Conversations In Science February 11

The fifth staging of the Conversations in Science Series, which aims to increase the attractiveness of science, technology and innovation, is slated for Friday, February 11, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The event, which is being organised by the Scientific Research Council (SRC), is being held in recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Persons wishing to attend the event can contact the SRC at telephone 876-506-6055 or visit src.gov.jm. The series will be held on Zoom and later uploaded to SRC’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

The discussion series will be held under the theme ‘The Legacy of Women in STEM: Fueling NexGenGirls’ and is a part of the SRC’s mandate to publicise science and technology.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, who is the first woman in Jamaica to have served as science and technology minister, will be the guest speaker.

The event will also feature presenters and panellists, including the Executive Director of the National Commission on Science and Technology, Dr. Olive-Jean Burrowes and Principal of Western STEM Academy, Phelisa Ricketts-Graham.

Coordinator at the Science and Technology Education Unit of the SRC, Kavelle Hylton, told JIS News that participants who register for the new mentorship programme will get the opportunity “to shadow” scientists this year, and experience what a career in the sciences is like.

“We have included a mentorship opportunity this year called the Next Gen Science Programme. Through the science programme, the SRC will be able to track the different young ladies who would have had the opportunity to come here and get immersed in this programme. Then we can decide our next steps,” she noted.

Ms. Hylton said that another conversation focusing on boys will be held in November on International Boys’ Day.

“We want to ensure that we are not just focusing on women. We believe that both our boys and girls need this sort of upliftment, mentorship, and better role models,” she said.

Among other things, the SRC hopes that teachers and students will develop a new or improved interest in science and technology. It also aims to raise awareness of the possibility of entrepreneurship in the field.