NIHERST (National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology) is a state agency in Trinidad and Tobago that promotes national development through Science, Technology, Innovation, and Research.

Our work supports youth engagement, policy development, public awareness, education, and entrepreneurship across STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) fields.

Enabling Society through Science and Innovation.

• Mission: To stimulate sustainable national capability and capacity in Science, Technology, Innovation, and Technopreneurship through insightful research and relevant programmes.
• Our Vision: We envisage a nation and region that apply scientific, technological, and innovative solutions to propel sustainable socio-economic and environmental transformation.

• Research and intelligence gathering in support of economic diversification
• Promoting innovation and commercialisation of technology in priority areas
• Building collaborative global relationships
• Fostering a culture of science, innovation, and creativity
• Positioning NIHERST as a world-class Science, Technology, Innovation (STI) Institute

• Promote public understanding of science and technology
• Enhance national scientific literacy and innovation capacity
• Support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and youth development
• Facilitate research, data collection, and policy reform
• Provide digital fabrication and prototyping services
• Deliver training and support for entrepreneurs, teachers, and students

• Ms. Julie David (President Ag.)

• NIHERST’s Head Office and the National Science Centre have been amalgamated and are now located at Grayson Courtyard, Lot #24 Estate Trace, Off 6th Avenue, Barataria

• NIHERST’s administrative offices are open Monday to Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please check our website or contact us directly for the hours of specific events, outreach activities, or Fab Lab sessions.

NIHERST is a state agency primarily funded by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, with support from sponsors and partners.

• By offering a wide cross-section of offerings inclusive of Sci-Tech Camps/Clubs, Outreach Programmes and R&D, persons will gain insight into the different STI fields in which one can advance.

• STREAM is an educational framework that expands on the traditional STEM model by incorporating Arts and Research into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This interdisciplinary approach not only strengthens core technical competencies but also nurtures critical soft skills such as creativity, innovation, inquiry, and communication—key traits in today’s evolving job market.

• National Science Centre (NSC) - NSC aims to advance the levels of scientific and technological literacy among Trinidad and Tobago citizens and the wider Caribbean, by presenting knowledge and experiences of Science and Technology in their most palatable forms. The centre is also noted to promote the understanding and appreciation of the relevance of Science and Technology in everyday living and to foster a culture of creativity and innovation in a manner that is stimulating, equitable and sustainable.

  Click for details: NIHERST | National Science Centre

• Digital Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab) - An initiative of the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The facility aims to provide the local, regional and international population with affordable access to digital fabrication equipment and resources for education, creativity, innovation, and professional development.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Fab Lab

• Sci-TechKnoFest (STKF) - This grand science festival utilises entertaining and thought-provoking methods to educate the public on selected aspects of Science and Technology based on a chosen theme.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Sci-TechKnoFest

• Outreach - NIHERST’s novel outreach programmes have been structured to make Science and Technology learning more accessible to rural communities and communities that are under-served. Its content though varied, includes a mixture of interactive exhibits (solar wind, alternative energy, hydro-electric, etc.), workshops, lectures and entertainment designed to engage its audience in a fun learning atmosphere.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Outreach

• Community Science Week (CSW) - The event aims to promote and advance adults’ knowledge and understanding of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in order to enable them to make more informed choices about scientific issues and apply new developments in science and technology in their daily lives.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Community Science Weeks

• Astronomy Nights - Visitors can enter the AstroZone to enjoy various activities and demonstrations that explore the physical universe, space, celestial bodies and highlight special missions and research development. The activities are meant to stimulate public awareness of the universe and space explorations.

  Click for details: Astronomy Nights | NIHERST

• Caribbean Youth Science Forum (CYSF) - This is a regional event that brings together lower sixth form science students from all over the Caribbean for a full week of educational, social and cultural activities. It is the longest standing non-formal Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programme for nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers in the region.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Caribbean Youth Science Forum

• Vacation Science Camps - These camps aim to expose participants to phenomena in the natural physical world as well as provide the necessary tools to develop their capabilities in technological innovation and entrepreneurship in STEM fields.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Camps

• Science Education and Innovation Clubs - These clubs provide an environment to cultivate students’ curiosity and creativity while teaching them to base their reasoning on evidence and solve problems via interactive and hands-on inquiry and problem-based learning. Content is designed to stimulate critical-thinking abilities and other transferable skills in areas such as research, design, analytics, teamwork and communication.

  Click for details: NIHERST | iSTEM Club       NIHERST | Virtual STEM Club

• First Tech Challenge (FTC) - An exciting new robotics initiative by NIHERST, designed for students aged 12-18 who have previously participated in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL). This project provides an advanced robotics experience where teams will design, build, and program sophisticated robots to tackle engineering challenges.

• International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) - The Centre offers a world-class scientific and educational environment and conducts innovative research in the life sciences to benefit developing countries. In 2003, Trinidad and Tobago became a member of the ICGEB, with NIHERST appointed by Cabinet as the official liaison office.

  Click for details: NIHERST | ICGEB

• NASA International Internship Project (NASA I²) - The NASA project was developed to facilitate a structured educational exchange among students from Trinidad and Tobago, U.S. interns and visiting university students from abroad, under the mentorship of a member of NASA’s science and engineering workforce. The internship focuses on teamwork, research and creativity.

  Click for details: NIHERST | NASA International Internship Project

• National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) - This vacation camp has traditionally been a residential science education programme that offers educational forums and recreational activities that encourage the development of thoughtful science leadership. The NYSC experience is offered at no cost to its participants so that selected delegates may attend regardless of their financial status.

