News Releases

Unlocking Cocoa’s Potential Join UWI’s Annual Research Symposium

For Release Upon Receipt - May 21, 2024

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. May 21, 2024 – Amidst the promising rise in global cocoa prices, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) invites all cocoa industry stakeholders, researchers, farmers, and enthusiasts to join the CRC’s Annual Research and Development Symposium (CARDS). This event will explore innovative solutions, share the latest research findings, and discuss the future of the cocoa industry. Scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the School of Education Auditorium at The UWI St. Augustine Campus for the in-person session, and June 5-6, 2024, for the online sessions, it aims to be a catalyst for new ideas and teamwork, helping to improve the cocoa industry.

Renowned for its pioneering work in cocoa research, The UWI CRC is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and sustainability of the cocoa industry. The CARDS epitomizes this commitment, bringing together experts, researchers, and industry professionals from around the globe to explore the latest advancements in cocoa research and development.

This year's CARDS event will feature an array of presentations and discussions on crucial topics such as cocoa genetics, pest management, disease control, sustainability practices, and emerging technologies. Attendees can expect to gain important insights into the current state of cocoa research and its impact on the industry.

In addition to informative sessions, CARDS will offer workshops and interactive forums, providing attendees with hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to engage directly with leading experts in the field. These collaborative exchanges aim to spark innovation, foster partnerships, and drive meaningful progress within the cocoa sector.

As the cocoa industry deals with challenges such as climate change and market fluctuations, the UWI Cocoa Research Centre remains committed in its mission to lead the charge for innovation and knowledge. Through initiatives like CARDS, the Centre seeks to not only address these challenges but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of the cocoa sector.

For more information about CARDS and to register for the online sessions of  symposium, please visit https://sta-uwi-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i76OXipKQ42ZJQRGEZlMPw

 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.

 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 10 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). In the latest World University Rankings 2022, released in September 2021, The UWI moved up an impressive 94 places from last year. In the current global field of some 30,000 universities and elite research institutes, The UWI stands among the top 1.5%.

 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, it is also in the top 20 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.

 For more, visit www.uwi.edu.

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