Launch of the National Robotics Design Challenge

UTT Igniting Creativity

ON WEDNESDAY 12th February, 2020 The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) launched the first-ever National Robotics Design Challenge at UTT Chaguanas Campus. Hosted by the University's Design and Manufacturing Engineering Unit, this Challenge is set to inspire the development of new and enabling technologies, and to promote the disciplinesof Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in education.

At the main event to be held in October 2020,the Challenge will encourage innovation and harness critical thinking skills amongst its participants. Teams are required to design, build and present working devices based on their research and the technical specifications of the project.

In delivering the Address at the Launch event, the Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education lauded the forward-thinking initiative and commended UTT on actively contributing to the developmental trajectory of Trinidad and Tobago.

Professor Clément Imbert, Deputy Chairman, Board of Governors,UTT also delivered Greetings at the event, and noted the University's clear intent to fill the existing gap of applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world challenges. Professor Imbert further elaborated that participants of the Challenge will acquire the necessary skills needed for a real-world engineering setting.

The Launch event brought together industry stakeholders and secondary school students, who expressed interest in participating in the Challenge, as they saw firsthand, the robotics on display come to life.

The University looks forwards to engaging the minds of the future generation in key areas of innovation and development. Visit www.u.tt/rdc for more information on the National Robotics Design Challenge.

MTCC Caribbean hosts Workshop on IMO's Global 2020 Sulphur Cap

The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), host institution of the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre - Caribbean (MTCC Caribbean) facilitated a 'Targeted Training Workshop on the IMO's Global 2020 Sulphur Cap' on February 12th, 2020 at UTT Chaguaramas Campus.

The Global 2020 Sulphur Cap, a standard determined by the International Maritime Organization, targets the reduction of sulphur oxides (Sox), which are known to have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. In effect from January 1st 2020, the Cap limits the use of fuel oil to a 0.5% sulphur limit on all sizes of ships.

The objectives of the Workshop were to address the different aspects of the 2020 Sulphur Cap, inclusive of the origin and effects of sulphur dioxides from ship's fuel, sulphur regulations compliance using existing management systems and industry options for removing sulphur from emissions and lowering sulphur content in fuel.

The Workshop targeted seafarers from the Caribbean maritime sector and was attended by over fifty (50) participants, with the sessions being facilitated by members of MTCC's Technical Secretariat. Roundtable discussions also provided valuable input from industry and regulator representatives. The audience also actively participated in generating action items to advance the maritime agenda and enforcement of the 2020 Sulphur Cap in the local maritime sector.

UTT ECIAF Campus Interactive Days 2020

The University of Trinidad and Tobago's ECIAF Campus embarked on a major recruitment drive, for the second year, as it hosted its Interactive Days, in an effort to promote the Biosciences, Agriculture and Food Technology (BAFT) programmes.

The Campus hosted three Interactive Days on 12th and 19 th February and 4 th March, 2020. Through this recruitment effort, students and faculty of the BAFT Programmes accommodated Form 4 and 5 students from over 16 secondary schools from various locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Schools came from areas such as Marabella, Tableland, Matelot, Rio Claro, Valencia, Guaico, Sangre Grande, Chaguanas, Penal, Siparia, and Diego Martin, amongst others.

The sister isle of Tobago was also in attendance with Mason Hall Secondary School making their way to Centeno to be part of the event. Overall, the Campus hosted over 450 secondary school students and 30 teachers.

The days consisted of each department highlighting their programmes, explaining the student application process and emphasising the importance of food, agriculture and forestry to our national economy. Students of the ECIAF Campus were a major part of the event, assisting with the organisation and co-ordination of on-farm demonstrations, project presentations and practical activities. Additionally, they took this opportunity to interact with secondary school students regarding dorm life, University involvement and their overall experiences on Campus.

Golden Globe Winning Animator Features at UTT's Animation Workshop

For over ten years, The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has been training a modern workforce in the areas of animation, game development and digital media arts. To enhance the skillset and employability of the current cohort of students of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media Arts with specialisation in Animation, the University hosted a Stop-Motion Workshop. This highly intensive Workshop was conducted by LAIKA Studio's animation supervisor, the renowned Brad Schiff.

Mr. Schiff has worked on a number of popular American television series and in 2001, won a Primetime Emmy® Award for 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.'

In addition to his many achievements, LAIKAStudios received the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature and the VAS Award for Outstanding Visual Effects in an animated feature for 'The Missing Link.' 

Held from February 17th to 21st , 2020 at the state-of-the-art Stop-Motion Studio at the UTT Tamana Signature Building Complex, students were exposed to modern techniques in the digital media industry with the aim to ensure that international standards and benchmarks are met. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with Mr. Schiff who shared his in-depth knowledge, and also famaliarised themselves with the modern equipment available at the Studio.

UTT Establishes IET On Campus Group

The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has established an On Campus Group with the global organisation, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) - UK. Known as UTT IET, the Group comprises students from the University's three (3) IET accredited programmes: Utilities Engineering; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); and Design and Manufacturing Engineering.

Globally, IET On Campus is a vibrant network managed by students, for students pursuing engineering and technology related courses and is accessible at universities. Through the joint forces of the IET and universities' student population, IET On Campus provides students with the resources, connections and inspiration needed to succeed in their future careers.

Although the formation of the On Campus Group is relatively new, UTT IET has been successfully representing the University at local and international IET events. In June 2019, Mr. Pradesh Boodoosingh, Vice Chair, won the local leg of IET's “Present Around the World” Competition. This win qualified Mr. Boodoosingh to represent UTT at the international leg of the Competition held August 2019 in San Diego, USA, where he copped second place.

UTT Takes Part in Carnival 2020

In what can be considered a growing tradition, The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) maintains its presence in the Carnival domain, showcasing expertise, creativity and an abundance of talent at the ‘Greatest Show on Earth'.

As the national University, UTT provides a creative space for harnessing the skillset and entrepreneurial mindset needed to propel the industry forward. Both staff and students have contributed to Carnival in its varying elements, much to the delight of its local and global spectators, with this year being no different.

For Carnival 2020, UTT staff and students participated in the following events:

UTT's MUSIC TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS assisted with the sound engineering for the different stages of the Panorama 2020 competition.

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