UWI Cave Hill Prepares for FORECAST 2024
13 June 2024
Science and technology students at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at the 2024 Frontiers of Research in Caribbean Science and Technology (FORECAST) Conference. The event will highlight advancements in medical science, natural and applied sciences, sports, artificial intelligence, data privacy and protection, climate and disaster resilience, and energy and sustainability.
The UWI Cave Hill Campus, one of the four landed UWI campuses, will be a key participant in this regional event. The conference, which originated from a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica), and The UWI, aims to strengthen scientific research in Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region.
The Science, Technology, and Sport Faculties of UTech, Jamaica, and the UWI campuses at Mona, St. Augustine, and Cave Hill will join forces with the University of Trinidad and Tobago and the University of Guyana to host the second biennial FORECAST Conference this year. Scheduled for July 10-12, the conference will be held in a hybrid format under the theme "Advancing Science and Technology Innovation for National and Regional Development" at UTech, Jamaica’s Papine Campus.
Professor Clive Landis, Principal of The UWI Cave Hill Campus, will be a distinguished panelist on the High-Level Panel scheduled for July 12, 2024. This panel will deliberate on "Science and Technology Innovation Imperatives for National and Regional Development: Priorities for Economic Development" and will include national and regional government and industry leaders, as well as the heads of the four partnering universities.
Dr. Jeanese Badenock, Dean of The Faculty of Science and Technology, expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming event, stating, “Conferences like FORECAST 2024 provide us with a unique opportunity to witness the profound impact and captivating allure of science and technology. I firmly believe that the region holds immense untapped potential awaiting our exploration. The resurgence of interest in science and technology, coupled with the collaborative efforts of our esteemed regional institutions, such as The University of the West Indies, The University of Technology, and The University of Guyana, fills me with a deep sense of pride and inspiration. It is undeniably clear that the progress of a nation is intricately linked to the advancement of science and technology, and FORECAST 2024 is leading the way.”
FORECAST 2024 is expected to bring together over 500 local, regional, and international delegates, highlighting science and technology as essential pillars for national and regional transformation. The conference will feature plenary sessions with addresses by leading national and international experts in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, food security, climate change, and emerging health technologies.
Participants will have the opportunity to present their original research findings in various fields, including natural and applied sciences, sports technologies, artificial intelligence, data security, climate resilience, disaster risk management, S.T.E.M., robotics, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy.
A key highlight of FORECAST 2024 is the 3rd Student Grand Innovation Challenge. Held under the theme "Resilience and Transformation: Innovating Connected Caribbean Communities," this competition will see secondary and tertiary students from across the region presenting innovative solutions. They will compete for attractive cash prizes and mentorship opportunities designed to help them develop tangible projects that benefit Caribbean communities.
Ms. Natasha Corbin, Conference Co-chair from The UWI Cave Hill Campus, expressed her delight at the event.
"As the Co-chair from The UWI Cave Hill Campus, I am thrilled to witness the continued evolution of the FORECAST Conference. FORECAST 2024 promises to be a transformative event, fostering collaboration and igniting new research and development opportunities. This conference embodies our collective commitment to leveraging science and technology as pillars for regional growth and resilience. We eagerly anticipate the innovative solutions and partnerships that will emerge from this dynamic gathering, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for the Caribbean," she stated.
With anticipation building, the 2024 FORECAST Conference is set to be a landmark event in the Caribbean's scientific and technological landscape, driving forward the region's development and innovation agenda.
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