SRC Plans Activities to Mark Science and Technology Month

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) will be spearheading a series of events in observance of National Science and Technology (S&T) Month, which is being observed throughout November under the theme: ‘Science and Technology Driving Youth Development’.
Acting Team Leader for the Popularization of Science and Technology at SRC, Doreen Dietrich, told JIS News that a month has been put aside for S&T as it “is the driving force behind developed economies and especially now with the focus on Jamaica working towards developed country status, S&T has to be in the forefront.”
“We also find that many of our young people are shying away from science and we want to set aside a time when we can focus on the development and benefits of science and technology,” Mrs. Dietrich added.
A major highlight of the month’s activities is the staging of the 21st annual Conference and Exposition on Science and Technology at the Hilton Kingston Hotel from November 20 to 22.
She outlined that the three-day conference and exposition will seek to examine how the country’s utilization of S&T can impact the development of the nation’s youth.
Local and internationally acclaimed scientists and technologists, representatives from public and private sectors and industry leaders, will make presentations and demonstrate how S&T can be used as a powerful economic tool.
Presentation topics will include: Science and Technology Creating Employment Opportunities for Youth; Youth Education and Training; Health, Nutrition and Youth Development; Crime and Poverty Alleviation; Youth Innovation & Creativity and Entertainment and Sports.
In addition, several awards will be presented including the Young Scientist/Technologist Award initiated in 1990 and sponsored by the Jamaica Public Service Company. This award is presented to a young scientist/technologist who has conducted research in the area of the current conference theme.
Awards will also be given to the island’s top achievers in science for 2007 in the Caribbean Examination Council and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).
Mrs. Dietrich noted that prior to the conference and exposition, the Council will be hosting an open house at its Old Hope Road headquarters on November 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Acting Team Leader pointed out that the day will offer an opportunity for the scientific community to interact with students and the general public.
She added that the event will feature educational exhibits and will allow for a firsthand view of the latest research being conducted at the SRC.
Activities already held in observance of the month include a thanksgiving service at the Boulevard Baptist Church on November 4, which the Governor- General read the proclamation for the month on November 2 at King’s House.