Research and development

THE UNIVERSITY of the West Indies is apparently waking up to the importance of facilitating research that enhances the society's development. Recently it launched its annual "Research Day" to showcase its research products. This follows on initiatives by its Pure and Applied Science Department to spearhead research on natural products with business possibilities. Speaking at the "Research Day", which attracted many sixth-form students, Professor Kenneth Hall, principal of the Mona Campus, announced that the university had doubled its research allocation by $5m.

This stepped-up focus on research is no doubt linked to the intense competition that the university faces as the market becomes more liberalised. In fact, only recently the university started a major marketing and promotions campaign aimed at improving its image ­ an unprecedented development some five years ago.

An inadequate focus on relevant research topics has fostered the perception of the university as "an ivory tower". This despite its invaluable work in Sickle Cell Anaemia, the medicinal properties of the ganja plant and the control of diabetes.

Nonetheless there have been major research gaps, especially regarding the economy and consumer behaviour. Take the matter of the informal economy that continues to mystify our policy makers;, the Department of Economics has not played a catalytic role in facilitating research.

Additionally, in the area of traditional and non traditional agriculture where we have a competitive advantage, we continue to speak glibly about products with potential but without the requisite data to make production decisions. Bananas is a case in point. JAMPRO's Business Development Centre is excited about possibilities using the banana pulp. In our view, the university's Economics Department should have already spearheaded research on what economic qualities are needed to make this venture profitable, the availability of raw material supplies and the market possibilities. Additionally, the Pure and Applied Science Department should be conducting research on any type of diseases that would affect the fruit. It is this type of wholistic approach towards conducting research that we believe has eluded the university so far.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.

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