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32nd SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

Theme: Science Solves

  • November 17-19, 2026
  • Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Kingston.
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About Event

32nd Science and Technology Conference

The National Science and Technology Conference is a signature event that underscores the SRC’s commitment to fostering innovation, promoting scientific research, and driving sustainable development.

Who Should Participate

  • Researchers and Academics
  • Students and Young Professionals
  • Industry Professionals
  • International Delegates
  • Policy Makers
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Welcome

Message from the Chairman & Executive Director

Mr. Robert Lawrence

Chairman, Board of Directors

“Science is more than just laboratories and test tubes, and beyond the domain of just academia and government labs. Science is all of you participating in this event.”

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Dr. Charah T. Watson

Executive Director, SRC

“Together, let us continue to innovate, collaborate, and lead the way towards a sustainable future.”

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Speakers

Our Amazing Speakers

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Sen. the Hon. Aubyn Hill

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce

Min. of Industry, Investment and Commerce

Hon. Floyd Green, MP

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining

Min. Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining

Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley

Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects

Office of the Prime Minister

Dr. Charah Watson

Chief Executive Officer

Scientific Research Council

Prof. Michael Taylor

Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology

University of the West Indies

Prof. Sean Thorpe

Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing

University of Technology

Mr. Brian Grant

Chief Executive Officer

First Cloud Consultants Limited

Dr. Cliff Riley

Director General

Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority

Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr.

Chief Strategy Officer, Leap Co; Eisenhower Fellow
SRC Young Scientist/Technologist Award

Young Scientist Awardees

Celebrating more than three decades of young Jamaican scientists and technologists whose research is shaping national development.

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2022

Dr. Peter Nelson

2018

Dr. Shadae Foster

Dr. Foster's research interest involved assessing the potential of natural products for development as a treatment for diabetes (high blood glucose) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

2016

Dr. Denise Daley

Dr. Denise Daley, won the Young Scientist/Technologist Award “for the creativity and innovativeness of her research work submitted, its potential social and economic value, its potential for supporting national development, evidence of peer-reviewed publications,”

2014

Dr. Nadale Downer-Riley

Young Scientists Winner 2014, Lecturer and Researcher in Organic synthesis. Dr Downer-Riley has conducted extensive work in synthesizing natural products in preparation for their use as medicinal drugs and pesticides

2012

Dr. Charah Watson

Her research, “Jamaican Medicinal Plants and their Role in Sustainable Economic Development”, showed how the exploitation of Jamaica’s medicinal plant resources could stimulate economic activity by creating jobs in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, promote non-traditional exports, facilitating import-substitution, and stimulating entrepreneurship.

2010

Dr. Simone Badal

Won the Prestigious SRC/JPSCo Young Scientists/Technologist award for her research on “Uncovering the Anticancer Efficacies of Jamaica Natural Products”

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2007

Dr. Seymour Webster

Topped the field of five Nominees for the prestigious prize for outstanding work on Coral Reef restoration.” Enhancing Coral Habitat for the Benefit of the Tourist and subsistence fisheries Sectors” Note: The SRC Management took a decision to change the original format of its Annual Conference to hosting Biennial Conferences. Hence there were no Young Scientist Award Competitions for 2008 and 2009.

DR. CLIFF RILEY, ITC
2006

Dr. Cliff Riley

Won the Prestigious SRC/JPSCo Young Scientists/Technologist award for his research on “Jamaican Yams starches, detecting their usefulness in a variety of Pharmaceutical products”

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2005

Dr. Michael Taylor

Was the recipient of the prestigious award his research work – “Toward the production of seasonal forecasts and climate change Scenarios for the Caribbean”

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2004

Dr. Mishka Stennett

Topped the field of five Nominees for the prestigious prize for outstanding work on Coral Reef restoration .” Enhancing Coral Habitat for the Benefit of the Tourist and subsistence fisheries Sectors”

2003

Dr. Gossel Williams

She copped the prestigious prize for her outstanding work in “The Nutraceutical value of Pumpkin Seed Oil : Inhibition of the growth of Rat Prostrate”

2002

Dr. Andrew Wheatley

Was awarded for his outstanding biotechnology work on tuber crops. His presentation was entitled “Biotechnology Improvement of Tuber Crops for Wealth and Wellness among Caribbean People”

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2001

Dr. Lyndon Johnson

Was awarded for his research on the “Bioextraction Industry in Jamaica the Technosol Experience”.

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2000

Dr. Marcia Royes

The recipient completed a very interesting and useful work in Molecular Characterization of the Control Strategies for Whitefly Transmitted Geninivm in Jamaica.

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1999

UTech Students Information Kiosk

Did not satisfy all the criteria hence the committee recommended that a special recognition award to the University of Technology to be used specifically for development of this project.

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1998

Dr. Timon Waugh

Was awarded on his research project to find cost effective solutions to the problem of environmental pollution associated with coffee pulpery operations and the significant improvement in environmental conditions of coffee pulperies

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1997

Dr. Dwight Robins

This award was for development of formulations of plant derived pesticides, use of trap and companion crops and management of residues of organic pesticides in island ecosystems

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1996

Dr. Paula Tennant

Was awarded for recognizing the importance of biotechnology in agricultural development both locally and overseas.

