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Awards for Excellence
in Science & Technology

Trinidad and Tobago has nurtured many sons and daughters who have left their mark in science and technology to the benefit of peoples in the Caribbean and around the world. For many, their contributions have gone unrecognised and unrecorded. The NIHERST Awards for Excellence in Science and Technology seek to recognise and reward nationals for outstanding achievements in science and technology, to provide positive role models for our youth to emulate, and to record our scientific heritage.

In 2013, NIHERST, together with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS), will be presenting these awards in: Engineering, Natural Science, Medical Science, Applied Science and Technology, and Technological Innovation in Arts and Culture. There are also two awards, Junior Scientist and Junior Engineer, for persons under the age of 35 years with exceptional abilities and achievements.

  The Fenrick De Four Award
 for Engineering

Fenrick De Four was an electrical engineer who was the lead author of almost every national engineering code and standard in Trinidad and Tobago. He was a founding member, President and Fellow of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT), and the first Chairman of the Board of Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago. >>>

  The Emmanuel Ciprian Amoroso Award
 for Medical Sciences

Emmanuel Ciprian Amoroso was a distinguished professor in the field of medical science research and education. His work on the structure and function of the placenta laid the foundation for the study of modern obstetrics. He is considered a pioneer in the development of the fields of endocrinology and reproductive biology. Professor Amoroso was also Chair of Veterinary Physiology at the Royal Veterinary College for 21 years. >>>

  The Rudranath Capildeo Award
 for Applied Science & Technology

Dr. Rudranath Capildeo was renowned for his intellectual contribution to the fields of applied mathematics and physics. His interest in and understanding of, Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity resulted in new theories, such as the “Theory of Rotation and Gravity” or “Capildeo’s Theory”. He was also a gifted educator of mathematics and physics and taught at University College London among other institutions. >>>

 


Eligibility

  1. The awards will be granted to both living and deceased individuals.

  2. The awards are open to nationals of Trinidad and Tobago (birth or citizenship) and CARICOM nationals and other persons who have been resident in the country for 10 years and above.

  3. With the exception of young scientists and young engineers, awardees must have worked and contributed to their chosen field of endeavour over a sustained period of 15 years or more. However, persons who may have died young but who made an exceptional contribution over a shorter period are eligible for consideration.

Criteria for Judging

Nominees will be assessed by an international panel on the basis of the following considerations:

  • The impact of the individual's body of work on the current state of his/her field of science, engineering or technology (SET) including education and training

  • Whether the nominee’s achievements are of an unusually significant nature in relation to the potential effects on the development of thought in his/her field of SET

  • Whether the nominee has demonstrated unusually distinguished service in the general advancement of SET nationally, regionally or internationally, especially when accompanied by substantial contributions to the content of science, the development of SET infrastructure, public policy, standards, etc

  • The recognition of the nominee by peers within his or her community, and whether he/she is recognized for substantial impact in fields in addition to his/her discipline

  • If the individual has made a significant contribution to innovation and industry

  • Whether the nominee has demonstrated a sustained influence on education through publications, teaching activities, outreach, mentoring of students and young professionals, etc

  • Whether the nominee's contribution has created significant positive impact for his/her society

  • Judges’ decision is final.

 
  The Julian Kenny Award
 for Natural Sciences

Professor Julian Stanley Kenny was an eminent zoologist, author and columnist. He taught for over 25 years at the UWI, St. Augustine and was highly regarded internationally for his extensive knowledge and seminal research on the ecology of Trinidad and Tobago. Through his publications and photographs, many of our unique and endangered species were documented for posterity. Professor Kenny was one of the first environmental activists in the country and was known for his firm stance on the protection of the environment. >>>

  The Anthony Williams Award
 for Technological Innovation
in Arts & Culture

Anthony Williams is considered a musical genius in pan tuning and arranging and a steelpan innovator. His most famous contribution to the steelpan is the pattern of the placement of the notes on the instrument. This new design improved the tone of the instrument. He was the first to add wheels to the bass drums and he improved the way pans were made by introducing a mould method. He also initiated the first scientific study on the instrument by testing many of his ideas at CARIRI.  >>>

  The Frank Rampersad Award
 for Junior Scientist

NIHERST’s first president, Frank Rampersad, was a brilliant economist who supported indigenous research and development and human capacity building in fields of science and engineering that were critical to economic development. He provided opportunities for young researchers to develop their scientific knowledge and technical skills, as well as to get exposure and recognition for their research.

  The Ranjit Kumar Award
 for Junior Engineer

Ranjit Kumar was a well-known legislator and civil engineer. He planned, designed and constructed the first dual carriageway in Trinidad and Tobago, known today as Wrightson Road, completed in 1940. He also built irrigation and drainage systems, bringing water to many parts of the country, and worked on the site for the construction of the Hilton Hotel. >>>

The Awards

Awardees will receive a medal and will be profiled in the NIHERST publication series entitled Trinidad and Tobago Icons in Science, Technology & Innovation.

Nominations will be closed on Monday June 10th 2013.

Application Forms

Click to download the nomination form and guidelines.

 

For more information please contact NIHERST at 645-7805 or
Stacy-Ann Sarjusingh: 789-8429
Sasha James: 798-7160
e-mail: awards@niherst.gov.tt

 

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