Georgetown : The University of Guyana (UG) has awarded nine grants valued at US$247,000 to 17 of its academics for research in Low Carbon Development (LCDs).
At a simple ceremony held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education at Brickdam, the agreements were signed between the UG represented by Vice Chancellor and Principal Jacob Opadeyi and the researchers. Witnessing the signing was Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who in turn handed over the grant agreements to the researchers
The grants support research in the following areas: Determination of aflatoxins in paddy, rice and rice by-products in Guyana; Assessing prehistoric diet breadth and settlement to model a low carbon way of life; Investigating the antimicrobial potential of azardirachta indica and syzygium cumini seeds against microbial pathogens in diabetic foot; Examining the impact of mining on fish diversity and diet in coastal and inland rivers of Guyana; Assessing the 'Greenness' of the Guyanese population and its relation to green space; Designing a Dual Approach Composite Material (DACM) filter for household water treatment; Assessing the wind energy potential on Guyana's coastland; Examining architectural and urban adjustments for the effective harvesting of LCDS benefits and; Exploring the integration of environmental education in the mathematics curriculum.
Minister Roopnaraine told the academics that the Ministry looks forward to exemplary work from the University. He noted that much of the work that the researchers will be seeking to execute would be of inestimable value to what is needed for Guyana to move forward. “It is research that is necessary for us, who are trying to implement policies that will take us forward,” he said.
Further, the Education Minister stated that he is looking forward to the day when the University of Guyana can become a brain thrust available to those in the Government attempting to formulate and implement policies for the country’s development.
He told the academics that the Government and country should not have to go abroad and find consultants to help in research areas, when the country has at its disposal a University. To this end, the Minister posited that every sign that the University is moving forward in these directions is very positive. “Guyana needs a University that is going to play its full part in terms of delivering to us the intellectuals and research we need,” he said.
He noted that the LCDS is an area in which the country needs a lot of evidence-based policy making. “We cannot pull policies out of thin air and the work that you are doing is going to be invaluable as resource to help us formulate these policies and hopefully (be) implemented,” he told the academics.
The grants originated from the University of Guyana Science and Technology Support Project (UGSTSP) launched in 2014 and executed by the Ministry of Education in close collaboration with the University.
The UGSTSP is based on a US$10 million credit from the World Bank to the Government of Guyana. It is aimed at strengthening the four (4) science and technology faculties at the University of Guyana. These include the Faculties of, Agriculture & Forestry, Natural Sciences and Technology and the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, to better prepare graduates for jobs in low carbon industries and build sustainable capacity to operate the University and plan for its future growth.
The project focuses on improving the quality of science education through curriculum reform, support for research in Low Carbon Development areas, improve the physical infrastructure and capacity building.
Under the research sub-component, a first batch of eight (8) grants in 2014 was awarded to a total of twenty-one academics. The areas of focus were Estimating the carbon storage potential of the mangrove forests in Guyana; Analysing the culture and propagation of edible mushrooms on different organic substrates in Guyana; Investigating the impacts of artisanal and small-scale mining and their associated road infrastructure on biodiversity in the Frenchman, Region 8 mining district; Studying the effects of educational intervention about "bush medicine" on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Pharmacists and Physicians; Investigating the effects of momordica charantia (corilla) on secondary and primary cancer cell lines; Studying antimicrobial activities of selected fruits and vegetables against selective pathogenic micro-organisms; An experimental approach to economic behaviour, culture and institutions in support of low carbon development and; Investigating the use of solar generated steam power in the University’s thermodynamics laboratory.
The 2014 grants commenced in March 2014 and investigations are expected to be completed by December 2015.
Principal Opadeyi noted that the researches are very meaningful to the country. He applauded the academics who this year seized the opportunity to be a part of the project. “Last year when we did this, several persons thought that it was nothing and this year we got so many applicants,” he said.
Principal Opadeyi also disclosed that from the 2014 grant, the UG is seeking results. He said that one of the 2014 research projects could potentially lead to the patenting of a particular medication derived from local passion fruit.
Today’s award of an additional nine, brings the total to 17 grants, involving 38 academics with an overall cost of US$580,000.
Research under the 2015 grants will commence in July and should be completed by December, 2016.
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