The Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) yesterday began a two-day training programme to introduce a cross-section of individuals from the private sector, academics from the University, and technical staff from a variety of science-related agencies to a suite of state-of-the-art analytical equipment the institute recently acquired.
Conducting the training are Professor Suresh Narine, Director of the Institute, and Dr. Laziz Bouzidi, a Senior Research Associate from Professor Narine’s Centre for Biomaterials Research at Trent University.
According to a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), Dr. Bouzidi has volunteered his time to assist Professor Narine in the installation of the equipment and the training of local personnel in their operation and maintenance.
GINA said that the equipment is relevant to the analysis of parameters for materials (including food, industrial, petroleum and environmental) which describe the chemical and physical properties of the materials. The equipment, according to Professor Narine, should enable IAST to develop more effective quality control tests for local industries whilst at the same time designing new and improved processes.
The equipment, GINA said, is also useful in the effort to isolate and characterize bioactive compounds from Guyana’s rainforest botanicals, a major focus for the institute, motivated by the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
The release said that the move to train a wider cross-section of individuals beyond just institute staff is targeted at extracting maximum exploitation of the equipment base.
Professor Narine attributed the renewal of the equipment base at the institute, and its rejuvenation, to former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s vision and patronage.
He posited that the engagement of the private sector in public-private partnerships for the commercialization of research and development activities at the Institute is a major focus for the institute.
The institution recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UG and Trent University of Canada to share human and equipment resources, and this training session is seen as one very tangible way of these partnerships bearing fruit.
