The promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is imperative as government begins to position Trinidad and Tobago to attain sustainable development through the elimination of poverty, improvement in the quality of life of all citizens, and the creation of a diversified knowledge-based economy fuelled by the creative abilities of citizens. Underpinning this goal is environmental sustainability, improved security and safety, and the development of high-level indigenous capacity to produce, adapt, transfer and actively use new scientific and technological knowledge
- in short to innovate and invent.

Government's strategy to achieve sustainable development for all entails the thrust to improve citizen's access to and uptake of relevant, high-quality education moving seamlessly from pre-school to higher education; to enhance citizens' capacity to think critically, problem solve, and innovate; to strengthen technical and vocational education; and to encourage greater productivity and innovation in all sectors. A core component of the strategy also involves developing a cohesive, well-articulated national system of innovation supported by a first-rate human resource capability in STI at national research institutions, such as CARIRI, the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies and The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) . Driven by appropriate stimuli coming from enterprises, they will supply research and development for the marketplace.

NIHERST is expected to be restructured to support government's new thrust in the above areas. Currently the institute plays a role in science policy formulation through the maintenance of time series data on STI indicators, the conduct of sector innovation surveys, foresight case studies , the issuing of awards for STI, and the dissemination of information on research, training and knowledge - sharing opportunities.

What's On

Caribbean-wide Science and Agriculture Film and Video Competition- Targeting Young Professionals

A Caribbean Agriculture and Science Film and Video Competition will be launched in July 2010 as a mechanism to promote the importance of science, technology and innovation for improving agricultural performance and supporting economic development. The Awards ceremony will be held in July 2011. The competition encourages creative, technology savvy young professionals (persons 18-35 years) with passion for communicating ideas >>>

Caribbean Women in Science & Technology

The Caribbean Women in S&T project seeks to research, document and promote public awareness of the works and accomplishments of outstanding Caribbean women in the field of S&T. The project will document their life, their areas of research and their achievements >>>

Trinidad and Tobago Icons in Science and Technology, Volume 2

Completed during the last quarter of 2009, Trinidad and Tobago Icons in Science and Technology Volume II pays tribute to the world class expertise of nationals of Trinidad and Tobago and persons who have made this country their home. It features pioneers who made outstanding contributions to our rich heritage in science, technology and innovation >>>

Caribbean Icons in Science, Technology & Innovation Volume 2

The publication features profiles of 38 outstanding men and women. These achievers represent 11 countries in the Caribbean, and their stories span more than 150 years of Caribbean history >>>

2010 CTA Annual Seminar Website Launched

In November, water management experts from all over the world will gather in South Africa for one week from 22-26 November for CTA’s annual seminar. This year, the theme is “Closing the Knowledge Gap: Integrated Water Management for Sustainable Agriculture”. Until then, you will find all the information you need on the seminar website at http://annualseminar2010.cta.int. On the site, launched this week, you can find information on the seminar themes and outputs, the registration form, the call for papers and links to previous seminars. Bookmark the site and keep checking it often to find out what is happening and to contribute to the discussions.

ICGEB

The ICGEB recently launched a new feature on its website for the sharing of knowledge across its membership. It provides access to the numerous presentations given annually through its International Seminar Program at the Trieste Component.The new feature covers registering and broadcasting presentations at ICGEB Trieste, and Podcasts are now available for download on the ICGEB Web site at http://www.icgeb.org/seminars.html