During the academic year 2023-2024, the Schoolfor Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR) displayed remarkable resilience and strategic foresight, successfully addressing financial and resource constraints while achieving significant milestones. Key initiatives included implementing capacity-building programmes, supporting One UWI research clusters, and enhancing the University’s grantsmanship efforts.

A notable highlight was the development and approval of numerous new and revised graduate programmes, particularly the inaugural suite of programmes focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These programmes, offered by the International School for Development Justice at the Global Campus, included postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and master’s degrees in gender justice, public health, sustainability management, and innovation. This advancement further solidified the University’s reputation both regionally and globally.

The SGSR aimed to enhance access to graduate education by establishing strategic partnerships and digital transformation initiatives, showcasing its commitment to adaptability, supportive research environments, and innovation. Aligned with The UWI’s Triple A Strategic Plan, the SGSR focused on advancing goals related to Access, Alignment, and Agility while striving to build a sustainable research ecosystem and empower future scholars.

Access

New and Revised Graduate Programmes

The SGSR received approval from the Board for 32 new graduate programmes, parallel to 32 revisions of existing programmes. Key innovations included introducing programmes that align directly with the UN SDGs, a first for the University. These programmes encompass a wide range of critical areas, preparing graduates to tackle pressing global challenges.

Quality Assurance Reviews

The Quality Assurance Unit conducted several programme reviews across various disciplines to maintain academic excellence. This included evaluations from the Cave Hill Campus (Faculty of Law and Theology), the Mona Campus (UWI School of Nursing and Institute of Caribbean Studies), and the St. Augustine Campus (Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Law, and Pre-Clinical Sciences).

GRADUATE ENROLMENT AND STUDENT SUPPORT

Graduate Enrolment Statistics

Graduate enrolment totalled 8,943 students, a slight increase from the previous academic year. Noteworthy growth occurred at the Cave Hill and Five Islands campuses, while the Mona, St. Augustine, and Global campuses experienced declines in enrolment. Research degree enrolment constituted 14% of the total, indicating a decrease of 1%.

Graduate Scholarships

The administration of scholarships was a significant focus for the SGSR during this period. For the first time since its inception in 1996, the School did not receive funding for UWI-funded Graduate Scholarships designated for full-time research students. However, the Intra-Caribbean Academic Mobility Programme (ICAMP), funded by the European Union, awarded 14 fully-funded master’s scholarships valued at US$458,567 to students at the Cave Hill, Mona, and St. Augustine campuses.

The scholarship summary included notable awards such as:

• Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship: 1 award valued at US$26,000
• Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF): 5 awards worth US$49,500
• Lisa Gore Seifart Scholarship (Gore Foundation): 3 awards totalling US$5,000
• Dr. Pauline O. Lawrence and Dr. Carlton G. Davis Scholarship: 2 awards valued at US$3,750
• UWI Global Giving Scholarship: 1 award of US$1,785
• IAD Visa Scholarship: 2 awards totalling US$2,080
• ICAMP Scholarships: 14 awards amounting to US$458,56

One UWI Postgraduate Student Conference

A significant initiative to enhance the postgraduate student experience was the inaugural One UWI Postgraduate Student Conference, held virtually from November 15 to 17, 2023. Themed “Preparing for the New Global Era: Voices of Future Leaders,” this conference provided a platform for postgraduate students to present their research. It featured diverse attendees and distinguished speakers, including The UWI Vice- Chancellor.

Professor Aldrie Henry-Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Graduate Studies & Research, presenting the Most Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award & Mentorship Award to Mentors, Dr. Venkatesan Sundaram and Dr. Nikolay Zyuzikov, and Graduate Researcher, Dr. Stephanie Mohammed.

The conference served as an academic forum and an opportunity for networking and collaboration among emerging scholars and established academics. Such engagement is crucial for fostering a community of researchers prepared to tackle the complexities of our rapidly changing world.

The SGSR’s initiatives during the academic year 2023-2024 underline its unwavering commitment to enhancing graduate education and research. The development of new programmes, emphasis on quality assurance, strategic scholarships, and the successful organization of the postgraduate conference reflect a dynamic approach towards academic excellence and social responsibility.

Through these efforts, the SGSR not only promotes access and alignment within its educational offerings but also cultivates a resilient academic culture prepared to meet future challenges. As the University continues its journey aligned with the Triple A Strategic Plan, the SGSR plays a pivotal role in building a sustainable research ecosystem and empowering the next generation of scholars to contribute positively to society.

Dr. Pathmanathan Umaharan, Director, Cocoa Research Centre giving an oral presentation on “How to Plan for Relevant and Impactful Research.”

Participants interacting with the researchers at the Principal’s Research Festival 2023.