The Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognises the strategic role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in achieving sustainable development. In economic terms this is seen as creating a diversified knowledge-based economy that thrives on the creativity of its citizens, their innovativeness, their productivity and global competitiveness. Such an economy relies on an innovative, well-educated and technically-trained workforce which makes human resource development as one of the country's top priorities. In preparing the country's workforce to meet the new challenges ahead, it is essential to immerse citizens more fully and actively in science education and to expand the country's human resource base in STI. The on-going production of knowledge, its commercialisation and widespread dissemination are also necessary for achieving economic development and improvements in the quality of life of all citizens without harm to our natural environment.

To assist in the realisation of government’s developmental objectives, NIHERST has been given a mandate in Science Popularisation & Promotion.

Under this mandate NIHERST, with the support of the National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago (NGC), has established the National Science Centre which is responsible for planning and executing programmes in science popularisation in order to improve citizens' understanding of and engagement in science, to develop their innovative capacity, to encourage students in their pursuit of science studies and careers, and to nurture a national science ethos. The centre houses 200 plus interactive science exhibits for viewing by members of the public. It also has an extensive outreach programmes for promoting scientific and technological concepts using a range of non-traditional teaching methods.

NIHERST also manages the Prime Minister’s Awards for Innovation and Invention. This biennial awards scheme seeks to encourage creativity among our citizens in the area of Science & Technology. Camps and workshops on innovation, invention and technopreneurship are also conducted for students and teachers as part of NIHERST's outreach programme.

The Science Communication Unit is responsible for the production of multi-media resources to educate the public on Science , Technology and Innovation. The unit also conducts other initiatives such as workshops for science communicators, among other relevant mechanisms for promoting S&T appreciation, literacy and a national culture supportive of STI.

This section of NIHERST’s web site presents information on NIHERST’s activities in these areas and more importantly provides resources for teachers and activities and information for students and members of the public.

What's On

Nomination Deadline has been
extended to 24th February 2012  >>>

“Planet under Pressure” activities

The NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre (NSC) makes an important contribution to environmental awareness and education in Trinidad and Tobago through its interactive exhibits on the environment, which include exhibits on climate change, and the hosting of outreach activities such as camps and science festivals on environmental issues. >>>

Launch of Natural Wonders of the Caribbean (Part II) – An Educational Video Series on the Environment

The Hon. Fazal Karim, Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, will be launching NIHERST’s latest educational video series, Natural Wonders of the Caribbean (Part II). The launch entails highlights of the series, the presentation of copies to the Hon. Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, Minister of Education; the Hon. Dr. Rupert Griffith, Minister of Tourism; and a representative for the Hon. Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Housing and the Environment.  >>>

See Natural Wonders Part II on TV6
at 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays
28th Jan (beaches and cloud forests)
4th Feb (tropical savannas and seagrasses)
with repeats on 11th Feb and 18th Feb

2012 Creative Design Lab /
Robomania Workshops

The Creative Design lab has been conducting one-day workshops in Electronics and Robotics at schools in the Caroni, Victoria, and Naparima/Mayaro educational districts targeted at students from form three to five. >>>

"Iggy at the Village Olympics",

the sixth issue of the NIHERST Children’s Science Magazine, is now available.
>>>

Science Whizz Competition 2012

The annual NIHERST/NGC Science Whizz Competition is here once again with its three exciting categories: Illustrate, Innovate, and Investigate.  
Registration closes on February 3, 2012
>>>

Tabaquite and environs it’s your turn!

The NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre’s Caravan is rolling into Tabaquite for a Community Science Week from 6th to 11th February 2012.

Come join us at Tabaquite Secondary School to have fun learning Science using our interactive exhibits, demonstrations ,telescope viewing and other exciting activities.

Primary and Secondary schools and villagers from Brasso Venado, Tortuga, Tabaquite, Brasso, Mamoral, Flanagin Town, Todds Road, Gran Couva, Piparo, Guaracara, Riversdale, Hardbargain, Eckel Village, Sisters Road, Brothers Road and, Caparo are specially invited.

There's plenty for everyone to see, do and learn.  See you there!

For further information please call 642-6112.  >>>

Come celebrate your birthday at the NIHERST/NGC National Science centre.  Choose from several available packages.  Call 642-6112 for further information >>>