Kingston, Jamaica:  The University of the West Indies, Mona is inviting students, business operators, policy-makers and the general public to the UWI Research Days 2018, scheduled for February 7 – 9. 

The annual Research Days event showcases groundbreaking research spearheaded by academics and students across all 5 faculties at the Mona campus. 

This year’s staging will feature over 60 research projects which unearthed noteworthy discoveries in the fields of Economics, Emergency and Basic Medicine, Climate Change, Alternative Energy, 3D Technology, Education, Robotics and Biotechnology.

Researchers also explored issues in Marine and GeoSciences, Environmental Management, Agriculture, Community Intervention and Development, Food Security and Agro-processing among other areas. 

Under the theme, “UWI Mona: Powering Research through Partnerships in Research and Innovation” Research Days 2018 will focus on broadening local partnerships with Government, Educators, Business and the other interests which can benefit from an evidence-based approach to operations. The Mona campus is confident that its research will help define policy, boost profitability, streamline processes and operations and fuel development.

The Research Village will be set up at the Graduation Lawn (behind the Senate Building) and the public will get the chance to explore interactive displays depicting issues explored in research. Visitors can also interact with the researchers who are featured in this year’s event. 

Scheduled tours around the Mona Campus will also be part of this year’s event so visitors and prospective students can get a close look at the technical facilities and operations in all our Faculties. Other events which will enrich the three-day event include, public lectures, book launches and panel discussions on topical issues. Several of the events will be streamed live on MonaMedia, with recorded features from inside the Research Village also available on that channel as well as on UWITV.

Event Schedule

As Research Days event marks its 18th year, the Mona Campus reflects on pioneering research that has influenced local and regional policies in the past. These include the Caribbean climate change policies influenced by the work of Professor Michael Taylor et al, as well as 1991 national socio-economic research of Patricia Anderson and Michael Witter, that eventually birthed the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) in Jamaica.

Most recently, the University Research Days and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) signed a 2017 memorandum of understanding, committing to support evidence-based research focused on areas that contribute to the growth agenda. 

 Research Days 2018 will also be significant as the Mona Campus commemorates its 70th anniversary as the Caribbean’s premier tertiary learning institution that continues to use research and innovation to provide answers to current issues facing the region.