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1995

Mr. Max Wellington

The sixth recipient. This was in recognition of his work with the Jamaican Yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis)

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1994

Miss Donna Lewis

The tradition broke when the fifth award was made to the first female.

1993

Dr. Dale Webber

Was the fourth recipient. This was based on his research on the water quality of the Kingston Harbour

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1992

Dr. Dan Ramdath

Was the third recipient of the Award. The Award for his research on the rehabilitation of malnourished children using coconut and corn oil-based diets

1991

Dr. Andre Gordon

Was the recipient selected based on his work on comminuted meat products

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1990

Dr. Lawrence Williams

Was the first SRC/Shell Young Scientist. The outstanding results from his research on the biological activity of Jamaica breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) and other local plants.

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Registration Fees

Registration fees include lunch and coffee break

All Access 4-day pass

  • Jamaica $200 USD
  • Canada-USA $450 USD
  • Rest of America $400 USD
  • Rest of the World $450 USD
  • International Students $200 USD
  • Caricom (and associate member states) $400 USD
  • Jamaican Students with ID FREE
Register Now

Daily Pass

  • Jamaica $50 USD
  • Canada-USA $150 USD
  • Rest of America $120 USD
  • Rest of the World $150 USD
  • International Students $50 USD
  • Caricom (and associate member states) $120 USD
  • Jamaican Students with ID FREE
Register Now
November 17-19, 2026

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Dr. Charah T. Watson

Executive Director, SRC

Welcome to the 32nd Science & Technology Conference

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the Scientific Research Council’s 32nd Science and Technology Conference, being held under the powerful and timely theme, “Science Solves.”

At a time when Jamaica is confronting the realities of increasingly severe natural disasters, climate change, food security challenges and a rapidly evolving global economy, our theme is more than a statement. It is a declaration of purpose and a call to action. Science, technology and innovation must be central to how we build resilience, strengthen our economy and secure a sustainable future.

Over the three days, November 17–19, we will explore how science can move beyond research and discovery to deliver tangible solutions for national development. Our discussions will examine the strengthening of Jamaica’s innovation ecosystem, research financing and commercialization, food security and agricultural resilience, climate adaptation, water and environmental sustainability, and the transformative potential of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and data science.

Importantly, we will challenge ourselves to consider not only what science can do, but how we translate scientific knowledge into investments, policies, partnerships and solutions that improve lives, create opportunities and drive economic growth.

This conference brings together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, development partners and the next generation of innovators. Our expectation is clear: to stimulate meaningful dialogue, forge strategic partnerships and accelerate the application of science and technology to Jamaica’s most pressing challenges.

As we pursue the aspirations of Vision 2030 Jamaica—to make Jamaica “the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”—we must recognize that our ability to compete, adapt and prosper in the global economy will increasingly depend on how effectively we harness science, technology and innovation.

I invite you to participate actively, think boldly and embrace the opportunities before us. Let us leave this conference not only inspired by what is possible, but committed to making it happen.

The challenges are real. The opportunities are immense. And science offers the solutions.

Welcome to Science Solves 2026!

Mr. Robert Lawrence

Chairman, Board of Directors

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 32nd National Science and Technology Conference and Exhibition, hosted by the Scientific Research Council under the theme “Science Solves.”

This theme is more than a statement. It is a declaration of purpose, a reminder of the tremendous potential of scientific knowledge and a call to action for all of us who believe in building a stronger, more innovative and resilient Jamaica. Today, we gather not simply to celebrate scientific achievement, but to examine how science, technology and innovation can be translated into meaningful solutions that improve lives, strengthen industries and contribute to sustainable national development.

A particularly significant feature of this year's Conference is Jamaica's hosting of the Global Research Council Americas Regional Meeting, bringing together research funding agencies and science policy leaders from across the Americas. This engagement presents an important opportunity to strengthen international research partnerships, expand knowledge exchange and reinforce Jamaica's contribution to regional and global scientific dialogue. It also reminds us that while many of the challenges we face are local, the solutions often require international collaboration, shared expertise and coordinated investment.

As Chairman of the Scientific Research Council, I am particularly encouraged by the opportunities that exist to strengthen Jamaica's innovation ecosystem. Our country possesses tremendous intellectual capacity, creativity and entrepreneurial potential. Across our universities, research institutions, laboratories, businesses and communities, Jamaicans are generating ideas with the potential to transform industries and improve lives. Our responsibility is to ensure that these ideas are supported, developed and translated into tangible outcomes.

As we begin this Conference, I encourage every participant to approach the next three days with curiosity, openness and a willingness to collaborate. Let us challenge conventional thinking, explore new partnerships and identify practical actions that can move Jamaica's science and innovation agenda forward. Let this Conference be remembered not only for the conversations we have, but for the partnerships we build, the opportunities we create and the solutions we advance. Because ultimately, the measure of our success will not simply be the knowledge we generate, but the difference that knowledge makes in the lives of our people.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Scientific Research Council, I warmly welcome you to the 32nd National Science and Technology Conference and Exhibition. May the discussions over the next three days inspire bold thinking, meaningful collaboration and lasting impact.

Together, let us continue to demonstrate that SCIENCE SOLVES!