The Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognises the strategic role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in achieving sustainable development. In economic terms this is seen as creating a diversified knowledge-based economy that thrives on the creativity of its citizens, their innovativeness, their productivity and global competitiveness. Such an economy relies on an innovative, well-educated and technically-trained workforce which makes human resource development as one of the country's top priorities. In preparing the country's workforce to meet the new challenges ahead, it is essential to immerse citizens more fully and actively in science education and to expand the country's human resource base in STI. The on-going production of knowledge, its commercialisation and widespread dissemination are also necessary for achieving economic development and improvements in the quality of life of all citizens without harm to our natural environment.

To assist in the realisation of government’s developmental objectives, NIHERST has been given a mandate in Science Popularisation & Promotion.

Under this mandate NIHERST, with the support of the National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago (NGC), has established the National Science Centre which is responsible for planning and executing programmes in science popularisation in order to improve citizens' understanding of and engagement in science, to develop their innovative capacity, to encourage students in their pursuit of science studies and careers, and to nurture a national science ethos. The centre houses 200 plus interactive science exhibits for viewing by members of the public. It also has an extensive outreach programmes for promoting scientific and technological concepts using a range of non-traditional teaching methods.

NIHERST also manages the Prime Minister’s Awards for Innovation and Invention. This biennial awards scheme seeks to encourage creativity among our citizens in the area of Science & Technology. Camps and workshops on innovation, invention and technopreneurship are also conducted for students and teachers as part of NIHERST's outreach programme.

The Science Communication Unit is responsible for the production of multi-media resources to educate the public on Science , Technology and Innovation. The unit also conducts other initiatives such as workshops for science communicators, among other relevant mechanisms for promoting S&T appreciation, literacy and a national culture supportive of STI.

This section of NIHERST’s web site presents information on NIHERST’s activities in these areas and more importantly provides resources for teachers and activities and information for students and members of the public.

What's On

CYSF 2010

From the Foresighting Workshop on Monday to the presentation of Forum Olympics medals on Sunday, the 2010 Caribbean Youth Science Forum delivered all the information and interest, camaraderie and competition that make for the best vacation experience of Sixth Form Caribbean science students >>>

Young Inventors Camp 2010

During the month of July, NIHERST’s Young Inventors Camp came alive with the creative energy of 25 talented youngsters, aged 11 -17 years old. This unique hands-on camp is geared towards empowering youth to view their world logically while using basic >>>

Robomania Camp 2010

Our Robomania Camp also took place in the month of July, when 24 enthusiastic and creative youngsters aged 11-17 years old, became masters of their Robo-domain. They were captivated in the world of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and expressed their >>>

Meet Graphene:
One of the newest super-materials!

In 2004, a Manchester-based researcher and his group made a ground-breaking discovery at the University of Manchester, England. For the first reported time in history Andre Geim and his co-workers were able to successfully isolate a single sheet of carbon, one cell thick using a simple yet clever approach of mechanical cleavage with graphite and Scotch tape >>>

Primary Science Teachers Workshops

Without a doubt, the 145 teachers who attended the recently held NIHERST Primary Science Teachers Workshop left satisfied with the material covered and the hands-on exercises that were demonstrated during the series of one-day exercises. Organised for the benefit of 100 schools in the St. George East Educational District, this cycle of workshops on Ecosystems followed a similar exercise conducted in May/June 2009, which focussed on the Structures and Mechanisms strand of the Primary Science Syllabus >>>

Celebrate a Birthday
at the Science Centre

Birthday Parties have resumed at the National Science Centre.  Call 642-6112 for further information >>>