The UWI Mona’s Faculty of Science and Technology is excited to announce the establishment of the Faculty of Science and Technology Endowment Fund, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering innovation, research, and academic excellence within the realm of science and technology. The Endowment Fund represents both The UWI and our partners’ significant commitment to long-term sustainability and advancement in the fields of science and technology and was launched at a morning mixer event hosting many of the key partners of the Faculty. The FST Endowment Fund is in response to the growing need for resources to support the Faculty’s cutting-edge teaching and research, continue to attract and retain top-tier faculty, and provide enriching educational experiences for students ensuring continued local and regional advancement.

In providing his faculty overview, Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Michael Taylor advanced that STEM has historically had a role in national development, going on to say, “I don’t think there is ever a time where we can see this more than now.” Citing how STEM was integral in dealing with the Covid pandemic and the emergence of AI as examples, “We need to ‘RITE’ size the science agenda for the country… We first need to re-imagine science education, it can’t be science education as before … we now have to put inspiring scientific pursuits on the table.” He went on to explain we also need to develop transformative STEM infrastructure that will facilitate engagement in science which enables Caribbean societies to flourish.  He noted that locally the ‘science stock’ of the region is replenished yearly from FST’s graduating cohort while also highlighting the Faculty’s centres for research in areas such as marine biology and seismology and their importance on a local and regional level.  

Key Objectives of the Endowment Fund:

1. Research Excellence: The fund will support ground breaking research initiatives, providing faculty and students with the resources needed to tackle pressing challenges and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
2. Faculty Development: A portion of the endowment will be allocated to attract and retain world-class faculty members, ensuring that the Faculty of Science and Technology continues to be a hub for academic expertise and leadership.
3. Student Scholarships and Opportunities: The fund will establish scholarships, fellowships, and experiential learning opportunities to empower students pursuing degrees in science and technology, encouraging the next generation of innovators.
4. Infrastructure and Technological Advancements: Investments from the endowment will contribute to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and modernized laboratories, creating an environment conducive to innovative research and learning.

Keynote speaker and Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, University of Texas at Austin John-Paul Clarke dispelled the myth of the isolated ‘ivory tower’ as he sees this perception as dated, as the perception of academia is still evolving.  Prof. Clarke highlighted the link between the alignments of the goals of academia and the private sector entities and their intersectionalities, stating, “We are all thinking about creating societal values, we’re all thinking about our brand and reputations … we are thinking about research because we know we need to figure out what we don’t know. We are thinking about how we can use science and how we can develop technology and create patents…we are thinking about tackling big problems.” He underscored this idea by saying, “In the US, the day of the single investigator – one graduate student grant is going the way of the Dodo, you have to be thinking about collaborative research, so I think the timing for collaboration is right.”   

Ways to Contribute:

The Faculty of Science and Technology wishes to thank our partners who are listed on our website and invites alumni, philanthropists, corporations, and community members to contribute to the Endowment Fund. Donations can be made online, via direct deposit or cheque. To learn more visit: https://www.mona.uwi.edu/fst/fst-endowment-fund