SRC Accepting Applications for Innovation Awards

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) is now accepting applications for the National Innovation Awards.

The awards will be made in November 2016, and winners have a chance to win cash prizes as well as trophies.

Executive Director at the SRC, Dr. Cliff Riley, told JIS News that these innovations could be “products to solve some of our problems as a nation.”

Some of the categories include Agriculture; Food and Agro-Processing; Education and Popularisation of Science; Technology and Innovation; Energy, and Cyber-Security.

Additionally, innovations in the field of Entertainment Products; Environmental Sustainability; Health and Safety as well as Engineering and Manufacturing will be included in the awards.

A ‘Youth Innovator’ category will also be awarded as well as the Prime Minister’s National medal for someone who has contributed significantly to the areas of science, technology and innovation.

Dr. Riley said there will also be a special ‘Young Scientist and Technologist’ award from the SRC. This award will focus on scientists under the age of 40 who have made a significant impact on Science and Technology in Jamaica.

“The awards will highlight and zoom in on some of the solutions that are available to members of the public and to investors and pioneering ideas that may lead to valid businesses,” he said.

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2016 and all entrants must consult the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) before submitting applications, which must bear the JIPO seal.

Dr. Riley said that this is important as they want to “protect the rights of the innovators.”

Applications should be addressed to Mrs. Andrea Kerr, Coordinator, Innovation Awards Secretariat, Executive Director’s Office, Scientific Research Council, P.O. Box 350, Hope Gardens, Kingston 6.

For additional information interested persons may visit www.src.gov.jm.

The awards will be given in collaboration with the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST).