Science and technology in Jamaica

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The Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sector in Jamaica is guided by two primary institutions—the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) and the Scientific Research Council (SRC). Both operate under the direction of the Ministry of Science, Energy, and Technology.

History

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Sir Anthony Musgrave, founder of the Institute of Jamaica

Science and technology in Jamaica has a long history. In 1879, the Governor of Jamaica created the Institute of Jamaica "For the Encouragement of Literature, Science and Art in Jamaica". Jamaica was among the earliest developing countries to craft a scientific law to guide the use of science and technology for the exploitation of domestic natural resources. It was one of the first countries in the western hemisphere to gain electricity, build a railway and to use research results to boost sugar cane production. In 1960, the Scientific Research Council (SRC) was established, with a mandate to "collect, collate and review information concerning scientific research schemes or programmes relevant to the development of the resources of Jamaica (and) to establish and maintain a scientific information centre for collection and dissemination of scientific and technical information".

Science and technology policy

Background and Early Challenges

As of 2025, Jamaica’s output in science, technology, and innovation (STI) remains modest, reflecting longstanding institutional and financial challenges. The 1990 Science and Technology Policy laid important groundwork, but early progress was slowed by limited funding and structural constraints. In recent years, however, the government has renewed its commitment through a series of updated policies and national strategies. As outlined below, these reforms aim to modernize infrastructure, increase investment, and more effectively integrate STI into Jamaica’s development priorities. The overarching goal is to position the country as a more influential player in the fields of information technology and scientific innovation.

National Development Strategy and Digital Infrastructure

In 2009, Jamaica launched Vision 2030, a national development plan aimed at positioning the country to attain developed status by 2030. Among its key goals, National Outcome 11—“A Technology-Enabled Society”—emphasizes the use of digital innovation and technological advancement as drivers of sustained economic prosperity. To advance this vision, the government has introduced a range of national policies aimed at building and strengthening Jamaica’s digital capabilities and the frameworks that support technology-driven development. A key policy is the National Broadband Initiative, introduced in December 2020, which seeks to achieve universal access to high-speed internet by 2025, positioning connectivity as a public good. As of 2021, approximately 77% of the population had broadband coverage, with ongoing efforts to bridge the remaining gap. Complementing this, the Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Programme, led by the Universal Service Fund, has dramatically expanded from just 13 hotspots in 2021 to over 380 by mid-2025. These hotspots offer free public internet access and now serve hundreds of thousands of users across major townships and underserved communities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to digital inclusion. Together with the Data Protection Act, 2020—which came into effect in December 2023 to provide a legal foundation for responsible data management—these initiatives form a cohesive strategy to build digital trust, expand access, and enable innovation across sectors.

Further reforms introduced between 2021 and 2025 focused on strengthening research capacity, public-private collaboration, and digital readiness. Key initiatives included the updated STI Policy (2022–2026), the National Digital Transformation Strategy, open data expansion, and education recommendations targeting STEM learning and infrastructure. Notably, the Coding in Schools Programme—initially piloted in 2021 and now integrated into the national curriculum—aims to equip students from an early age with foundational skills in logic, creativity, and digital problem-solving. Alongside this, the STEM Ambassador Programme, led by the government’s Scientific Research Council, connects students with industry professionals and retirees who offer mentorship, career talks, and workshop support to foster long-term interest in science and technology. Workforce development was also advanced through the Global Services Sector (GSS) project (2019–2024), which enhanced post-secondary training systems and supported the transition into high-value digital occupations.

Legal Reforms and Intellectual Property Protection

Jamaica ranks among the top intellectual property (IP) protection regimes in Latin America and the Caribbean, securing 4th place in the 2024 International Property Rights Index. In January 2020, the Jamaican Parliament passed the Patents and Designs Act (“the New Act”), enabling local industrial designers to obtain international protection through a single application process—submitted in one language and accompanied by one set of fees. This streamlined system is expected to foster greater innovation and product development. The Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, who piloted the legislation, stated "It will allow us to raise our standards and to have international compliance in several aspects and safeguard the inventors in our country. Through this Bill, [inventors] will receive much more protection, and hence there will be greater promotion of creativity and efforts to find solutions to our challenges".

