Professor Clive Landis will be formally welcomed into his role as the new pro vice-chancellor and principal of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Cave Hill Campus, during an induction ceremony on this Saturday (November 13).

Landis will be joined by a few relatives, senior UWI officials and other members of the university community, as well as regional public and private sector representatives, for his formal induction as the Campus’ sixth principal.

In a statement, The UWI said the wider university community and public audience are invited to witness the tradition of the ceremonial donning of the academic gown and mortarboard virtually via the UWItv platforms.  

“This hybrid format induction ceremony is a historic first for the Cave Hill Campus due to COVID-19 public health protocols,” The UWI said.

“The programme will also include live entertainment, remarks from key stakeholders across the region as well as the principal’s inaugural address and articulated vision for the campus as the climax.”

Commenting on plans for his tenure, Landis said: “I have an optimistic vision for the Cave Hill Campus to be an outward-looking academy, that through innovation partnerships will create value for society while diversifying income streams.”

Landis joined The UWI Cave Hill Campus in 2004, and previously served as deputy principal, and pro vice-chancellor, Board for Undergraduate Studies. A professor of cardiovascular research, he holds a PhD in immunology and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. Among his areas of research are the immune system and viruses, including established viruses like HIV and emerging viruses like Zika and COVID-19.

He is a former director of the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre. Additionally, he has chaired The UWI Zika Task Force and is the current chair of The UWI COVID-19 Task Force. He has also served as honorary director of the Barbados Government’s HIV laboratory.

Saturday’s induction ceremony, held under the theme: ‘Journey to Economic Health through Innovation and Community Engagement’, will be live streamed via www.uwitv.org, UWItv on Facebook and on UWItv channels on Flow EVO from 5:00 pm (Barbados/Eastern Caribbean/AST) | 4:00 pm (Jamaica).

Landis succeeds Professor V. Eudine Barriteau, who retired in July.