Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about research funding, compliance, and project management.
What does the Mona Office for Research and Innovation do?
The Mona Office for Research and Innovation (MORI) is the central administrative hub for research and innovation support to at The University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI, Mona). Dedicated to fostering a dynamic culture of research, creativity, and innovation, MORI provides comprehensive services to empower staff and students in advancing impactful and ground-breaking discoveries.
What is MORI's role and how does it function?
MORI drives research excellence and innovation at the UWI, Mona. By providing strategic support to staff and students, MORI fosters a dynamic research ecosystem aligned with institutional priorities and global best practices.
Key functions of MORI include:
- Research Development and Funding Support - Assists researchers in securing grants, developing proposals, budgeting, and ensuring compliance.
- Innovation and Commercialization - Supports intellectual property protection, patent development, and the transformation of research into market-ready solutions.
- Research Integrity and Compliance - Upholds ethical, legal, and institutional guidelines, ensuring financial and regulatory adherence in collaboration with the Mona Campus Research Ethics Committee (MCREC), Bursary-Special Projects Unit, and Campus Legal Unit.
- Capacity Building and Training – Facilitates training in grantsmanship and technology transfer, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and promotes innovation-driven research.
Institutional Philanthropy and Partnerships - Cultivates relationships with investors, donors, and industry partners to enhance research funding and expand public-private collaborations.
As the central hub for research advancement, MORI champions a culture of innovation, ensuring UWI, Mona remains at the forefront of academic and industry-driven research in the Caribbean and beyond.
How can MORI help me to secure grants and other financial assistance to fund my research?
MORI assists UWI, Mona staff and students in identifying and securing funding opportunities that align with their research goals. We provide end-to-end support throughout the grant life cycle, including:
- Funding Identification and Proposal Development – Helps researchers find suitable grant programs, refine project narratives, and develop competitive budgets.
- Application Assistance – Reviews funding requirements, ensures compliance with submission guidelines, and supports the preparation of strong proposals.
- Grant Implementation and Compliance – Provides administrative support to ensure adherence to funding agency regulations, manages required documentation, and facilitates smooth project execution.
- Administrative Oversight and Reporting – Assists in grant administration to maximize funding utilization for eligible research expenses.
I would like to apply for funding to begin a research study or test an innovation but I have no experience with grants. Does MORI provide training?
Yes, MORI offers training and support to help both early-stage and experienced researchers successfully apply for funding and navigate the research grant process. These include:
- Grant Writing Workshops and Information Sessions – Provides guidance on proposal development, compliance, and budget planning to ensure effective resource mobilization.
- Intellectual Property and Innovation Support – Offers education on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and facilitates contract negotiation coaching to strengthen UWI, Mona’s innovation ecosystem.
Policy and Compliance Training – Introduces and reviews UWI policies and procedures related to research funding, grants administration, and institutional requirements.
Through these initiatives, MORI enhances institutional capacity, empowering researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to secure funding, manage research projects, and drive impactful innovation.
Does MORI assist with technical resources and financial support for inventors and innovators
Yes! If you have a novel idea, process, or product that you want to develop and commercialize, MORI should be one of your first stops.
MORI’s Technology Commercialization Support Section (TCSS) provides expertise and guidance including:
- Intellectual Property (IP) Assessment and Protection – Evaluates inventions and advises on the steps required for securing IP rights, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
- Technology Transfer and Commercialization – In collaboration with the Business Development Office (BDO) in MORI supports innovators in bringing their ideas to market through joint ventures, licensing agreements, and other technology transfer models.
Funding and Strategic Partnerships – Facilitates connections with industry partners, investors, and funding sources to help advance research-driven innovations.
Our team is ready to review your proposal and provide tailored guidance to protect, fund, and commercialize your innovation. Contact us at mori@uwimona.edu.jm to get started!
Where on the UWI, Mona Campus is MORI located?
MORI is situated on the first floor of the Assembly Hall Building at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. The Assembly Hall Building is located just north of the campus main entrance.
