THE University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona campus held a ceremony on July 26 to honour 300 of its most outstanding researchers. The annual Principal’s Research Awards were suspended over the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Dale Webber, UWI, Mona principal, highlighted the importance of research for the institution, setting it apart from other tertiary institutions in the Caribbean. He commended the 300 researchers awarded for their exceptional work, much of which was accomplished during the challenges posed by the pandemic and financial constraints faced by the university.

“The University of the West Indies, Mona is proud to celebrate 75 years of excellence in research and innovation, showcasing the dedication and resilience of its researchers amidst challenging times. Long before the advent of the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking and the implementation of UWI’s strategic plans, research has been the lifeblood of the institution, driving impactful solutions and discussions that have resonated with both the public and private sectors. Government bodies, businesses, and policymakers have relied on research outcomes for the formulation of white and green papers, policy development, and national actions, further highlighting the impact of UWI’s research on society.”

The UWI, Mona Research Days and Awards is an annual tradition that highlights the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of research and intellectual pursuit. The research awards were presented to faculty members and researchers whose work has demonstrated exceptional impact and significance in their respective disciplines. The 100 most outstanding research projects were selected through a rigorous evaluation process, considering the quality, originality, and societal relevance of their research contributions. The awards include categories such as the best research publication, the most outstanding researcher in each faculty, the research project attracting the most funding, the research project with the greatest business economic and developmental impact, the research project with the greatest impact on policy. The collaboration among faculties was particularly lauded, with projects involving multiple researchers from different departments and faculties. The impact of COVID-19 as a focal point of research was also recognised.

Guest speaker at the function, former UWI, Mona principal and former governor general of Jamaica, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, underscored the importance of the Research Days on the academic calendar.

“The Research Days have become a significant platform to foster curiosity, intellectual exchange and collaboration,” Hall said. “There has been tremendous growth in the quantity and quality of research output reflecting the dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence by our scholars. Their innovative approaches, dedication to scientific rigour, and commitment to enhancing society have been truly inspirational.”

Interestingly, Hall, who as principal started the Research Days and Awards in 1998, disclosed that the idea to implement the event came about in part due to the general lack of knowledge about The UWI’s critical research work and the criticism by the controversial radio talk show host the late Wilmot “Mutty” Perkins, who often described the UWI as “an intellectual ghetto”, meaning an institution whose academic work had little impact on the wider public.

He noted that the impressive body of research presented during the Research Awards demonstrates the institution’s commitment to generating knowledge that impacts critical sectors such as health, agriculture, environmental protection, social sciences and technology. The UWI researchers have tackled pressing issues like climate change mitigation, poverty alleviation, infectious disease control, and educational reform, all of which make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.

The dedication to research and academic excellence at The UWI has contributed to its impressive global ranking. The UWI holds the number one position among universities in the Caribbean, ranks in the top one per cent of institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean, and is among the top 1.5 per cent of universities worldwide. Professor Aldrie Henry-Lee, the pro vice-chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research, commended the researchers for their outstanding achievements, noting that in the previous academic year the Mona staff produced a remarkable amount of research output, including 28 technical reports, 225 conference presentations, and 223 lectures and seminars. “These contributions could potentially propel The University of the West Indies even further, possibly placing it within the top one per cent of universities globally,” she said.