Nuclear Science and Regulatory Institutions

Jamaica has successfully operated a 20 kW SLOWPOKE-2 nuclear reactor since the early 1980s—the only facility of its kind in the Caribbean. In late 2020, Jamaica launched its Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to establish an independent body dedicated to overseeing the safe and secure operation of facilities involving ionizing radiation and nuclear technology, including the SLOWPOKE reactor. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Audley Shaw, remarked that the move would allow Jamaica to "confidently forge ahead with engaging nuclear science and technology in all aspects of national development and wealth creation strategies".

Building on this foundation, in 2024 Jamaica signed a memorandum of understanding with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited to explore the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) as a long-term solution to high energy costs and fossil fuel dependence. While deployment remains a long-term prospect, the move reflects a strategic effort to integrate advanced nuclear technologies into Jamaica’s energy and industrial policy—aligning with Vision 2030 goals to enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support sustainable economic development through science, technology, and innovation.

Evidence of Policy Impact

Jamaica holds a moderate position on the Global Innovation Index, ranking 79th out of 133 economies in 2024. While this reflects ongoing institutional and financial challenges, there are growing signs that the country’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies are beginning to yield tangible outcomes. The software sector, for instance, is gaining momentum—driven by targeted government initiatives and the emergence of a local tech ecosystem. At the same time, the global services industry has begun to diversify beyond traditional Business Process Outsourcing, expanding steadily into higher-value segments such as Knowledge Process Outsourcing, IT support, healthcare, cybersecurity, finance, and data analytics. International recognition of Jamaican tech talent is also increasing; for example, BairesDev reported a 2,100% rise in hires from Jamaica between 2020 and 2022—underscoring the country’s growing reputation as a competitive hub for digital professionals. Together, these developments suggest that STI policies are playing a meaningful role in Jamaica’s digital transformation and economic diversification.

Expenditure on research and development

Jamaica’s investment in research and development (R&D) has historically been limited, shaped by fiscal constraints and enduring structural challenges. In 2002, national R&D expenditure stood at just 0.06% of GDP—far below the global average of 2.03% at the time. Although this figure rose to 0.7% by 2018, the gap remained substantial, as the global average had climbed to approximately 2.2% of GDP.

A pivotal development came in 2019, when the government introduced dedicated public funding for R&D. This move was made possible by improved fiscal conditions, following years of economic reform and consolidation efforts. These measures helped lower public debt, restore investor confidence, and create space for more strategic investment in science and technology.

In 2020, R&D expenditure was formally incorporated into the calculation of Jamaica’s GDP—a decision Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke described as a step toward stimulating research investment and reinforcing the sector’s role in national innovation.

Scientific publications

Caricom scientists have a modest output in terms of scientific research papers. Between 2017–2019, CARICOM researchers primarily focused on health sciences, with Jamaica accounting for over 20% of published articles in that field. In terms of research density, Jamaica produced 114 publications per million inhabitants in 2019. Between 2014 and 2016, Jamaica ranked 4th in terms of average of relative citations (1.36). In terms of scientific co-authorship, between 2017 and 2019, Jamaica produced 379 publications in collaboration with the US, 118 with UK, 95 with Canada, 52 with France and 51 with Mexico.

Science activities

Notable activities aimed at promoting science and innovation include:

Science Resource Centre & Innovation Laboratory: Opened in 2018, this facility supports the development of revenue-generating clean technology enterprises across the region. It is the first of its kind in the Caribbean.

Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Programme: As of 2025, more than 380 public Wi-Fi hotspots have been established across Jamaica, providing free internet access and supporting digital inclusion initiatives.

Science and Technology Fairs: These events offer students and researchers a platform to showcase innovations and engage the public in scientific exploration and learning.

