SRC Pushing Science For Development

Chairman of the Scientific Research Council (SRC), Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr, says that the entity is focused on science for development and has been facilitating the innovations of science entrepreneurs and green developers through its Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC).​

He contended that science is critical in driving technologies to address climate change and help the country recover stronger from crises such as the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“The theme has always been science for development. It is not science for science; it is not science for conferences and papers; it is not science for fun, though it can be fun. It is about advancing the national agenda; it is about improving the world that we are all in, and we have to be serious about this,” he said.

“To be climate smart, to be climate resilient it means that, yes, COVID is going to hit us and science is going to help us innovate our way out of it. Climate and green technologies are not just about climate change. It is about making money, it is about making a difference in reducing your light bill; it is about encouraging and improving food security,” Dr. Lyew-Ayee Jr. said while addressing a recent JIS Think Tank.

Since its inception in 2014, the CCIC programme has been leading the way in developing a regionally integrated approach to solving the Caribbean’s climate, energy, and resource challenges.

The CCIC programme aims to assist Caribbean island states to adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate change by empowering each territory to create clean technologies and businesses, and strengthening several critical areas.

The SRC Chairman shared that the facility provides an environment where climate entrepreneurs and green developers can elevate their ideas or products.

“We do have a model where it is sort of venture capital-based, where you have innovation competitions and can pitch ideas. It is where you are able to bring potential investors to the table, pitch to them to show your idea, how something is business-ready for investment and for making a difference. It is not enough to have an idea. You have to be able to turn that idea into something that is viable, sustainable, scalable and, ultimately, survivable in the type of climate that we have,” Dr. Lyew-Ayee Jr. explained.

Along with facilitating ideas and preparing for the country to build back better after COVID-19, Dr. Lyew-Ayee Jr. said the SRC, through the CCIC, is working on introducing a legacy award to recognise innovators and entrepreneurs in science who have contributed lasting and impactful ideas.