Focus on the importance of protecting research continuity and investing in women in science.


The UNESCO, in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI), on 28 January 2026 awarded certificates to twenty graduate level women scientists at a ceremony held at UWI Mona campus, marking an important milestone in the implementation of the Women In Science Emergency (WISE) Initiative.





The UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI), on 28 January 2026 awarded certificates to twenty graduate level women scientists at a ceremony held at UWI Mona campus, marking an important milestone in the implementation of the Women In Science Emergency (WISE) Initiative.

The ceremony recognized women whose scientific research was disrupted by Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread damage across Jamaica and significantly affected university life, laboratory access, and research continuity. Despite these challenges, the awardees demonstrated resilience and determination in pursuing their academic and scientific work.

Speaking at the event, Eric Falt, Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO for the Caribbean, emphasized the broader importance of protecting research continuity and investing in women in science.

UNESCO Office for the Caribbean


Hurricane Melissa led to the temporary closure of laboratories, delays in data collection, and interruptions that posed serious risks to graduate research timelines and early career development, particularly for women scientists.

The WISE initiative, which stands for Women In Science Emergency, was created to respond directly to these challenges. Leveraging UNESCO’s mandate to promote women and girls in science, the initiative provides rapid, short term financial support to ensure that research momentum is maintained in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Through the program, twenty graduate level women scientists each received a one-off stipend of USD 1,000 to support the continuation of their research. Applications were reviewed jointly by representatives of UWI and the UNESCO Regional Office in Kingston, with priority given to those most affected by the hurricane.

The ceremony brought together representatives from UNESCO, the University of the West Indies, faculty members, and peers, reinforcing a shared commitment to gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and to evidence based, rapid response interventions in post disaster recovery.

The WISE initiative is coordinated nationally by the Faculty of Science and Technology at UWI Mona, Jamaica’s principal scientific institution and a longstanding UNESCO partner in advancing STEM excellence, open science, gender equity, and scientific capacity building for resilient and inclusive development.

Beyond the immediate support provided, the initiative contributes to sustained research continuity, safeguards the professional development of young women scientists, and offers a model for potential expansion to other tertiary institutions affected by natural disasters.



Location: Kingston, ON, Canada

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