Members of the public are invited to contribute to the creation of the Territory's first Science and Technology Plan by participating in a series of public consultations beginning with focus group sessions planned for Sept. 12, 13 and 14, on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John, respectively.

Developing a VI Science and Technology Plan is an early goal of the STEP UP Initiative, announced on Aug. 17, by Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. The initiative’s name – STEP UP – stands for Science, Technology, Education and Economic Progress. The governor, who serves as chair of the VI Science and Technology Council, described the effort as an opportunity to take good science from the laboratories of the University of the Virgin Islands to the local and global marketplace. He said the VI Science and Technology Council was established to "act as a catalyst for leveraging resources in the U.S.V.I. in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and innovation for economic development."

Research and development initiatives are not confined to UVI and ideas for involvement of other public and private sector entities are encouraged.

Focus groups are scheduled for the following dates:

• St. Thomas:
  • Thursday, Sept. 13 – 6 to 8 p.m. 
  • Friday, Sept. 14 – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Both sessions in UVI Administration and Conference Center – first-floor conference room 

• St. John: 
  • Friday, Sept. 14 – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Ursula’s Multipurpose Center, Cruz Bay

For more information contact the VI-EPSCoR Office at (340) 692-4003.