News Releases

UWI Scholar Honoured by L’Oreal-UNESCO

For Release Upon Receipt - December 10, 2024

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. December 10th, 2024 – Researchers at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus continue to make their mark on the global stage, earning widespread acclaim for their innovative work. This year, Ms. Gillian Rowe has added to this legacy by achieving international distinction in the field of science, further cementing UWI's reputation as a hub for world-class research and discovery. Ms.  Rowe is a Jamaican student currently pursuing her PhD in Crop Science at The UWI St Augustine Campus.  Her research involves the development of microbial based sustainable solutions for the management of rhizome rot disease in ginger in Jamaica. The L’Oréal Caribe Foundation L'Oréal along with UNESCO bestowed upon Ms. Rowe the prestigious 2024 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Caribbean Young Talents Award.

Among a cadre of twenty-three applicants, Ms. Rowe’s research stood out to the jury comprised of eminent researchers from various disciplines. Her specific interests are microbiology, molecular plant-pathogen interactions, the soil microbiome, and bioinformatics. These scientific areas correlate with Mr. Rowe’s aim to reduce environmental pollution while simultaneously encouraging plant biodiversity conservation. In a recent statement, the L’Oreal Foundation for Women in Science noted that Ms. Rowe was “one of the two Young Talents who will receive an endowment in the amount of ten thousand dollars (USD) to support your research work and encourage the development of your scientific career.”

Ms. Rowe knows how important it is to encourage women and girls to pursue careers science-based careers. She notes that funding these research endeavours, particularly at the tertiary level, is sometimes challenging. Based on this fact, Ms. Rowe not only appreciates but values the impact of her award in inspiring other women researchers to continue their work. Of the award, she says “this is uniquely allowing women at the pre-doctoral career level to receive critical support from a global network, and it is extraordinary for each recipient to be inspired by experienced scientists with a wealth of knowledge.”

Sharing the spotlight with Ms. Rowe is co-awardee, Dr. Savanna Lloyd, who hails from our university’s sister campus in Mona, Jamaica. Dr. Lloyd is a lecturer in the Department of Physics at The University of The West Indies, Mona Campus. Like Ms. Rowe, she described the award as a confidence booster, enabling her to meaningfully connect with other scientists. Dr. Lloyd feels financially equipped to pursue her goals explaining “without the basic scientific tools and resources, I felt I was not in a position strategic enough to contribute to a project. I did not feel ready. But after discovering that I received the award, I knew I was.”

Similar to last year’s inaugural L’Oreal-UNESCO Young Talent Caribbean Awards, early career and doctoral candidates from across the region were targeted this year. These researchers engaging in specialised scientific projects were invited to submit applications. Over the past twenty-five years, however, the two international organisations have partnered to not only provide opportunities for scientists but to also reduce the gender gap in the field.

The UWI STA campus community extends hearty congratulations to Ms. Rowe and Dr Llyod for their exemplary achievement. Our institution remains committed to supporting the stellar contribution of all our researchers in local, regional, and international development. 

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The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

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