The criteria which the University of the West Indies has selected for determining focal areas for research include: areas in which UWI has strong technical capacity and international credibility; areas of particular relevance to regional development, and; niche areas where the region’s geography and history gives the institution a competitive advantage.  Using these criteria, a number of key areas emerge that demand enhanced knowledge acquisition, innovation and intervention.  These include but are not limited to:

• Biotechnology, particularly with respect to Agriculture and Horticulture;
• Legal Protection and use of Biodiversity, Natural Products and unique Genetic Resources;
• Cultural Studies and the development of Cultural and Entertainment Industries for tourism promotion;
• Social, Economic and Legal studies, particularly as they relate to Crime, Security and Justice;
• Health and Wellness, particularly as they relate to diseases impacting on Caribbean communities and the tourism product;
• Natural Hazards Management and Disaster Risk Reduction; Natural Resource and Environmental use and management , particularly as they relate to Forestry, Fisheries, Water Resources, Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism development and Community Wellness;
• The feasibility, development and implementation of Alternate Energy;
• Education, with particular emphasis on innovative approaches to Teacher Training and Development.

The University is pursuing a number of strategies in support of its research, development and innovation agenda, including building partnerships with government, business, industry and new entrepreneurs (both within and outside of the University).