News Releases

Student Innovators Shine at SciFest

For Release Upon Receipt - December 11, 2023

St. Augustine


 

 Students collaborate on an electrical circuit at the Faculty of Science and Technology's SciFest event.

St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, December 11th  2023 - The birthplace of the next generation of science and tech leaders was recently unveiled at The University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus (The UWI). The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) proudly presented its annual SciFest, a vibrant showcase of student-driven innovation and creativity, which took place on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 9 am to 2 pm.

 Under the inspiring theme “Island Resilience,” SciFest 2023 presented a dynamic forum that demonstrated how science seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, making it incredibly valuable. Interestingly, at SciFest, student innovators were showcased and the planning, design of the competition rules, presentations, prizes, and even the responsibility to secure sponsorships, were all spearheaded by the students under the supportive wing of our esteemed faculty.

 Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Brian Cockburn reflected on the value of the event by stating: "SciFest is where theory met practice, and ideas transformed into tangible solutions. This festival was about nurturing the future leaders of science and technology in an atmosphere that encouraged innovation and practical problem-solving."

 SciFest 2023 offered a variety of activities, including Soap Box talks on current topics, departmental tours, and museum visits, alongside exciting competitions, exhibitions, and displays. The festival atmosphere was enriched with music, karaoke, gaming, and other fun activities, blending the worlds of science, art, design, and fashion.

 This event was open to all UWI students and secondary students with a keen interest in Science and Technology. 500 students and their teachers from 20 secondary schools along with over 200 UWI students attended the event. Students participated in many competitions and won fantastic prizes. There was also a competition for the best departmental display and events. This was keenly contested by all the FST departments including Chemistry, Computing and Information Technology, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics and Physics, but the Sagicor Challenge Trophy was won by the Department of Life Sciences.

 Prizes for SciFest were sponsored by Unicomer, Starbucks, Subway and Sagicor.  SciFest 2023 did not disappoint and offered an enlightening experience, demonstrating the seamless integration of science into everyday life and highlighting the incredible potential of our youth.

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Students of Bishop Anstey and Trinity College East Sixth Form interact with animals at the Faculty of Science and Technology's SciFest event.

 

 

Students of Parvati Girls' Hindu College take part in games at the Faculty of Science and Technology's SciFest event.

  About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

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