Dr. Wayne McLaughlin, Professor in Molecular Biology and Director of Caribbean Genetics (CARIGEN), the commercial forensic DNA laboratory at UWI, Mona was one of four recipients of the 2010 Gleaner Honour Award which was presented recently. Professor McLaughlin was recognized for his outstanding work in Science and Technology. The other awardees included: Andrews Memorial Hospital for Health and Wellness; R. 'Danny' Williams for Voluntary Service and Northern Caribbean University’s Team Xormis, who secured a Special Award for their positive contribution to quality of life. Team Xormis, won the Interoperability Category at the eighth annual Microsoft Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals on July 8 in Poland

Professor McLaughlin is an accomplished molecular biologist who has developed a diverse and productive research programme that is focused on molecular plant pathology issues. Dr. McLaughlin has worked on lethal yellowing of coconut which has devastated certain trees in the Caribbean, including Jamaica. Results of these works have contributed to new knowledge about viruses and bacteria affecting important crops in the region. Additionally, his research led to the identification of a strain of Pseudomonas and Bacillus which protect Scotch Bonnet peppers from diseases caused by Tobacco Etch Virus. Work done in green houses has shown that germination and plant growth is increased by these pathogens and work is now in progress to identify the mechanism by which the pathogens induce resistance to the virus.

In 2005 Professor McLaughlin led the establishment of Caribbean Genetics (CARIGEN) at UWI, Mona, the first independent forensic DNA laboratory in the Caribbean to provide expert witness and DNA analysis to the legal profession in both civil and criminal cases.  Since then, he has served as expert witness in several criminal cases and the unit has provided services to both local and regional courts. Professor McLaughlin was also the forensic DNA expert witness in the landmark case R vs. Stafford Webb for rape (2006).   Genetic studies are also underway in Diabetes Mellitus, Autism, HIV/AIDS, the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with Hepatitis B and C and the susceptibility of Jamaican women in Breast Cancer.

The Gleaner Honour Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the quality of life in Jamaica in the areas of: Science and Technology, Voluntary Service, Public Service, Sports, Education, Arts and Culture.