CASE Showcases Innovation and Partnerships at Research Day 2026

Research Day 2026 at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) highlighted the institution’s commitment to transforming agriculture through scientific innovation, moving beyond traditional laboratory work to practical field application.

The activity, held on March 26 at the institution’s campus in Portland, was staged under the theme ‘Advancing Resilient and Sovereign Food Systems through Research, Innovation and Disaster Risk Reduction’.

Scores of students from institutions across several parishes converged on the College’s campus to learn about research and explore a wide array of interactive booths and exhibitions.

The main ceremony took place in the T.P. Lecky Hall and featured a keynote address by Professor Errol Morrison, as the College showcased cutting-edge research, fostered collaboration, and promoted innovation in education, science, and agriculture.

President of CASE, Dr. Derrick Deslandes, said the initiative is a key platform for showcasing the institution’s work and strengthening partnerships.

“Well, it’s really showcasing the research that CASE is doing, and it’s about building partnerships with other institutions,” he stated.

He noted that the event also served to inspire prospective students and collaborators.

“We hope to expose them to what we’re doing, we hope to interest the students in wanting to come to the CASE… and we hope to further stimulate the minds of visitors who may want to partner with us in future research,” he informed.

“It’s really about building partnerships and building relationships and to… expand as we go along,” he added.

Dr. Deslandes also emphasised that research should be seen as accessible and relevant to everyday life.

“Research is not just for special people; it really is something that can be connected every day by the things that we do around us but to do it in a way that can be replicated and shared,” he stated.

He added that the College remains focused on leveraging research to drive national development across multiple sectors.

“We want to do the kind of research that will drive long-term development, whether it’s agriculture, hospitality, or tourism, or in the science field,” he stated.

Research Day also featured engaging presentations, dynamic discussions, and displays highlighting the connection between agriculture and technology, and how innovation is being utilised to solve everyday challenges.

An undergraduate poster competition also formed part of the day’s activities, offering awards of $70,000, $45,000, and $35,000 for first, second and third places, respectively, credited towards tuition.