BardowellMERLINE Bardowell has recently been appointed executive director of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) Secretariat.
She foresees as her immediate goals improving the visibility of the NCST, the establishment of "closer linkage between the private sector, science and technology institutions, academia and the Government, the development of information system to inform decision-making and creating an environment which fosters innovations nationally.
Mrs. Bardowell's present position is not without merit. Her appointment to Executive Director at NCST comes on the heels of her vacating her former position as Group Director at the Scientific Research Council where she had responsibility for the Jamaican Institute for Scientific and Technological Information and Knowledge (JISTIK) which she was instrumental in setting up. The Institute has focus areas of Technology Transfer, Techno-intelligence and Information Systems and Services and Popularization of Science and Technology.
In this capacity she has designed and implemented a number of innovative strategies to popularise science and technology such as the celebration of science and technology month, annual national conference on S&T; numerous publications; special outreach programmes to rural communities, the business sector and schools. In addition, she had responsibility for the Caribbean Energy Information System and was also the Coordinator of the National Scientific and Technical Inform-ation Network (STIN).
A graduate of the UWI and Syracuse Universities, Mrs. Bardowell has a BSc. (Natural Sciences), UWI; MSc. (Inform-ation Resources Management, Syracuse); and MBA (Techno-logy Management), UWI. Other qualifications include specialised training in R&D management, S&T and Information Policy, Knowledge Management, information and communications technologies, intellectual property and technology transfer. Having worked in the S&T community for 23 years, coupled with her hands on approach to the field of science and technology, her appreciation and understanding of the role of S&T in national growth and development has provided the groundwork, which she believes has equipped her for the demands of the new job.
Mrs. Bardowell is involved in several national, regional and international ventures. She is currently the President of the Caribbean Branch of the London-based Commonwealth Association of Science, Techno-logy and Mathematics Educators (CASTME) and sits on the Council of the larger body. She serves on several boards, committees and has membership in several professional organisations in some of which she has held presidential positions. Mrs Bardowell is involved in mentorship programmes, church ministries; is an associate member of the Royal Air Forces Association and a member of Rotary International. Recipient of many fellowships and awards. She is listed in the "International Who's Who of Professionals".
Mrs. Bardowell is married to Keith; they have one daughter.
Chaired by the Prime Minister, the NCST was established in 1993 and has the mission to make science and technology an integral part of Jamaica's culture in order that it will play a substantive role in the nation's social and economic development.
Goals of the NCST to address local science and technology capability, utilisation of science and technology, sustainable environment and informing and educating the populace on the importance of science and technology in national development..
Its membership is multi-disciplinary and comprises individuals from academia, science and technology/research and development institutions, the private and public sectors and professional associations.
An advisory and management body for science and technology, the NCST has over its nine years of existence spearheaded/facilitated efforts to use science and technology for the development of Jamaica. Through policy directives, projects and programmes it has enhanced the national competence in science and technology.
