As part of its mandate in science popularisation, it is the aim of NIHERST to make science, technology and innovation
an integral part of our culture and consciousness, in much the same way that music, art, and dance have pervaded our
socialisation and development as a people. To this end, we have created Trinidad and Tobago's very own and unique science
and technology festival, Sci-TechKnoFest.
Sci-TechKnoFest is the singular science and technology festival within the Caribbean region. It celebrates knowledge
of science and technology both global and local, over a period of several weeks using entertaining educational methods.
The festival aims to promote public awareness and understanding of basic scientific principles and concepts, as well as
the impact of science, technology and innovation on our lives and well - being. The creation of a "science consciousness"
will not only increase the national level of scientific literacy, but will also empower citizens to make more informed choices,
act in a more socially responsible manner, and have the confidence to apply new developments in science and technology both
in the work place and in the home.
In an effort to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all, it is the aim of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago
to use education, science, technology and innovation as critical driving forces of its new development strategy. In this regard,
the role of Sci-TechKnoFest in increasing basic science and technology literacy in our populace is clear.
Sci-TechKnoFest is the signature science and technology festival of NIHERST. Having recently held its sixth edition since its first staging in 1997, the event continues to be the only one of this kind to be held in the Caribbean region. Through interactive exhibits, dramatic stage shows and hands-on presentations, Sci-TechKnoFest imparts knowledge of concepts in science and technology in a fun atmosphere, targeting a wide audience of adults and children from communities across our twin island republic and even neighbouring countries.
Sci-TechKnoFest originated from the words: Science, Technology, Knowledge and Festival. The spirit of our unique festival is to celebrate and promote knowledge of science and technology.
Sci-TechKnoFest is an all-inclusive event catering to persons from all walks of life and all ages!
Sci-TechKnoFest seeks to explain the science behind our life and civilization and the technologies that we depend on. Exhibitors at Sci-TechKnoFest focus on explaining the science behind their operations and/or the technologies they employ. The displays aim to be interactive and hands-on so that visitors can be exposed to new information in exciting and unique ways. Learning therefore becomes a whole new experience at Sci-TechKnoFest!
Sci-TechKnoFest is an experience in entertainment and in education. That's why this special blend of activities is branded "edu-tainment"! At the 2011 festival, visitors explored the challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago's quest for sustainability and the need for us to take urgent actions to secure our future wealth and well-being. Through exciting new hands-on exhibits, displays, lectures, demonstrations and artistic performances, visitors learnt about solutions to overcome these challenges. They showed how we can use our natural capacity to create and innovate with science and technology as our base.
Among the new attractions at the festival, which are now on display at the science centre, are Red Alert which educates on disaster preparedness; Nanoworld which showcases advances in nanotechnology; Your World Rocks which teaches the science and technology of music production, and Virtual World which focuses on 3D, gesture recognition, holograms and much more!
The festival is usually held once every two years.
