THE University of Guyana’s Science and Technology Support Project (UGSTSP) yesterday awarded to 17 academics a total of nine grants valued at US$247,000 for research in Low Carbon Development.The UGSTSP is a US$10 million World Bank-funded project which is being executed by the Ministry of Education in close collaboration with the University of Guyana.

The objective of the Project is to strengthen four science and technology faculties at the University of Guyana, namely the Faculties of Agriculture & Forestry, Natural Sciences and Technology, and the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, so that they may better prepare graduates for jobs in low carbon industries, 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, improved physical infrastructure, and capacity building.

Under the research sub-component, a first batch of eight grants was awarded in 2014 to a total of 21 academics of the University. Yesterday’s award of an addition nine brings to 17 the total of grants, and involves 38 academics with an overall cost of US$580,000.

The areas of focus are as follows:

2014 Grants
1. Estimating the carbon storage potential of the mangrove forests in Guyana;
2. Analysing the culture and propagation of edible mushrooms on different organic substrates in Guyana;
3. Investigating the impacts of artisanal and small-scale mining, and their associated road infrastructure on biodiversity in the Frenchman, Region 8 mining district;
4. Studying the effects of educational intervention about “bush medicine” on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pharmacists and physicians;
5. Investigating the effects of momordica charantia (corilla) on secondary and primary cancer cell lines;
6. Studying antimicrobial activities of selected fruits and vegetables against selective pathogenic micro-organisms;
7. An experimental approach to economic behaviour, culture and institutions in support of low carbon development; and
8. Investigating the use of solar generated steam power in the University’s thermodynamics laboratory.
2015 Grants
1. Determination of aflatoxins in paddy, rice and rice by-products in Guyana;
2. Assessing prehistoric diet breadth and settlement to model a low carbon life way;
3. Investigating the antimicrobial potential of azardirachta indica and syzygium cumini seeds against microbial pathogens in diabetic feet;
4. Examining the impact of mining on fish diversity and diet in coastal and inland rivers of Guyana;
5. Assessing the ‘Greenness’ of the Guyanese population and its relation to green space;
6. Designing a Dual Approach Composite Material (DACM) filter for household water treatment;
7. Assessing the wind energy potential on Guyana’s coastland;
8. Examining architectural and urban adjustments for the effective harvesting of LCDS benefits; and
9. Exploring the integration of environmental education in the mathematics curriculum.

The 2014 grants commenced in March 2014, and the research is expected to be completed by December, 2015; while the 2015 grants will be effected from July 2015 and be completed by December, 2016.

It is expected that the results of the research will lead to the formulation of public policy recommendations; development of LCDS-relevant services and products; generation of field research skills among academics at the University; and the production of baseline information against which the impact of economic activities can be measured.

A study is also ongoing for the establishment of a research and innovation fund at the University. Once established, this fund will facilitate the sustainability of opportunities for research and knowledge generation for the University and the wider Guyanese society.

Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine at the ceremonial signing and presentation of the grants congratulated the researchers and noted that the research projects will be inestimable. He said that the studies are necessary as the Ministry and the Government aims to formulate and implement policies informed by research. He posited that Guyana needs a university that will play its full part by responding to the Nation`s needs in the areas of knowledge creation and research application.