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

Since the 1990s, the Jamaican government has set an agenda to push the development of technology in Jamaica. Recognizing the vital role of science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) in national development, the government introduced the Jamaican Science and Technology Policy in 1990. The policy outlines two main objectives: first, to strengthen the country’s capacity in science, technology, and engineering; and second, to apply these capabilities to address key societal needs. The ultimate goal is to establish Jamaica as a more significant player in the arena of information technology.

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.

Efforts to develop Jamaica’s science and technology education system—through institutions such as the University of Technology—have seen some success. However, turning academic achievements into homegrown technologies, products, and services has been challenging, largely due to national budgetary constraints. In 2002, research and development (R&D) expenditure stood at just 0.06% of GDP, compared to a world average of 2.03%. By 2018, Jamaica’s spending had increased to 0.7%, but the global average had risen to over 2.2%. However, recent improvements in the country’s fiscal position have allowed the government to introduce policies aimed at increasing R&D investment. In 2019, it announced funding for R&D beginning in the 2019–20 financial year. Additionally, as of September 2020, R&D expenditure has been included in the calculation of Jamaica’s GDP—a move that Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke said would stimulate greater investment in research and help drive national innovation.

Jamaica ranks among the top intellectual property (IP) protection regimes in Latin America and the Caribbean, securing 4th place in the 2020 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".

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".

Jamaica holds a moderate position on the Global Innovation Index, ranking 79th in 2024. In 2021, it placed 74th out of 132 countries globally and ranked 9th among 18 Latin American and Caribbean economies. While Jamaica showed some steady progress, the 2021 Global Innovation Index report highlighted weaknesses in e-participation and the government’s online services as barriers to deeper innovation. As of March 2021, broadband penetration in Jamaica stood at 77.7%. Through the National Broadband Initiative, the Jamaican government aims to provide internet access to every household by 2025—a critical step toward strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering inclusive 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 that are geared towards promoting science and innovation:

The Coding in Schools Programme: Launched in 2021, the aim is to promote the teaching and learning of coding in public educational institutions across Jamaica.

STEM Ambassador Programme: Launched in early 2021, the programme allows industry experts to encourage STEM students to achieve academic and career goals through consistent mentorship and interactive support.

The Science Resource Centre & Innovation Laboratory: Opened in 2018, the lab is dedicated to the nurturing and development of revenue-generating clean technology companies within the region. It is the first facility of its kind within the Caribbean.

The Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Programme: Jamaica has thirteen Wi-Fi-hotspots (as of September 2021), providing free public access to Internet services. Seven new locations are planned by March 2022.

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

Institutions

There are several institutions involved in undertaking research:

• The Medical Association of Jamaica, whose origins date back to 1877, provides a wide range of services including medical education seminars and workshops.
• The Institute of Jamaica, founded in 1879, was established "For the Encouragement of Literature, Science and Art in Jamaica".
• The Jamaica Institution of Engineers, founded in the 1940s, promotes and encourages the general advancement of engineering.
• The University of the West Indies, founded in 1948, houses faculties of medical sciences and natural sciences.
• The Geological Society of Jamaica, established in 1955, supports the professional growth of earth scientists across various expertise levels and sectors.
• The University of Technology, originally founded as the Jamaica Institute of Technology in 1958.
• The Scientific Research Council, located in Kingston and founded in 1960, coordinates Jamaica’s national scientific research efforts.
• Sugar Industry Research Institute, founded in 1973, conducts research to improve agricultural technology related to sugar cane production.
• The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, established in 1975, undertakes agricultural research and development across the Caribbean.

Achievements

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Evan Dale Abel

In 2021, two Jamaican scientists won the prestigious International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) 2020 awards, making Jamaica the first country to take home prizes in the organisation's two award categories in any one year.

Jamaica has produced many internationally awarded scientists. Examples include:

• Henry Lowe, honoured by the United States Government for his contributions to the sciences, science education and exemplary public service. Lowe was presented with a proclamation from the United States House of Representatives.
• Thomas Lecky, made an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for meritorious and devoted service to agriculture.
• Patricia DeLeon, awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring by Barack Obama.
• Geoff Palmer, Knighted by Queen Elizabeth ll for his services to human rights, science and charity. Palmer also became the fourth person to be honoured with the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction.
• Evan Dale Abel, named by Cell Press as one of the most inspirational Black scientists in the United States.
• Cicely Delphine Williams, made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, awarded the James Spence Gold Medal of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health for the discovery of Kwashiorkor. She was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Ghana, for her "love, care and devotion to sick children".
• Manley West, received the Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada.
• Maydianne Andrade, named one of the Brilliant 10 by Popular Science magazine.
• Simone Anne Marie Badal-McCreath, awarded the Elsevier Foundation Award for Early Career Scientists in the Developing World for her creation of a lab at the Natural Products Institute to research the anti-cancer properties of natural Jamaican products.
• Patricia Daley, announced as one of the United Kingdom's 100 most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage, in recognition of her contribution to education.
• Karen E. Nelson, received the Helmholtz International Fellow Award.
• Walt W. Braithwaite, the Walt E. Braithwaite Legacy Award is named in his honour.
• Bertram Fraser-Reid received numerous awards worldwide. These include the 1977 Merck, Sharp & Dohme Award from the Chemical Institute of Canada; the Claude S. Hudson Award in carbohydrate chemistry from the American Chemical Society in 1989; recognition as the Senior Distinguished U.S. Scientist by Germany’s Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in 1990; the Percy Julian Award from the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers in 1991; North Carolina Chemist of the Year by the American Institute of Chemistry in 1995 and the Haworth Memorial Medal and Lectureship from the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1995.

Contributions

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Children with Kwashiorkor

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

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.

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 – Kenneth Magnus identified this antibiotic, which played a key role in the development of widely used treatments for hypertension.

Pioneering Sickle Cell Treatments – Yvette Francis-McBarnette was the first to use prophylactic antibiotics for children with sickle cell anemia, dramatically improving survival rates.

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.

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.

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.

See also

• List of Jamaicans - Science and medicine
• List of Jamaican inventions and discoveries

External links

• National Commission on Science and Technology