IN a historic move marking 25 years of academic service, the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) will host its first-ever Interdisciplinary Research Conference from June 23 to 26, 2025, at its Tain Campus on the Corentyne.

Held under the theme “Embracing Innovation and Change through Interdisciplinary Perspectives,” the landmark event is expected to attract local and international scholars, students, policymakers, and professionals. With a strong focus on collaboration across academic, public, and private sectors, the conference aims to explore solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges—ranging from climate-smart agriculture and public health to digital innovation and sustainable development.

According to Dr Pamela Rose, Assistant Director of UGBC and Conference Lead, the event reflects the university’s mission to cultivate a stronger research culture.
“This conference is designed as a catalyst to strengthen the research culture at UGBC and across Guyana,” Dr Rose said. “It reflects our commitment to community engagement and our readiness to undertake impact-driven research that can contribute to both regional development and global academic dialogue.”

The four-day programme includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, peer-reviewed presentations, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, offering attendees a vibrant and intellectually engaging experience.
Distinguished Keynote Speakers

Among the featured keynote speakers are: Professor Netra Chhetri (Arizona State University), contributor to IPCC reports, known for his work on climate adaptation and technology; Professor Diana Frost (Nottingham Trent University), an expert in health systems and digital inclusion; and Mr Patrick Chinedu Onwuzirike, Director of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), with decades of experience in environmental policy and technical education.

These voices will be joined by researchers and academics from India, the United States, Canada, the UK, and the Caribbean, underscoring UG’s growing international academic presence.
The conference will open on Monday, June 23 at 10:00 hrs with a ceremony in the UGBC Main Auditorium, expected to feature remarks from: Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin; UGBC Director, Professor Gomathinayagam Subramanian; and Professor Gary Dirks, Director of Lighthouse, Arizona State University
The ceremony will be live-streamed at: (https://zoom.us/j/99658962415?pwd=0P2Vlk8ntnBHajuXZC7Cxwz70CXK7r.1)

Open free to the public, the event will include daily exhibitions on the UGBC tarmac starting from 10:00 hrs, featuring displays from ministries, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and industry stakeholders. These interactive spaces are designed to promote real-time dialogue and foster future research collaborations.
Organisers believe the conference will have lasting impacts, including the integration of UGBC into regional research priorities, increased visibility of scholarly work, and stronger interdisciplinary and international partnerships.

For more information or to register, visit: https://tain.uog.edu.gy/conferences/IIRC/about-conference