Cutting-edge research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, health, energy, sport science and tourism will take centre stage at the University of Technology, Jamaica’s (UTech, Jamaica) Research, Technology, and Innovation Day (RTID) on Thursday, April 10 at the Papine Campus.

The all-day STEM-focussed event is being spearheaded by UTech, Jamaica’s Research Management Unit – the School of Graduate Studies Research and Entrepreneurship under the theme, ‘Innovate. Create. Transform.’ The event will commence with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. in Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building.

Among the key research presentations is a proposed policy framework for AI-generated works in Agricultural Biotechnology by Ashleigh McAnuff Williams, Attorney-at-Law and Lecturer at the College of Business Administration and Management. This research explores AI-assisted methods in agricultural biotechnology within the Jamaican context, proposing legal reforms to recognize AI-assisted innovations and the allocation of intellectual property (IP) rights. The framework aims to position Jamaica as a regional leader in AI-driven agricultural biotechnology.

In the area of environmental research, Dr Nicole Cameron and Rolando Smith, Lecturers in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, will present findings from their study on climate change perception and adaptation strategies for farmers in small island developing states (SIDS). Their research explores communication methods for sustainable agricultural practices that can mitigate climate risks for farmers and the environment. 

Complementing this discussion, Dr Andrea Barrett, Associate Professor in the College of Business and Management, will present her study on innovative technologies for sustainable water management in the Caribbean. Her research highlights emerging technologies that enhance water resource management, emphasizing their importance to key economic sectors.

The event will also spotlight groundbreaking health research. Dr Andrew Lamm, Associate Professor, Natural Products Research Laboratory (NPRL), in the Faculty of Science and Sport, will present his study on the use of genomic data in drug discovery and disease prevention. He aims to engage health practitioners and policymakers by demonstrating how genetic sequencing data can uncover new drug targets and disease treatment approaches. In addition, Dr Zandy Elliot, Programme Director for the Master of Public Health course of study in the School of Public Health and Health Technology, will discuss the role of biomarkers in predicting risks for renal disease, stroke, and cardiovascular conditions among Jamaican adults.

In relation to energy, Dr Kirkland Rowe, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering & Computing will present the result of a novel bi-level optimisation model for the optimal siting, sizing, and operation of multi-energy systems (MES) within an integrated energy system (IES). This encompasses electricity, gas, and heat with peer-to-peer (P2P) trading and demand response.  

Additionally, Professor of Chemistry, School of Natural and Applied Sciences in the Faculty of Science & Sport, Professor Kamilah Hylton will present the result of her investigated use of technology to collect and analyze data on the performance of swimmers. Her research integrates the incorporation of technology into training programmes to improve performance and encourage a science-based approach to the training of swimmers.   

Concerning tourism, Professor Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh, Associate Dean, College of Business and Management, will share the results of her study that empirically analyzed the relationship between tourism and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) employing the stakeholder and agency theories. She will also make recommendations that can be employed by the various tourism stakeholders to achieve the SDGs.  

Beyond these featured presentations, UTech, Jamaica’s RTID 2025 will showcase research and innovations across a range of disciplines from staff and students within the university’s eight academic units. The event aligns with UTech, Jamaica’s mission: “To positively impact Jamaica, the wider Caribbean, and beyond through high-quality learning opportunities, research, and value-added solutions for government, industry, and communities.”

Dr Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica stated: “The 2025 renewal of UTech, Jamaica’s Research, Technology, and Innovation Day reaffirms our institution’s position as Jamaica’s premier public STEM university, committed to national development through research and innovative solutions.” The President further noted that “with our current RESET transformation strategy to become more Research-driven, Entrepreneurial, Student-centred, and creating Expanded-access and more Technology-focused initiatives, this event will provide a preview of impactful research and innovations at UTech, Jamaica and the critical role that we continue to play in sustainable development.” 

Dr Paul Ivey, Associate Professor and Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship, shared that the event is a platform for celebrating UTech, Jamaica’s role in advancing knowledge and technology that drives positive change in society. He notes that “During its 67 years of existence, the university has contributed to advancing Jamaica’s national development goals through purpose-driven, relevant, and impactful research.  Examples of these will be showcased on Research, Technology and Innovation Day.”

The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Norman Munroe, a Fulbright Scholar and distinguished expert in Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Florida International University (FIU). He will share insights from his research journey at FIU, discussing strategies to drive research innovation, increase output, and foster academic collaboration.

Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport along with other leaders from the public and private sectors including education and technology, will also participate in the event. The 2025 staging of UTech, Jamaica’s Research Technology and Innovation Day is expected to strengthen partnerships between academia and industry and unlock new opportunities for innovation in Jamaica.