College and Joshua Maraj of Fatima College with a Certificate of Recognition Award for their research in Hurricane and Earthquakes.