STResearchTT Database

In a move to advance local research and development (R&D) and innovation, the Ministry of Science and Technology, through its line agency, NIHERST launched the national science and technology research database, STResearchTT, on 27 May at the International Waterfront Centre in Port-of Spain. STResearchTT is a key aspect of the country’s STI infrastructure, facilitating greater collaboration among scientists, research institutions, the productive sector and civil society, therefore stimulating local innovation and scientific achievement. It will provide access to biodata on Trinidad and Tobago researchers and their research interests in an effort to give greater visibility to the capacities of research professionals, and to stimulate more interdisciplinary research efforts – nationally and internationally. STResearchTT will also document the research activities undertaken by public and private institutions in Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. the Honourable Rupert Griffith, Minister of Science and Technology, Ms. Lisa Ann Phillips, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Science and Technology, spoke of the significance of NIHERST’s work on the database, stating that, “As we expand and improve our knowledge in various sectors…to create a more diversified economy and enhance productivity and competitiveness, we must rely on the work which has been done and is being done by scientists and researchers.” Dr. Ulrich Thiessen of the Delegation of the European Union to Trinidad and Tobago, commended the project, expressing the European Union’s hope that the database would “contribute to new research activities with peers in the Caribbean, the EU and worldwide” as well as help to identify and overcome current weaknesses in the Research and Development sector.