The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona puts the spotlight on Regional development at its annual Research Days Exposition, scheduled for Thursday, February 7 and Friday, February 8 on the Mona Ccampus. Under the theme, ‘Pathways and Opportunities for Regional Development’, Research Days 2013 will highlight various ways in which the University is using its diverse research efforts to identify innovative solutions to major developmental challenges.

Researchers from across its five faculties will collectively present the findings of their research in select areas of challenge and their recommendations for addressing these issues. The focus is timely as Jamaica and other Caribbean states grapple with the question of how to successfully navigate their way through the worsening global economic climate, towards a path of sustained growth and development.

In addition to exciting, interactive, themed exhibits, Research Days 2013 will feature special presentations and discussions by international and UWI experts on important topical issues.

The event commences with an Opening Ceremony on Thursday, February 7 at 9:00 a.m., followed by the presentation of exhibits under specialised faculty sub-themes, namely: Culture, Identity and Human Development; Energy Security & Sustainability; Governance; Non-communicable Diseases; and Building Resilience to Developmental Challenges.

Now in its 14th year, UWI Research Days provide an opportunity for the UWI, Mona community to share its research with students, academics, the business community, policy makers and the general public. It is an opportunity to understand and draw inspiration from the University’s current work in an effort to address societal issues.

Last year, Research Days focussed on the UWI’s innovative approach to health and wellness. A team of UWI researchers unveiled the revolutionary Cardiac Surgery Simulator that would create a significant shift in medical training. This year's event will also feature interesting innovations, including the renewable energy driven microcontroller based fully automated and controlled hydroponic greenhouse system; new treatment option for the deadly duo of diabetes and hypertension; as well as research into improving robustness in automatic speech recognition, emulating human speech recognition.

The UWI continues to make strides in the areas of Science and Technology, Medicine, Social Sciences and the Humanities.

Research Days will culminate with an awards ceremony on Friday, February 8 in recognition of the contributions of some of the best researchers of 2012.

Please visit the below webpage for more details:

http://myspot.mona.uwi.edu/researchday/