St Augustine Campus

ALIGNMENT: RESEARCH, COMMERCIALISATION, AND PARTNERSHIPS

Revenue-generating research and partnerships drove progress. The Office of the Campus Principal and the Campus Implementation Committee led the identification of commercially viable projects. Research teams showcased their work at festivals, outreach events, and trade shows to elevate visibility and energise engagement.

Key Entrepreneurial Initiatives:

UWI Chocolate Factory

Established with TT$9 million from the EU and Trinidad & Tobago Government, the factory produces premium SPIRITT chocolate, supporting local cocoa farmers and exporting to high-end markets.

Global School of Medicine

Achieved two-year candidacy from the Caribbean Accreditation Authority, which is the body responsible for evaluating the quality of medical education, launched pre-qualifying health programmes, and prepared for a full MD programme in September 2026.

South Campus

Over TT$150 million invested to upgrade facilities, with further repairs funded by the Government.

UWI Seal-It Ltd

Achieved TT$682,500 profit by pioneering innovative asphalt-based sealants, which protect and waterproof surfaces such as roads, scaling up production and amplifying market presence.

Alumni Giving Project

The UWI Connect platform raised over TT$27,000 in its first month, reconnecting alumni for donations and networking.

Humankind Studios

Multimedia start-up generated TT$98,150 in income and secured significant contracts.

UWI Optometry Clinic

Opened with TT$550,000 in funding, targeting affordable eyecare and practical student training.

University Field Station

TT$1.8 million loan to refurbish, aiming to generate revenue from high- quality milk products.

Participation in the National Trade and Investment Convention 2025 spotlighted these ventures, generating business leads and partnership opportunities.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and Public Sector Training

Twelve new CPE courses attracted 333 participants, generating TT$1.467 million. Collaboration with the Ministry of Public Administration trained over 1,000 public officers and delivered TT$2.99 million in revenue.

Research Excellence and Grant Funding

The Campus prioritised impactful research targeting regional and global challenges, securing US$9.5 million in external grants and TT$1.26 million in internal awards. Notable projects included:

• Establishment of the Emerging Diseases and Genomics Centre (EDGe)
• Infectious disease diagnostics training for Caribbean professionals
• Multidisciplinary mental health toolkit development
• Virus tracking in trafficked wildlife
• Research on the CO2 impact on petroleum reservoirs
• Heritage and archival projects on Caribbean history UWI STA’s scientists continued to rank among the world’s top 2% most-cited researchers. Numerous staff members also received local and international awards for excellence.

Expanding Partnerships

Over 600 agreements and 100 MOUs were finalised with partners, including India, UNICEF, local ministries, and global universities. Initiatives launched a mental health chatline, spurred agricultural innovation, and established the St Augustine Industry Innovation Lab to strengthen academia-industry collaboration.

Community and Social Impact

The “Justice on the Move” project delivered free legal aid to over 225 individuals, empowering students with practical experience while serving community needs. Other outreach included agricultural diagnostics, science festivals, math fairs, and arts events, all of which deepened UWI’s societal engagement.

AGILITY: FINANCIAL HEALTH, PEOPLE, AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

• Financial Management: New policies and committees focused on diversifying investments and financial holdings. A task force improved staff health insurance while wage negotiations delivered salary increases for academic and non-academic staff.
• Training for Deans and Heads, regularising long- term temporary staff, and providing childcare support boosted workplace satisfaction. We honoured non-academic staff excellence with new awards.
• Digital Upgrades: The AI Centre was founded to position UWI STA as a regional leader in artificial intelligence. Infrastructure was modernised, cybersecurity strengthened, and student/admin services digitised, including online transcript requests and AI chatbots.

ACCESS: STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT

• Enrolment: Total student enrolment reached 14,061 (a 2% increase), with notable growth at both the undergraduate (1%) and postgraduate (5%) levels. Graduation numbers included 2,126 undergraduate and 1,132 postgraduate awards.
• Internationalisation: Exchange partnerships enabled inbound and outbound student and staff mobility with institutions worldwide.
• New Programmes: Faculties launched new degrees and certificates, including AI-focused postgraduate programmes and a Fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine. Course delivery expanded to include more blended and online options.
• Student Support: Enhanced counselling and mental health services, expanded bursary support (TT$2.37 million awarded), increased career advising, and improved student amenities (TT$2.2 million invested).

Community Outreach

• Participation in local career days and workforce development events
• Mobile Agro Environmental Services for farmers
• Science and arts festivals attracting thousands
• Pro bono legal clinics and public discussions on justice

Conclusion

UWI St Augustine’s 2024/2025 period was characterised by practical transformation, achievement across the Triple A pillars, and an unwavering commitment to regional development and global engagement. The Campus’s efforts in research, entrepreneurship, staff and student support, and digital transformation positioned it to continue delivering significant impact, promote financial sustainability, and shape the future both locally and internationally.