The Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR), in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, invites policy makers, academics and the business community to explore ways that science and technology can promote economic development in the territory at its annual conference. The conference themed "Integrating Science and Our Economy: A Model for Island Ecosystems," will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, at the Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas.
The goal of this free conference is to provide greater awareness and understanding of the opportunities and mechanisms for optimizing economic leverage from science and technology initiatives in the territory.
A special emphasis will be placed on green technology along with the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change in our tropical environment. The conference will offer interactive presentations and discussions, plus a mini-exposition of Virgin Islands businesses using science and technology to build productivity.
The conference is open to government officials in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean, private sector business leaders, green technology researchers and entrepreneurs. Instructors and students from UVI are also encouraged to take part in conference discussions and presentations.
VI-ESPCoR has been active in the Virgin Islands since 2005. It is one of more than three dozen programs supported by the National Science Foundation across the United States where the goal is to broaden the nation's base of scientific expertise. The program also seeks to encourage average Americans to think of science and technology as mainstream career opportunities that people from all backgrounds and cultures can pursue.
Because of their geographic diversity, each EPSCoR program produces different bodies of scientific research; their common goal is to show the wider world how research findings can lead to practical application and innovation. Through this year's annual conference, VI-EPSCoR hopes to help uncover the prospects that can benefit the U.S. Virgin Islands.
People interested in attending are asked to register by Nov. 21, by sending their name and contact information to. For more information contact VI-EPSCoR Program Coordinator Nicolas Drayton at 693-1239.