NIHERST Honours Outstanding Achievements at Teach ME Teachers’ Virtual Curriculum Competition and National Students’ Innovation Competition
St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, Friday, 27 February 2026 – The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) celebrated excellence in teaching and student innovation during its Prize Giving Ceremony held on Friday, 27 February. The event featured a welcome address by Ms. Julie David, President (Ag.), NIHERST, and a feature address by Senator the Honourable Emeritus Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training.
“Since its inception, the TEACH ME programme has touched the lives of over 10,000 students and hundreds of teachers. Many have gone on to pursue STEM studies, careers, and innovations that contribute meaningfully to national development. But the true success of Teach ME is not measured in numbers, it is measured in the confidence of a teacher to embrace new technology,” said Ms. Julie David.
The ceremony recognised the winners of the 2025 Teachers’ Virtual Curriculum Competition and the National Students’ Innovation Competition, highlighting innovation and academic excellence across Trinidad and Tobago. Read More
NIHERST and ILO Launch Research Reports to Strengthen Skills Development and Labour Market Alignment
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), officially launched a series of research reports at the ILO Head Office in Port of Spain. These reports are derived from a comprehensive study examining current and future demand for the STEM workforce across key emerging sectors in Trinidad and Tobago.
The study, titled Assessment of 21st Century Skills Across Emerging Sectors, focused on five industries identified as critical to national development: Maritime, Aviation, Tourism, Software Design and Applications, and Agro-processing. Read More
NIHERST and Shell Launch Pilot Season of the FIRST Tech Challenge
Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago — January 10th, 2026: The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), in collaboration with Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd. (Shell), successfully hosted the launch and showcase of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) pilot season under the 2025-2026 global theme, “DECODE.”
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is an international robotics competition that encourages students aged 12 to 18 years to design, build, and program robots to complete themed missions. Guided by mentors and coaches, participants apply Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) principles while developing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Read More
Caribbean Experts Explore How Artificial Intelligence Can Transform Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Multistakeholder Advisory Group (TTMAG), hosted a dynamic webinar titled “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for the Future of Tourism” which explored innovative applications of AI to enhance the Caribbean’s tourism sector and prepare stakeholders for the digital future.
The webinar featured an engaging keynote presentation, prepared by Mr. Michael Ragoobar (NIHERST Project Assistant) and a panel discussion with industry experts, AI practitioners, and academic researchers, including Dr. Auliana Poon, Tourism Strategy Expert; Mr. Leslie Lee Fook, Director of AI, Analytics & Automation at Incus Services; Mr. Ajmal Nazir, TTMAG Director and NIHERST Research Officers Mr. Ethan Blache and Mr. Mandela Sealy. Read More
Click here to view the Webinar Recap
Shell and NIHERST Honour Recipients of the 2025 Shell NXplorers Energy & Innovation Academic Scholarship
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – [25th September, 2025] – Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited in partnership with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), proudly recognised the recipients of the 2025 Shell NXplorers Energy & Innovation Academic Scholarship at a special handover ceremony held.
This year, two (2) outstanding students were formally awarded scholarships in recognition of their academic achievement & commitment to pursuing Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STREAM) related disciplines, and active participation in the Shell NXplorers Programme:
- Fariba Bhaggan – scholarship recipient valued at TT$[35,000.00], currently pursuing undergraduate studies in Computer Science.
- Mya Abbott – scholarship recipient valued at TT$[35,000.00], currently pursuing undergraduate studies in Agri Food Safety & Quality Assurance.Read More
Students selected to attend the 2025 National Youth Science Camp
NIHERST’s Acting President, Ms. Julie David, together with the U.S. Embassy, proudly announced that Ms. Danielle Franklyn and Mr. Vaishnava Ramjass have been selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the prestigious National Youth Science Camp in the United States, taking place from July 10 to August 2, 2025.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and hosted by the National Youth Science Academy, this immersive program offers outstanding young leaders in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) the opportunity to engage with experts, collaborate with peers from around the world, and participate in cutting-edge workshops and hands-on activities designed to inspire innovation and global scientific dialogue. Read More
NIHERST and Shell Celebrate Innovation and Ingenuity at 2025 NXplorers Awards
The Festival Ballroom of the Radisson Hotel was abuzz with youthful innovation and excitement as Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd., in partnership with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), hosted the 2025 Shell NXplorers Award Ceremony.
The Shell NXplorers programme is an internationally recognised initiative that empowers secondary and tertiary-level students to tackle real-world challenges in food, water, and energy using STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) principles. Through a process grounded in creative and critical thinking, mentorship, and collaboration, students developed prototype solutions aimed at making a meaningful impact within their communities. Read More
🚚✨ We’re on the move! Exciting changes are happening at NIHERST!
Our Head Office and the National Science Centre are coming together under one roof for a fresh space dedicated to innovation and collaboration.
📍 New location details coming soon!
Stay tuned for updates!
For enquiries, contact us at 📞 724-9438 or 📧 marketing@niherst.gov.tt
Shell STREAM Workforce Conference 2025 Prepares Students for the Future of Work
Hundreds of secondary and tertiary students gathered today at the Shell STREAM Workforce Conference 2025, hosted by Shell Trinidad and Tobago in partnership with NIHERST, to explore career pathways in Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM).
The event, held at the Hilton Trinidad, provided students with real-world insights, mentorship, and hands-on experiences to help them navigate an evolving job market. Aligned with the findings of the National STREAM Workforce Report, the conference addressed key workforce trends, including employment opportunities, job mobility, salaries, and industry participation for STREAM graduates. Read More
Teach ME Awards Ceremony Recognises Outstanding Student Innovators and Educators
The Teach ME Awards Ceremony 2024, hosted by NIHERST celebrated the brilliance, creativity, and problem-solving skills of students and educators in Trinidad and Tobago.
