UWI St Augustine is offering a $10,000 prize for unconventional disaster relief research & inventions.

The University launched the Hurricane and Earthquake Alleviation Research Award (H.E.A.R.) which encourages applications from those who are researching or have invented something that minimises the damage and suffering caused by hurricanes and earthquakes.

It is open to UWI staff and students, as well as the wider public, including participants from other tertiary institutions and secondary schools across T&T.

The HEAR Award is part of The UWI St Augustine’s 2024 Principal’s Research Awards – an initiative focused on inclusivity and exceptional research.

Professor Duraisamy Saravanakumar, Director of Graduate Studies and Research at The UWI St. Augustine and lead for the event emphasised, that “Research should not be confined only to conventional academics. This year’s research awards are themed ‘Research by all and Research for all.’ We encourage our stakeholders not only to see this as an opportunity for research to reduce the impact of hurricanes and earthquakes but also as an opportunity for outreach.”

According to the University, the HEAR Award’s ultimate goal is improving disaster mitigation and resilience and offering a platform for everyone to contribute to the region’s safety and well-being.

The winner will receive their cash reward of TT$10,000 at the Principal’s Research Awards Ceremony carded for Thursday, November 14th 2024.