Innovation and Invention Competitions: Jamaica encourages grassroots innovation through national competitions that promote creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. These include the National Innovation Competition, organized by the National Commission on Science and Technology, as well as youth-focused invention challenges supported by public agencies and private sector partners. Such initiatives aim to identify promising ideas, support commercialization, and foster a culture of innovation aligned with national development goals.

Institutions

Jamaica is home to several institutions that contribute to the country’s scientific, technical, and professional research capacity:

• Medical Association of Jamaica (est. 1877) — Offers a range of services including continuing medical education, seminars, and professional development workshops.
• Institute of Jamaica (est. 1879) — Created to encourage literature, science, and art in Jamaica, it has served as a hub for cultural preservation and scholarly engagement for over a century.
• Jamaica Institution of Engineers (est. 1940s) — Promotes the advancement of engineering through public engagement, technical outreach, and professional standards.
• University of the West Indies, Mona (est. 1948) — Hosts faculties of medical sciences and natural sciences, contributing to academic research and regional training. It also houses the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor, commissioned in 1984 and operated by the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS). The reactor supports neutron activation analysis for studies in health, agriculture, and the environment, and plays a key role in education and training in applied nuclear science. ICENS also conducts multidisciplinary research in areas such as environmental geochemistry, climate change, and marine ecosystems, with a focus on addressing socio-economic challenges and strengthening Jamaica’s scientific capacity.
• Geological Society of Jamaica (est. 1955) — Supports earth science research and professional development across government, academia, and industry.
• University of Technology, Jamaica (originated as the Jamaica Institute of Technology in 1958) — Engages in applied research, particularly in engineering, computing, and architecture.
• Scientific Research Council (est. 1960) — Based in Kingston, it coordinates national scientific research and fosters innovation in areas such as biotechnology and food science.
• Sugar Industry Research Institute (est. 1973) — Conducts research on agricultural technologies and practices to enhance sugar cane production.
• Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (est. 1975) — Serves the wider Caribbean region in agricultural research and innovation.

Achievements

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Evan Dale Abel

See also: List of Jamaicans - Science and medicine

In 2021, two Jamaican scientists—Dr. Judith Mendes and Dr. Arnoldo Ventura—won the prestigious International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) 2020 awards, making Jamaica the first country to receive prizes in both categories in a single year.

Jamaica has produced many internationally awarded scientists. Notable examples include:

• Evan Dale Abel – Awarded the Fred Conrad Koch Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), the highest honour of the Endocrine Society, for pioneering research on diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Simone Badal-McCreath – Received the Elsevier Foundation Award for Early Career Women Scientists in the Developing World for her groundbreaking cancer research.
• Walt W. Braithwaite – Honoured with the Black Engineer of the Year Award for leadership in aerospace engineering and digital innovation at Boeing. The Walt W. Braithwaite Legacy Award, established in his name, continues to recognize excellence in engineering leadership.
• Patricia DeLeon – Received the U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, the top U.S. award for scientific mentorship.
• Bertram Fraser-Reid – Reportedly nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1998) for his research on oligosaccharides and immune response.
• Thomas Lecky – Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his development of the Jamaica Hope breed and transformative work in tropical agriculture.
• Henry Lowe – Honoured by the U.S. House of Representatives with a formal proclamation for contributions to science, innovation, and public service.
• Geoff Palmer – Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to science, human rights, and charity, and later inducted into the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest civilian honour. He also became only the fourth person ever to receive the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of brewing,” for his invention of the barley abrasion process that revolutionized the industry.
• Mercedes Richards – Awarded the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Research (2010–2011), one of the most prestigious posts in the Fulbright Program, for her work on binary stars. The Professor Mercedes T. Richards Award, established in her name, honours excellence in undergraduate astronomy research.
• Cicely Williams – Awarded the James Spence Medal (UK) for discovering kwashiorkor, and became the first woman Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Medicine. She also received the Ceres Medal from the World Health Organization for her contributions to maternal and child health.
• Manley West – Received the Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada for co-developing Canasol, one of the world’s first cannabis-derived glaucoma medication.

