The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) is a statutory body established to promote science, technology and higher education in Trinidad and Tobago consistent with national development goals. Its new mission is to contribute to the development of a more diversified, knowledge-driven economy based on the scientific knowledge and ingenuity of our people. NIHERST will achieve this by undertaking research to inform science policy; building capacity for scientific research and technological advancement in priority areas; supporting education and training in science and technology; fostering a national ethos of science, creativity and innovation; and establishing collaborative relationships with institutions of excellence worldwide.

ABOUT US

The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) was established as a statutory body by Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act No. 20 of 1984, now Chapter 39:58. Since its establishment, NIHERST has resourcefully pursued its mandate to promote the development of science, technology and higher education in Trinidad and Tobago, and enhance the innovative, creative and entrepreneurial capabilities of the general population. The fulfilment of this mandate has been guided both by changes in national development priorities and government’s policy imperatives.

Through its line ministry, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education (MSTTE), NIHERST supports government's goal of attaining sustainable integral development and a more diversified, knowledge-intensive economy, built on the native genius of our people. Its work involves: research and intelligence gathering to shape science policy and guide the funding of research and development (R&D); promoting innovation and commercialisation of technology in priority areas; building collaborative global relationships; and fostering a culture of science, innovation and entrepreneurship.

NIHERST’s 2011 – 2015 Strategic Plan identifies five areas of strategic focus based on the institute’s mandate and its capabilities within the matrix of related institutions. The organisation seeks to leverage its distinctive competencies to become a pivotal, internationally recognised agency that facilitates the utilisation of research, science and technology in the service of economic transformation driven by innovation and competitiveness. It will play both a leadership role and a supporting role in advancing the MSTTE’s aims, and in conceptualising and driving new pathways and initiatives for public-private partnerships.

Some key objectives are summarised as follows:

1)  Research and Intelligence Gathering In Support of Economic Diversification

• To provide policy support to MSTTE in developing a national science policy and action plan

• To undertake science, technology and innovation (STI) policy studies in the support of economic diversification- e.g. foresighting studies

• To undertake international benchmarking and comparative studies on Research & Development (R&D)/STI in selected countries, regions, sectors and areas

2)  Promoting Innovation and Commercialisation of Technology in Priority Areas

• To establish a sustainable private-public sector mechanism to finance start-up enterprises in priority areas and niches identified in studies by NIHERST including its foresight ‘best bets’ and support R&D in identified niches and priority areas

3)  Building Collaborative Global Relationships

• To build international relationships with world-class STI institutions

• To undertake joint projects of relevance to the rapid creation of a sustainable, knowledge-intensive economy

4)  Fostering a Culture of Science, Innovation and Creativity

• To construct a world-class National Science Centre

• To engage all citizens in the experiential learning of science

• To provide hands-on experience for developing capabilities in technological innovation and entrepreneurship

• To recognise excellence in STI through national awards and publications

5)  Positioning NIHERST as a World-Class STI Institute

• To restructure NIHERST

• To re-brand the organisation as a world-class STI institute

• To consolidate its offices

SOME MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS

NIHERST pioneered key initiatives through which it was instrumental in:

1. Promoting post-secondary education and training, and applied research and development in immediate and emerging priority areas (1984-1994).

2. Spearheading the establishment in 2000 of a national community college, known as the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT).

3. Pioneering the collection of S&T statistics and maintaining time series data on S&T in Trinidad and Tobago.

4. Preparing base documents that informed the draft national policy on a seamless education system and a national tertiary education policy (2002-2003) as well as the draft national STI policy.

5. Spearheading the establishment of the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT), a national accrediting agency to perform full accreditation functions.

6. Supporting the establishment of The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) through Outreach and Service Learning (2006-2010).

7. Taking the lead in sector foresight and innovation studies to drive economic diversification.

8. Establishing the first science centre in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Updated: October 2011