Dr. Sheena Francis of the Caribbean Centre for Research in Bioscience represented Jamaica at the 6th International Erasmus+ Staff Training Week hosted by Daugavpils University in Latvia from May 18–22, 2026.

The international event brought together academic and administrative representatives from 17 higher education institutions spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. As Jamaica’s representative, Dr. Francis joined colleagues from universities in countries including Germany, Spain, South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic to strengthen international partnerships, share best practices, and explore opportunities for future collaboration under the Erasmus+ programme.

The week-long programme focused on enhancing international cooperation in higher education through professional development activities, institutional networking, and discussions on digital innovation and security. Participants also toured Daugavpils University’s faculties, institutes, and laboratories, gaining insights into research and teaching initiatives while exchanging experiences with colleagues from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.

A key feature of the event was the opportunity to establish new partnerships and identify avenues for collaborative projects that support research, student mobility, staff exchange, and capacity-building initiatives. The engagement aligns with The UWI Mona’s ongoing mission to internationalization and expanding global research networks that benefit students, staff, and the wider Caribbean region.

Beyond the academic programme, participants experienced Latvian culture through language and cultural workshops, guided visits to historical and industrial sites, and a regional tour of Latgale, further fostering intercultural understanding and global connections.