SRC Hosts Science in the Gardens

The public is being invited to the staging of ‘Science in the Gardens’ on November 24 on the grounds of the picturesque Hope Botanical Gardens, St. Andrew.

The event, to be held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., is being organised by the Scientific Research Council (SRC) in observance of Science and Technology Month in November.

It will feature exhibitions, tour of the Chinese Garden, scientific demonstrations as well as science and technology treasure hunts.

There will also be a photography competition, where patrons will be encouraged to capture the beautiful flora and fauna of the gardens.

The event will include the presentation of awards for the SRC’s essay, oratory, poster and performing arts competitions; a book launch; and attendees will be able to interact with young innovators, including winners from the 2016 Science and Technology Innovation Awards.

Coordinator for Science and Technology Education at the SRC, Amanda McKenzie, told JIS News that the exposition is in keeping with the entity’s mandate to “popularise science, technology and innovation”.

It also seeks to raise interest and awareness about the value of science and technology in fostering development and generating employment and other opportunities for the youth, she added.

National Science and Technology Month is being observed under the theme ‘Science, Technology and Innovation: Stimulus for Health, Wealth and Wellness’.

The month of activities serves to educate the public about the importance and relevance of science and technology to the development of the society.

The celebration is being spearheaded by the SRC and the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) in the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET).

Partners include the University of Technology (UTech), University of the West Indies (UWI), Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), The Department of Science and Technology in South Africa, and The University of Alicante in Spain.