  Click for details: NIHERST | NYSCamp Scholarships

• Science and Technology Policy - This policy aims to promote the use and application of Science and Technology across all sectors of our economy and particularly the non-energy sectors targeted for diversification.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Science and Technology Policy

• ST&I Statistics - Collects, compiles and disseminates statistics in the field of Science and Technology. Science and technological activities are closely concerned with the generation’s advancement and application of knowledge in all fields of science and technology.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Science and Technology Statistics

• Sectoral Innovation Mapping (SIM) - SIMs have been used in developed and developing countries not only to uncover the challenges to innovation but also to highlight the intensity and types of interactions linking the actors in the specific industry under review. A SIM study is based on the premise that strengthening the role and linkages among actors will positively influence the performance and competitiveness of innovative firms.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Sectoral Innovation Mapping

• Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHS) - In a world striving to overcome the effects of climate change, NIHERST is committed to providing sustainable solutions for access to water. One of our most successful environmental programmes is the Rainwater Harvesting Project. This initiative was engineered to harness technology to address the global pain point of water scarcity.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Environmental Solutions for Sustainable Communities

• Teach ME - This project aims to contribute towards improving the levels of creativity in Trinidad and Tobago by building and strengthening capacities in the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation, specifically Science Education as an enabler for building a quality primary to secondary education system that caters to the diverse needs of 21st century learners.

  Click for details: Teach ME | NIHERST

• Seismology in Schools - Adopted from the United Kingdom’s Seismology in Schools Programme, this initiative allows its participants to be trained in analysing real seismic data. It has been highly successful in stimulating students to read physics, mathematics and geography and thus allow them the opportunity to qualify for University courses in Science and Engineering to meet manpower shortages.

  Click for details: Seismology in Schools | NIHERST

• NIHERST library services aim to provide a safe haven for all persons who wish to gain a deeper understanding of STEM, innovation, and technopreneurship through literature.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Resources

Yes.

The programme themes include: Astronomy, Energy, Environment, General Science, Healthy Lifestyles, Human Body, Natural Disasters and Physics. In order to efficiently facilitate your request, we kindly ask that you request a visit via written correspondence.

• Using your Institution’s approved letterhead (where possible), prepare letter correspondence addressed to Ms. Julie David (NIHERST- President Ag.).
• Your letter must include: your proposed date, among other basic details (e.g. target audience, theme/topic).
• Once your correspondence is received, kindly permit the team one (1) month to provide an official response to your request.
• Correspondence must be emailed to marketing@niherst.gov.tt / outreach@niherst.gov.tt
• Do note that given the demands of the outreach schedule, you may be contacted up to ten (10) days in advance of your event to finalise logistical arrangements.

• Click here to book your visit

The National Science Centre (NSC) is not accepting new bookings at this time. However, our NSC outreach team can facilitate a visit on your requested subject matter.

Click for details: NIHERST | Outreach

• NIHERST offers an extensive list of careers in support of STEM, both in the administrative and technical fields.

Click for details: NIHERST | Careers

These programmes are no longer offered by NIHERST and have since transitioned to other national training institutions. You may contact COSTAATT at https://costaatt.edu.tt for further information.

No, NIHERST is unable to verify certificates. You may contact COSTAATT at https://costaatt.edu.tt for further information.

No. You may contact COSTAATT at https://costaatt.edu.tt for further information.

This service is no longer offered by NIHERST. You may contact COSTAATT at https://costaatt.edu.tt for further information

No, NIHERST is not an accreditation body and therefore does not provide formal accreditation services for institutions or programmes.

Accreditation of tertiary-level programmes and institutions in Trinidad and Tobago falls under the mandate of the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT). For all matters related to programme or institutional accreditation, we recommend contacting ACTT directly via www.actt.org.tt

• Topics are selected based on modern STEM topics and national interests.

• Children under the age of four (4) are able to learn through interactive methods. However, it is recommended that parent-and-child online sessions begin at the age of five (5), whereby the attention span of the child is stable.

• Camp content is created based on the age and comprehension level of the child. As such, it is recommended that these guidelines be strictly adhered to.

• Once space is available in the specified camp you will be allowed to register your child. However, there will be no reduction to the camp fee.

• Please refer to the Refund Policy for cancellations outlined on the registration form.

NIHERST has developed an extensive network of strategic public-private partners, including Shell, NALIS, Atlantic LNG, and the Ministry of Planning and Development, to name a few.

Click link for details: NIHERST | Collaborations

STEM Partnerships:

• Shell STREAM programme - The programme aims to strengthen the energy sector’s talent pipeline and the country’s effort at economic diversification by enhancing critical thinking, creativity and problem solving through strengthening awareness, competence and delivery of Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics within the educational system.

  Click for details: NIHERST | Shell STREAM Programme powered by NIHERST

• Atlantic Future Skills Centre - designed to impart new skills to primary and secondary school students in the Borough of Point Fortin, Trinidad.

• NALIS - Interactive educational hubs resulting from the collaborative efforts outlined in the Memorandum of Cooperation between NIHERST and NALIS. Science Corners were commissioned to showcase scientific and technological exhibits.

NIHERST has built national capacity in STEM learning, research, training and policy development.

NIHERST plays a critical role in fostering a knowledge-based, innovative society by:

• Supporting evidence-based policy through research and intelligence
• Bridging science education with real-world application
• Equipping young people and entrepreneurs with skills in STEM and innovation
• Promoting environmental sustainability and future-readiness
• Strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s capacity in science and technology fields

You can get involved by:

• Participating in our programmes and competitions
• Booking a visit to our exhibits or Digital Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab)
• Volunteering or mentoring
• Partnering with us on events or outreach
• Following us on social media

• Website: www.niherst.gov.tt
• Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter: @niherst
• YouTube: National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
• Email: marketing@niherst.gov.tt
• Phone: (868) 724-9438