UVI's Research and Public Service unit of the University of the Virgin Islands is a cost-effective, outcome-oriented learning organization, whose outputs support the university's mission in the areas of public service and research. The unit aims to be recognized as having outstanding, responsive research and outreach programs that strive to improve the quality of life within the U. S. Virgin Islands and beyond.

  • The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) conducts basic and applied research to meet the needs of the local agricultural community in increasing production, improving efficiency, developing new enterprises, preserving and propagating germplasm unique to the Virgin Islands, and protecting the natural resource base. AES scientists are actively involved in 32 projects in agronomy, animal science, aquaculture, biotechnology, agroforestry, & horticulture. Results of research projects are disseminated in scientific journals, research bulletins, fact sheets, farmers' bulletins, seminars, workshops, and short courses.
  • The Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) addresses environmental problems unique to tropical island communities and advances knowledge and learning in coastal marine systems through research, education and outreach programs. Based in the McLean Marine Science Center on St. Thomas, CMES collaborates with local organizations, other universities and government agencies to assess and monitor marine ecosystems and identify methods of conserving fisheries and marine and coastal areas that provide support for sustainable natural resource management. CMES has an active applied research program with projects that focus on fisheries management, coastal resources conservation, and development of the Virgin Islands' Marine Parks Management Plan.
  • The Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS), a part of the national Sea Grant Program, collaborates with public and private sector institutions to disseminate information on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. VIMAS offers public outreach through training, seminars and educational programs for children in areas such as non-point source pollution, managing and restoring mangrove wetlands, marine debris monitoring and boater education.
  • The Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS), located with the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John and managed by Clean Islands International, offers environmental education and training programs for groups of all ages, including eco-camps for children. VIERS is an ideal facility for higher education groups and researchers interested in conducting studies in pristine tropical marine and terrestrial habitats.
  • The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is empowered as an agency for public education and information dissemination responding to the needs of the community. Its mission is to be a dynamic, flexible organization dedicated to delivering research-based educational programs and information that address critical issues affecting families, individuals and the communities of the U. S. Virgin Islands. CES delivers programs in the areas of agriculture & natural resources, 4-H, family and consumer science, communications, technology and distance education.
  • The Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) includes the Research Institute and the Conservation Data Center. The Research Institute compiles and analyzes demographic, social and economic data, and disseminates this data into various forums and formats. The Institute also conducts scientific surveys to measure the Territory's population and housing characteristics. The Conservation Data Center compiles, analyzes and disseminates natural resource and socioeconomic data and provides training in GIS (Geographic Information System).
  • The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) / Title III is the university unit responsible for liaison with funding agencies that sponsor research and other activities at UVI. OSP assists faculty and staff with proposals and with grants implementation and management. OSP can help design projects and develop proposals in order to improve the likelihood of success and can help to identify funding agencies that are interested in supporting UVI projects. OSP offers workshops from time to time on seeking sponsorship, writing proposals and managing grants. Advice and assistance is also available on a case-by-case basis. OSP also manages the U. S. Department of Education Title III Institutional Strengthening Program, under the direction of the President.
  • The primary publication of the Research Publications Unit (RPU) is The Caribbean Writer, an international literary anthology with a Caribbean focus. This prize-winning anthology premiered in 1987 to provide an outlet for writers in the Caribbean and surrounding regions, and to encourage new writing. The editorial board consists of UVI College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences faculty, and the advisory editorial board is a distinguished group of established Caribbean writers.
  • The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the practical assistance required to prosper in today's economy. It is a collaborative effort between the University of the Virgin Islands and the U. S. Small Business Administration. The mission of the VI SBDC is to assist emerging and existing small businesses through high quality
  • The Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) promotes the development and use of science and technology in the territory to help the local community develop creative solutions to educational and environmental challenges and to improve the quality of like for its members. VI-EPSCoR is working to increase the Virgin Islands' access to and development of new knowledge, products, services, partnerships and a skilled workforce for the 21st century and beyond. It supports research on locally relevant topics including the health of coral reef ecosystems, fisheries management and coastal ocean systems. VI-EPSCoR funds are also used to strengthen the territory's education in the areas of science, mathematics and technology, and VI-EPSCoR is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, funding from the government of the Virgin Islands and by generous donations from members of the Virgin Islands community.
  • The Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) conducts research throughout the U. S. Virgin Islands. WRRI is one of the 54 water resources research institutes established at land-grant universities throughout the United States and its territories. Established in 1973, WRRI conducts research on water resources and related areas, assists in the training of students and water resources professionals and provides information exchange in the area of water resources locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. WRRI's meteorological observatory provides real time weather data that can be accessed through the Internet, and a water quality laboratory on the UVI St. Thomas campus serve as resources for the Virgin Islands community.