November 2014


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Message from the Principal: Innovation is our Responsibility

This past October, The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus held its second UWI-NGC Research Awards Ceremony, entitled “Celebrating Excellence in Research”. This event recognised the outstanding research conducted by our faculty members, departments and graduate students; a vital exercise for the university, one which we look forward to hosting every two years.

In order for The UWI to make the greatest possible contribution to the development of our region and the world, we must intensify our efforts in the areas of research, exploration and scientific inquiry. The Caribbean is young, and it is our responsibility to build upon the foundation of knowledge laid by those who came before. We must leverage our youthful dynamism and unique regional identity to bring forth our innovative capacity, thereby powering development and claiming a place for ourselves on the global stage based on our creativity, ingenuity and ability to find new solutions for the world’s challenges.

This October, The UWI also had the privilege of hosting Secretary General José Miguel Insulza of the Organisation of American States (OAS), as part of our Distinguished Lecture Series. In his presentation, the Secretary General pointed to education, science and technology as keys to greater productivity and economic progress for the region. We also hosted His Excellency, Michel Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti, who spoke about his nation’s education policy and the critical role of education in their rebuilding efforts.

For education to truly engender sustainable development, it cannot be static. It has to grow and learn, just as it has to teach. We have to be committed to discovering new information, creating new processes and systems, inventing new technologies and refining those that are in current use. This is why we are pleased to highlight the participation of Dr. Judith Gobin of the Department of Life Sciences in a deep-sea exploratory mission in the waters to the east of Trinidad and Tobago. This mission has provided valuable insight into the thriving communities that exist on the sea floor 6,000 feet below the surface.

In closing, on behalf of The UWI, I would like to congratulate all of our Research Awards winners and encourage them not only to continue their work, but to see their results translated into practical tools for the benefit of society. I salute you for your accomplishments and remain committed to working for greater recognition and support for the research efforts of all our students and staff.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Campus Principal: Professor Clement Sankat
Director of Marketing and Communications: Dr. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill
Editor: Mr. Joel Henry [joel.henry@sta.uwi.edu]

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