Contributions

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The Jaipur Knee

See also: List of Jamaican inventions and discoveries

Jamaicans have made numerous contributions to science and technology, with notable innovations in medicine, computing, astronomy, and astrophysics. Some of these innovations include:

Medicine and Health

The development of ACRJ-PC28 – Simone Badal McCreath created the first Caribbean-derived prostate cancer cell line, addressing a critical gap by providing a model that better represents African-Caribbean genetics, historically underrepresented in cancer research. This breakthrough enables more accurate testing of cancer treatments for Black populations and marks a pivotal step toward equitable oncology research.

The development of the Jaipur Knee – Jamaican-born engineer Joel Sadler was the primary inventor and project lead behind the Jaipur Knee, a groundbreaking prosthetic joint designed to restore mobility to above-knee amputees in low-resource settings. Developed during his graduate studies at Stanford University, the device uses a polycentric, four-bar linkage system made from oil-filled nylon—delivering durability, flexibility, and stability at a cost of around US$20. Created in partnership with the Jaipur Foot Organization in India, the Jaipur Knee was named one of Time magazine’s best inventions of 2009. It has since been distributed across many countries including India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, enabling thousands of individuals to achieve greater mobility and independence.

The discovery of Kwashiorkor – Cicely Williams identified this form of advanced malnutrition and developed a treatment plan, saving countless lives and helping to reshape global pediatric nutritional strategies. She changed the global approach to the care of mothers and children—from centralized institutions to community-based support led by auxiliaries and lay health workers. Maternal and child health is now an established discipline taught across institutions, from training schools for medical auxiliaries to leading universities.

The discovery of Monamycin – Jamaican chemist Kenneth Magnus discovered and co-synthesised the antibiotic Monamycin from Streptomyces jamaicensis, a bacterium found in Jamaican soil. Monamycin’s structural analysis led to the discovery of piperazic acids—rare amino acids that became key building blocks in the development of cilazapril and other antihypertensive drugs. These medications are now widely used to help people manage high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Pioneering Sickle Cell Treatments – Yvette Francis-McBarnette was the first to use prophylactic antibiotics for children with sickle cell anemia, dramatically improving survival rates. In a separate but equally significant development, Jamaica established the only comprehensive sickle cell unit in the English-speaking Caribbean and has played a pioneering role in global sickle cell research and care. Based at the University of the West Indies, the Sickle Cell Unit led one of the world’s most influential cohort studies, shaping international understanding of the disease’s natural history. It was also among the first globally to introduce newborn screening in a low-resource setting and developed a day-care model for managing acute pain crises—now recognized as a best practice. The unit’s research has informed WHO and UN policies, while its training programmes have helped expand care across the Caribbean.

The development of the ‘Goffe’ strain – Alan Powell Goffe created this attenuated measles strain, also known as the ‘Beckenham’ strain, which became the foundation for numerous measles vaccines used worldwide. Goffe also played a key role in refining early polio vaccines, improving their safety for use in Britain and beyond. His scientific contributions were instrumental in advancing vaccines that protected millions from the devastating effects of polio and childhood measles. He was also among the first to conduct large-scale studies of human papillomavirus (HPV), laying critical foundations for its later recognition as a cause of cervical cancer.

Computing

The invention of Lingo – John Henry Thompson created this programming language for Adobe Director, empowering users to build animations and interactive content without advanced coding skills. His innovation helped democratize multimedia creation and influenced modern video games, web design, and interactive media.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Spectroscopic tomography in astronomy – Mercedes Richards pioneered this technique, adapting medical imaging to visualize gas flow between stars in interacting binary systems. Her work helped advance research on Algol binaries and magnetic fields in stellar interactions, improving our understanding of how Sun-like stars influence the evolution of binary systems.

External links

• National Commission on Science and Technology