UVI's Research and Public Service unit of the University of the Virgin Islands is
a cost-effective, outcome-oriented learning organization, whose outputs support the
university's mission in the areas of public service and research. The unit aims to
be recognized as having outstanding, responsive research and outreach programs that
strive to improve the quality of life within the U. S. Virgin Islands and beyond.
- The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) conducts basic and applied research to meet the needs of the local agricultural community
in increasing production, improving efficiency, developing new enterprises, preserving
and propagating germplasm unique to the Virgin Islands, and protecting the natural
resource base. AES scientists are actively involved in 32 projects in agronomy, animal
science, aquaculture, biotechnology, agroforestry, & horticulture. Results of research
projects are disseminated in scientific journals, research bulletins, fact sheets,
farmers' bulletins, seminars, workshops, and short courses.
- The Center for Marine and Environmental Studies (CMES) addresses environmental problems unique to tropical island communities and advances
knowledge and learning in coastal marine systems through research, education and outreach
programs. Based in the McLean Marine Science Center on St. Thomas, CMES collaborates
with local organizations, other universities and government agencies to assess and
monitor marine ecosystems and identify methods of conserving fisheries and marine
and coastal areas that provide support for sustainable natural resource management.
CMES has an active applied research program with projects that focus on fisheries
management, coastal resources conservation, and development of the Virgin Islands'
Marine Parks Management Plan.
- The Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS), a part of the national Sea Grant Program, collaborates with public and private sector
institutions to disseminate information on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. VIMAS
offers public outreach through training, seminars and educational programs for children
in areas such as non-point source pollution, managing and restoring mangrove wetlands,
marine debris monitoring and boater education.
- The Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS), located with the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John and managed by Clean Islands
International, offers environmental education and training programs for groups of
all ages, including eco-camps for children. VIERS is an ideal facility for higher
education groups and researchers interested in conducting studies in pristine tropical
marine and terrestrial habitats.
- The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is empowered as an agency for public education and information dissemination responding
to the needs of the community. Its mission is to be a dynamic, flexible organization
dedicated to delivering research-based educational programs and information that address
critical issues affecting families, individuals and the communities of the U. S. Virgin
Islands. CES delivers programs in the areas of agriculture & natural resources, 4-H,
family and consumer science, communications, technology and distance education.
- The Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC) includes the Research Institute and the Conservation Data Center. The Research Institute
compiles and analyzes demographic, social and economic data, and disseminates this
data into various forums and formats. The Institute also conducts scientific surveys
to measure the Territory's population and housing characteristics. The Conservation
Data Center compiles, analyzes and disseminates natural resource and socioeconomic
data and provides training in GIS (Geographic Information System).
- The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) / Title III is the university unit responsible for liaison with funding agencies that sponsor
research and other activities at UVI. OSP assists faculty and staff with proposals
and with grants implementation and management. OSP can help design projects and develop
proposals in order to improve the likelihood of success and can help to identify funding
agencies that are interested in supporting UVI projects. OSP offers workshops from
time to time on seeking sponsorship, writing proposals and managing grants. Advice
and assistance is also available on a case-by-case basis. OSP also manages the U.
S. Department of Education Title III Institutional Strengthening Program, under the
direction of the President.
- The primary publication of the Research Publications Unit (RPU) is The Caribbean Writer, an international literary anthology with a Caribbean focus. This prize-winning anthology
premiered in 1987 to provide an outlet for writers in the Caribbean and surrounding
regions, and to encourage new writing. The editorial board consists of UVI College
of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences faculty, and the advisory editorial board is a distinguished
group of established Caribbean writers.
- The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the practical assistance
required to prosper in today's economy. It is a collaborative effort between the University
of the Virgin Islands and the U. S. Small Business Administration. The mission of
the VI SBDC is to assist emerging and existing small businesses through high quality
- The Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) promotes the development and use of science and technology in the territory to help
the local community develop creative solutions to educational and environmental challenges
and to improve the quality of like for its members. VI-EPSCoR is working to increase
the Virgin Islands' access to and development of new knowledge, products, services,
partnerships and a skilled workforce for the 21st century and beyond. It supports research on locally relevant topics including the
health of coral reef ecosystems, fisheries management and coastal ocean systems. VI-EPSCoR
funds are also used to strengthen the territory's education in the areas of science,
mathematics and technology, and VI-EPSCoR is supported by a grant from the National
Science Foundation, funding from the government of the Virgin Islands and by generous
donations from members of the Virgin Islands community.
- The Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) conducts research throughout the U. S. Virgin Islands. WRRI is one of the 54 water
resources research institutes established at land-grant universities throughout the
United States and its territories. Established in 1973, WRRI conducts research on
water resources and related areas, assists in the training of students and water resources
professionals and provides information exchange in the area of water resources locally,
regionally, nationally and internationally. WRRI's meteorological observatory provides
real time weather data that can be accessed through the Internet, and a water quality
laboratory on the UVI St. Thomas campus serve as resources for the Virgin Islands
community.