Held at NAPA, the ceremony honoured the winners of the Teach ME National Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 and the Teachers’ Virtual Curriculum Competition 2024, where participants showcased their technological innovations and creative teaching methods. Over $95,000 in prizes were awarded to outstanding participants who demonstrated exceptional ingenuity, technical skill, and dedication to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and digital learning. Read More
NIHERST Board of Governors Recognised for 100% Compliance by the Integrity Commission
The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (NIHERST) Board of Governors has been honoured with a prestigious award from the Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago.
The award was presented by Mr. Haydn Gittens, Chairman of the Integrity Commission, to NIHERST Board Chairman, Dr. Andrew Hunte and his fellow governors at NIHERST Head Office. This accolade recognises the Board’s achievement of 100% compliance in filing Individual Declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities, as well as Statements of Registrable Interests, for the year ending December 31, 2023. Read More
2024 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) Scholarship Recipients
Left to right: U.S. Embassy Assistant Public Affairs Officer Eli Levine, Naparima College student Reginald Mohammed, Bishop Anstey High School Tobago student Dominique Henry, and NIHERST President (Ag.), Julie David
Two (2) local students have been selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). The United States Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago announced that Dominique Henry and Reginald Mohammed were selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 2024 NYSCamp.
Every year the U.S. embassy and the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) accept applications from forth to sixth form students between the ages of 16-18 years old for a scholarship to attend the NYSCamp in West Virginia, USA.. Read More
FIRST LEGO League held its MasterPiece
Couva, Trinidad and Tobago. Approximately One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) in prizes was up for grabs at the FIRST LEGO League National Robotics Tournament on 27th April, 2024. The event organized by the National Institute of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (NIHERST) and Shell Trinidad & Tobago Limited (Shell) drew hundreds of onlookers as they cheered on more than two hundred (200) participants, from eighteen (18) teams representing various schools in Trinidad and Tobago including Tranquility Government Secondary, Naparima College, Waterloo Secondary School and Holy Name Convent, Port of Spain. Read More Click here to view event’s album
Celebrating Point Fortin Borough Day with Astronomy Night: A Stellar Evening Under the Stars
The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (NIHERST) hosted an Astronomy Night: A Stellar Evening Under the Stars, in celebration of the Borough of Point Fortin 44th Anniversary.
The event took place on April 15th, 2024, at the Mahaica Sporting Complex, Point Fortin, attracting astronomy enthusiasts of all ages for a stellar evening under the stars.
The Astronomy Night was aimed at promoting science education and awareness within the Point Fortin community. Attendees were treated to a variety of engaging and educational activities, including telescope viewing sessions. Read More
NIHERST in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd launches FIRST LEGO League Robotics Tournament: MasterPiece
Students from twenty-five (25) schools from across Trinidad and Tobago will have an exciting robotics opportunity this year, hosted by the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) and Shell Trinidad and Tobago (Shell T&T Ltd).
The launch ceremony for the innovative 21st-century robotics challenge, the FIRST LEGO League, kicked off the 7th year of the initiative, with the tournament scheduled for April 27th, 2024. Read More
NIHERST and NALIS advances Partnership with Science Corner Hubs
The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (NIHERST) and The National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) proudly announced the successful ribbon-cutting ceremony of the NIHERST / NALIS Science Corner. This collaboration marks a significant stride toward promoting scientific exploration, education, and innovation within our community. The first of seven (7) corners carded throughout the public library system was launched at the Port of Spain Public Library. Read More
NIHERST mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus Winston Mellowes
The National Institute of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (NIHERST) is in mourning following the passing of the esteemed Professor Emeritus Winston Mellowes.
As the Past Chairman of NIHERST (2017-2020), Professor Mellowes played a pivotal role in steering the Institute towards robust advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across Trinidad and Tobago. Read More
Shell Empowers Future Innovators: Handover Ceremony of STREAM Kits to Schools
Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd., in partnership with the National Institute for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), hosted the “Shell STREAM Kit Handover Ceremony”, a testament to Shell’s dedication to fostering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. Read More
‘The STEM Network’ – Issue 2, 2023
NIHERST is pleased to present to you the latest installment of its newsletter series. From its major partnerships to its STEM initiatives, get the up to date insights on the undertakings of the Institute. Read More
NIHERST and MYDNS pen new agreement to support 21st century youth
On May 25th, 2023, the National Institute of Higher Education, Research Science, and Technology (NIHERST) and the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service jointly conveyed their intent to maximize the nation’s youth involvement in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
Read More
NIHERST and PowerGen add fuel to STI advancements
On October 10th 2022, the National Institute of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (NIHERST) and the Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago (PowerGen) signaled the start of a partnership to invest in the expansion of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) initiatives.
Read More
Measuring the Investment in Science and Technology
Since 1999 NIHERST, guided by the Network for Science and Technology Indicators -Ibero-American and Inter-American- (RICYT) and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), has been measuring the investment in Science and Technology
Read More
MoE / NIHERST help build the nation’s resilience in education transformation
The Ministry of Education’s Adopt-a-School programme received thirty (30) chrome books sponsored by NIHERST
Read More
NIHERST and APETT collaborate to initiate STI transformation projects
The National Institute of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology (NIHERST) and the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) which will see joint collaboration to address engineering-specific societal pain points currently being faced by communities and advance the national agenda for enabling Science Technology and Innovation (STI) in the society.
Read More
