The inaugural UWI Youth, Science & Music Summit, known as the S.O.A.R Summit (Sound, Originality, Aspire, Resilience), took place from August 24–26th, 2025, at the Trinidad Hilton. This groundbreaking event brought together a remarkable group of 28 young boys from diverse communities across Trinidad and Tobago, including Moruga, Rio Claro, Laventille, and Tobago, as well as students from various schools such as Queen’s Royal College, Success Laventille Secondary, San Juan Secondary, Presentation College, and children’s homes.
The Summit aimed to engage participants in meaningful conversations and creative activities that intertwined music, science, and leadership. This initiative was inspired by our recent participation in the Caribbean Future of Science Symposium, organised by the esteemed Professor Shirin Haque and Professor Stephon Alexander from Brown University, USA. At the Summit, the attendees were exposed to influential US scientists, many with Caribbean roots, who are also world-class musicians, including hip-hop artists. The event was made possible through funding from the UWI Caribbean Future of Science project and was co-hosted by the Sound+Science NYC Foundation.
Professor Shirin Haque (second from left) and Professor Stephon Alexander (fourth from left, front row) pose with participants at Day 2 of the SOAR Summit