KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — November is being observed as National Science and Technology Month under the theme ‘Science, Technology and Innovation: Stimulus for Health, Wealth and Wellness’.

The month of activities, which was launched at the Scientific Research Council (SRC) on October 26, will serve to popularise and educate the public on the importance and relevance of science and technology to the development of the society.

Executive Director at the SRC, Dr Cliff Riley, in his remarks at the launch said the aim is to change the perception of Jamaicans “from seeing scientists as persons in lab coats and wearing thick glasses, to people who are making a difference and are contributing to the development and direction of our country”.

Activities planned for the month include a church service at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church on Constant Spring Road on October 30; as well as the Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) Tech Fest at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library, Tom Redcam Avenue, on November 3.

The Faculty of Medical Sciences Conference will also be held from November 6 to 8 and will focus on health and management.

Additionally, there will be the fourth Biennial Science and Technology Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on November 14 and 15.

One of the highlights of the month is the National Innovation Awards on November 16, where contributors to the research, science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship fields will be honoured.

The public is invited to ‘Science in the Gardens’ on November 24 at the Hope Botanical Gardens. “At this event we will tap into the creativity and imagination of our young future scientists, as this is open to the public,” the Executive Director said.

He noted that youngsters and adults will be engaged in various activities aimed at making science and technology more understandable and relatable “where persons will see science unfold before their eyes.”

Dr Riley is encouraging Jamaicans to use Science and Technology Month as an opportunity to learn more and interact with scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.

The month-long celebration is being spearheaded by the SRC and the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) under the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET).

Partners include the University of Technology (UTech); University of the West Indies (UWI); Northern Caribbean University (NCU); Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO); Department of Science and Technology in South Africa; and the University of Alacanti in Spain.