News Releases

UWI Professor Leads InterAcademy Partnership Regional Food Security Initiative

For Release Upon Receipt - December 23, 2025

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago – December 23, 2025 – The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), the global network of science, engineering & medical academies, at its Triennial General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt held on December 8-11, 2025, announced the selection of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) project proposal for the top award of its global call for collaborative, cross-disciplinary, competitive small grants 2025.

The IAP selection committee praised the CAS submission as “exceptionally well written, regionally relevant, and supported by a strong implementation plan.” The winning project, titled “Addressing Food Security Disparities through Collaborative Regional (Caribbean) Policy Frameworks,” aims to bolster food and nutrition security across the Caribbean through integrated, multisectoral policymaking.

The initiative is led by Professor Mark Wuddivira, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA) at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus (UWI-STA), the President of CAS and a member of the International Science Council’s Small Islands Developing States Liaison Committee (ISC-SIDS LC) as Chief Investigator, with Dr. Keisha T. Roberts of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) serving as Co-Investigator and Strategy Lead, and Mrs. Leneka Terika Scott of The UWI, Mona Campus, serving as Co-Investigator and Implementation Lead.

 

Professor Mark Wuddivira, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA) at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus (UWI-STA) 

 

 

 

Dr. Keisha T. Roberts of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) 

 

 

 Mrs. Leneka Terika Scott of The UWI, Mona Campus

The project directly responds to persistent threats facing Caribbean food systems, including climate change impacts, natural disasters, global supply chain instability, and the rising cost of nutritious foods. By assessing gaps in governance, trade, financing, and agricultural infrastructure, the project will lay the foundation for more resilient, equitable, and evidence-based food system planning.

Reflecting on the significance of the award and the broader mandate of The UWI-STA’s Faculty of Food and Agriculture, Professor Wuddivira emphasized the importance of locally driven, science-informed solutions and noted, “To secure our region’s future, we are building resilient, evidence-based food systems from the ground up. For us at the FFA, it is from here, there to every sphere.” The statement highlights the project’s focus on turning research into practical policies and actions that can deliver meaningful, region-wide impact.

 

Re-Election as President of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences

In a related development, CAS announces its newly elected Executive members, confirmed during its 24th Biennial General Meeting and Conference held from November 27 to 30, 2025. The event, hosted by the CAS Barbados Chapter at the UWI Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, brought together the region’s foremost scientists, researchers, and academics to chart a strategic course for advancing science, technology, and innovation across the Caribbean.

Professor Wuddivira was re-elected as President to continue his leadership to guide the Academy in its mission to address critical regional challenges, including food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Dr. Andrea Goldson-Barnaby, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at UWI’s Mona Campus in Jamaica, was elected as the new Secretary. She succeeds Dr. Roshnie Doon, whose dedicated service from 2023-2025 was commended by the membership. Dr. Goldson-Barnaby brings a strong commitment to scientific excellence and administration to the role.

Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at The UWI STA, was re-elected as Treasurer. Dr. Albertha Joseph-Alexander, an esteemed Science Communicator, was elected as the new Public Relations Officer. She takes over from Mr. Christian Virgil. The Council also welcomed the return of Professor Raymond Jagessar of the University of Guyana to the post of Foreign Secretary.

In his acceptance remarks, President Wuddivira stated, “This new Executive Committee represents a powerful blend of experience and fresh perspective, deeply committed to leveraging science for the betterment of the Caribbean people. Our focus remains on robust advocacy, fostering interdisciplinary research, and inspiring the next generation of scientific minds.”

These achievements underscore The UWI Faculty of Food and Agriculture's leading role in sustainable agri-food systems and environmental stewardship through research, innovation and strategic partnerships.

 

 

 New CAS Executive: From left to right- Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Treasurer; Dr. Albertha Joseph-Alexander, PRO; Dr. Andrea Goldson-Barnaby, Secretary; Professor Mark Wuddivira, President; Professor Raymond Jagessar, Foreign Secretary.

 

 

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 About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With 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 continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

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