UTech, Jamaica 2015-16 Annual Report

University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 Page 7 This has been a year of c h a l l e n g e s , transition and achievement for the University of Technology, Jamaica. On behalf of the un i ve r s i t y I wish to express gratitude to Ambassador Burchell Whiteman who kept a steady hand on the tiller between June 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015 and from whom I took over as Acting President in August 2015. During the review period, significant improvements were made to the University’s physical infrastructure through the UTech Enhancement Project and the financial position improved as evidenced by an operational surplus besides finance income from reserves. As Jamaica’s national university, UTech, Jamaica seeks to align its programmes and the institution’s reach with national priorities. This annual report summarises the many initiatives led by the University to expand its research capability and activities in areas of national interest and underscores UTech, Jamaica’s enduring commitment to excellence in innovative research, teaching and outreach. In the matter of energy conservation and management, the Caribbean Sustainable Energy and Innovation Institute (CSEII) is at the forefront of the university’s strategy to lead by example. UTech, Jamaica has significantly reduced its electricity bill by a combination of strict energy auditing and the introduction of renewable energy via its 100kw Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System. As a corollary, on the academic side, the CSEII initiated and developed a Master of Science programme in Sustainable Energy and Climate Change with the technical and financial support of the German Society for International Cooperation (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) following two years of developmental work. In the area of medical marijuana research UTech, Jamaica continues to make gains under its renewed medical marijuana licence. A university-wide multi- disciplinary research group continues to lead this thrust. Among the significant progress made was a 25 year lease with the Government Chemist Department to provide additional laboratory space for the University’s researchers who are focusing on the development of pharmaceutical products, as well as the establishment of a specialised laboratory and high-tech indoor greenhouse marijuana growing facility at the UTech, Jamaica Papine campus. In the Faculty of Science and Sport, several research projects are on-going. Among them, is the noteworthy work in the Integrated Optics and Photonics Laboratory from which Mr Maurice McGlashan-Powell (Research Fellow) has produced three patents. The success and welfare of our students must remain the prime concern of the University. The pace of accreditation remains a perennial student concern. The University has determined that institutional accreditation is an imperative and all efforts are being mobilised to pursue and achieve institutional accreditation in the shortest possible time. Committed to Research, Teaching and Outreach ACTING PRESIDENT’S OVERVIEW Prof. Colin Gyles President (Acting)