1. Agriculture & Food Security

Composition and Membership

Activities: No activities to date

2. Behavioral Sciences

Composition and Membership

Activities: 

• Launch – Caribbean Journal of Psychology

The Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work and the School for Graduate Studies and Research in collaboration with The University of the West Indies Press hosted a Launch of the Caribbean Journal of Psychology (CJP) on April 6, 2018 at The UWI, Regional Headquarters. The CJP is a strong example of institution building and the region’s contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in the field of psychology. It publishes research from UWI academics, as well as colleagues from universities abroad, and addresses matters of psycho-social significance in the Caribbean. The Journal is a catalyst for regional research in psychology and is an outlet through which the SGSR’s important research and publication objectives may be achieved.

3. Biotechnology

Activities: 

• The 2016 UWI-UNUBIOLAC International Biotechnology Symposium

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor Graduate Studies and Research was invited to participate in a Symposium which was staged by the the United Nations University Biotechnology for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNU-BIOLAC) Programme and the Biotechnology Centre at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. The Symposium was held under the theme “State of the Arts and Future of Agrobiotechnology in Latin America and the Caribbean". A Training Workshop preceded the Symposium which examined the approaches, applications and relevance of DNA fingerprinting of plants to the agricultural sector in the Caribbean and Latin America. 

4. Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Composition and Membership

Activities: 

• Outreach Event 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus hosted an Outreach Event at the UWI Regional Headquarters between Tuesday, November 29, 2016 and Thursday, December 1, 2016.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the international body for assessing the science related to climate change. Their assessments provide a scientific basis for governments at all levels to develop climate related policies and help inform decisions taken at the United Nations Climate Conference.  This Outreach Event was historic in nature as it was the first of its kind being staged in the Caribbean. The objectives of the Event were four-fold: 1) to raise awareness about the IPCC, its role, activities and work plan for the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6); 2) to present the outcomes of the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5); 3) to enlist the participation of the local science and research community in climate research and encourage regional participation in the AR6 and; 4) to foster a better understanding among the news media about climate science, solutions to climate change and the IPCC process.

The Launch of the Scientific Platform for Applied Research and Knowledge Sharing (SPARKS) (Supercomputer)  was a main event on the first day of the Outreach. The purchase of this (Supercomputer) was made possible through a grant from the Inter-American Development Bank and the Climate Investment Fund. It will be used by the Climate Studies Group at the UWI Mona Campus to do modelling on a local and regional level and will provide relevant data on issues concerning food security, water security, and other crucial areas that may be affected by climate change.

This regional initiative attracted the participation of colleagues from the Cave Hill and St. Augustine Campuses who were invited to provide expert opinion on the impact, adaptation and vulnerability of climate change. Discussions were also held with the IPCC team surrounding possible future collaborations with the UWI Campuses.

Climate Change and Sustainable Development has been a primary area of focus for the School for Graduate Studies and Research for the 2016/2017 academic year. The SGSR therefore deemed this a great opportunity to inform the IPCC of the extensive research that was being undertaken in this area by the University of the West Indies in particular the Port Royal Marine Laboratory. A Cocktail Reception was therefore held at the Laboratory which, amongst other things, highlighted the contributions of the Port Royal Marine Laboratory to the study of environmental management, use and education within the region.

5. Crime Security and Justice

Composition and Membership

Activities:

The School for Graduate Studies and Research was invited to participate in a Public Lecture entitled “The Dudus Effect: The Decline in Violent Crimes 2010-2014” which was hosted by the Institute of Criminal Justice and Security (ICJS). The SGSR assisted with the public relations aspect of the Lecture and this proved to be of great benefit to the Institute. The Lecture, amongst other things, opened the door for future research collaborations with government ministries and private sector organizations, members of which were present in the audience. 

​6. Cultural & Entertainment Industries

Composition and Membership

Activities: No Activities to date.

7. Integration Studies and the CSME

Composition and Membership

Activities: One activity to date

Clusters (to be operationalised)

• Big Data
• Biodiversity & Environmental Protection
• Competitiveness
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Gender Justice
• Governance and Management of the Caribbean Sea
• Health & Wellness
• International Trade and the Economic Partnership Agreement (Inactive)
• Natural Hazard Management
• Renewable Energy
• Sport and sports management
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Sustainable Tourism in Small Island Developing States