Gov't commits $30m to fund indigenous knowledge and water research projects

The Government has committed $30 million over the next three years to fund high-quality projects in the areas of indigenous knowledge and water research.

The development comes under the Jamaica/South Africa Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which seeks to promote and support cooperation between the countries in the fields of science and technology.

Science and Technology Minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, said the proposed projects must demonstrate the potential to create jobs, introduce new products and improve the quality of life for Jamaicans.

Wheatley explains that the joint research call aims to provide engagement opportunities for young researchers in Jamaica and South Africa.

He says the South Africa Government has allocated matching funds of $30 million for researchers in that country.

Director of Research at the National Commission on Science and Technology  Dr Aisha Jones, said that a maximum of three high-impact projects will be funded.

She said the support will be made available from January 2018 to December 2020.