On May 27, 2026, The Faculty of the Science and Technology welcomed renowned historian Professor Fara Dabhoiwala of Princeton University for a special roundtable discussion on the life and legacy of Francis Williams—Jamaica’s first internationally known scientist.

Professor Dabhoiwala’s groundbreaking research brought renewed attention to Williams in 2024, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of a Jamaican polymath who studied under scientific giants Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley. Today, Francis Williams is recognized among Jamaica’s distinguished Science Icons on the FiWi Science platform.

The discussion forms part of ongoing efforts to celebrate Jamaica’s scientific heritage through the upcoming FiWi Science Mural, inspired by the original portrait of Francis Williams and Professor Dabhoiwala’s paper, “Portrait of a Genius: The Extraordinary Story of Francis Williams.”

The mural, to be installed on the Interfaculty Lecture Theatre (IFLT) wall facing Ring Road, will be created by award-winning muralist Yanque Yip and will feature an augmented reality experience that allows visitors to explore the stories of Jamaican scientists through interactive digital content.

Through this initiative, FST continues to honour the pioneers who shaped Jamaica’s scientific journey while inspiring future generations to explore, discover, and innovate.