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New Scientist - Dr. Marcel Denny
Jan 22, 2026

Dr. Marcel Denny, an Assistant Lecturer in the Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona was awarded his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The UWI, Mona in 2025. Dr. Denny is a graduate of the Meadowbrook High School where he began developing his leadership and educator skills as Deputy Head Boy and coordinator of a tutoring programme for Grade 11 students led by Grade 12 and 13 students. Like many undergraduate students entering the Faculty of Science and Technology, he initially wanted to study medicine “to help people” however his chemistry lecturers inspired in him, a love and understanding of chemistry such that he realized he could best help people by assisting them to understand chemistry. Dr. Denny completed his B.Sc. in Food Chemistry with dual minors in General Chemistry and Management Studies at The UWI, Mona in 2016. He is known for his leadership qualities and skills and has represented the Department of Chemistry and graduate students in several fora – nationally and internationally. Dr. Denny’s Ph.D. research investigated a new, simple process for making numerous new chemical derivatives from an organic compound, Naphthoquinone. The 33 new chemicals change colour in contact with metal ions, so they show promise in acting as visual sensors for the presence of metals in water – that is, they may be used to reduce the cost of water quality analysis.
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New Scientist - Professor Eccleston Kean
Oct 8, 2025

Professor Eccleston Kean is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on hypoglycin A, the principal toxin in ackees. Historically there had been much debate over the cause of Jamaican Vomiting Sickness but while this had been attributed to hypoglycin in unripe fruit, this was conclusively proven by Kean and his co-workers. It was only in the early 1950s that Dr. Delphine Williams identified ackee poisoning as the cause of Jamaican Vomiting Sickness. The discussion led to Kean’s interest in the subject and his pursuit of a Ph.D. in biochemistry to better understand how hypoglycin A in unopened ackees affects the body’s metabolism, even causing death. His early research showed that a diet deficient in protein of good nutritional value and low in certain vitamins and minerals made the affected patient more susceptible to hypoglycin A poisoning. Professor Kean’s research into hypoglycin A continued for over 20 years and he was the first researcher in Jamaica to use radio-active tracer compounds in his experiments. His studies showed specifically how hypoglycin A inhibited energy production in the mitochondria of the cells resulting in hypoglycaemia or very low blood sugar levels. His later research was conducted both locally and internationally as he collaborated with other researchers and hospitals to study the chemical and its mode of action. His Ph.D. was awarded in 1957 from The University of London, which awarded degrees on behalf of the then, University College of the West Indies. At this time, Dr. Kean was a Senior Lecturer in biochemistry and he continued in this position until he was elevated to the rank of Professor in 1984 and Professor Emeritus in 1994. For his distinguished service in the field of biochemistry, Professor Eccleston Kean was awarded the Silver Musgrave Medal by the Institute of Jamaica in 2006. October, 2025
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New Scientist - Mr. Peter Espeut
Oct 8, 2025

Peter Espeut, a distinguished Jamaican sociologist, environmentalist and Roman Catholic deacon, has made a lasting impact on both science and society through his interdisciplinary work. A graduate of Campion College and St. George's College, he excelled in both the sciences and humanities, earning a BSc in Chemistry and a BA in Theology (First Class Honours) from The University of the West Indies. His passion for teaching and knowledge-sharing began at St. Mary’s College, where he taught multiple subjects and led several student clubs. Over time, his interest in social and environmental issues deepened, and his academic work (M.Phil. in sociology and rural development) and his award-winning studies on rural poverty and economic development, reflected a commitment to understanding the challenges facing Jamaica’s underserved communities. In 1996, he was ordained a Permanent Deacon and served parishes in Harbour View, Bull Bay, and Port Royal, while representing the Roman Catholic Church on the Jamaica Council of Churches. Espeut’s career took a pivotal turn when he began applying his scientific and sociological expertise to environmental conservation. He worked with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to study Jamaica’s marine and inland fisheries and became one of the first scientists locally to engage fishers in conservation practices. Perhaps, his most significant achievement was the conceptualization and management of the Portland Bight area—a rich coastal and forested ecosystem—which he oversaw through leadership roles at the South Coast Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and later the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM). For this work, he was awarded the Pew Fellowship in Conservation and the Environment in 1996. He has also served in numerous national advisory capacities related to marine health, waste management, and coral reef preservation. Mr. Espeut is a vocal advocate for sustainable development, using his weekly column in The Gleaner to raise awareness on social, religious, and environmental issues. For his outstanding contribution to environmental science and national development, the Institute of Jamaica awarded him the Silver Musgrave Medal in 2008. The Reverend Deacon Peter Espeut is currently the Dean of Studies and Lecturer in Sociology at St. Michael’s College and Seminary. Updated October, 2025
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New Scientist - Professor Terrence Forrester
Oct 7, 2025

Professor The Hon. Terrence Forrester, O.J. is the Chief Scientist and Managing Director of Solutions for Developing Countries, The University of the West Indies (UWI SODECO) and a Professor of Experimental Medicine at The UWI, Faculty of Medical Sciences. His B.Sc. earned at The UWI was in physiology and he went on to study medical sciences completing his MBBS, DM and Ph.D. all at The UWI, Mona. A leading clinical scientist, he has focused on hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the Caribbean and West African populations, addressing their high prevalence and mortality rates. He founded the Tropical Medicine Research Institute (now the Caribbean Institute for Health Research) in 1999, merging four key research units across UWI campuses. Supported by major international funders, his research explores links between inter-generational under-nutrition and chronic diseases like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, aiming to develop novel prevention and management strategies. Professor Forrester has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Vice Chancellor’s Award (2003), Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Award (2006), Boehringer Ingelheim Award (2006). Of particular note are the Gold Musgrave Medal in 2010 from the Institute of Jamaica and the national honour of the Order of Jamaica in 2012. He has advised numerous regional and international health organizations, including the World Health Organisation, Pan-American Health Organisation and the US Centre for Disease Control, and sat on the Boards of various banking and health funding entities. His long-term efforts led to the creation of UWI SODECO in 2013.
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New Scientist - Professor Horace Fletcher
Oct 7, 2025

Professor Horace Fletcher is a distinguished physician and academic specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology He was born in St. Elizabeth and educated at Cornwall College. Having earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Natural Sciences, he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree and the Doctor of Medicine (DM) in Obstetrics and Gynecology from The University of the West Indies After completing his medical training and gaining practical experience in Trinidad and Jamaica, he joined the University Hospital of the West Indies first as a Temporary Lecturer in 1989. He moved up quickly to Lecturer in 1991 and Senior Lecturer in 1997 and promoted to the rank of Professor in 2005. He has served as the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The UWI where he combines medical practice with research and teaching. His ground-breaking research has transformed maternal healthcare. This includes the pioneering use of misoprostol (a drug originally used to treat peptic ulcers) to safely and cost-effectively induce labour. This treatment has been used internationally and is considered more cost effective and safer than previous methods. Professor Fletcher has also led studies that significantly reduced complications from pre-eclampsia (a serious pregnancy complication) and improved surgical management of uterine fibroids. Professor Fletcher has served as a consultant to the Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation and the Pan-American Health Organisation, and has held leadership roles in several professional organizations including the Jamaican Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (West Indies Section). For his exceptional contributions to medicine, he was awarded the Gold Musgrave Medal by the Institute of Jamaica in 2012.
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Individuals dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, discovery, and innovation, often with specialized training and expertise in specific scientific disciplines. They include researchers, educators, conservationists, and professionals who actively contribute to the advancement of science.

Publicize your work to a regional audience including government and industry members.

Individuals that are passionate about science but who may not hold formal scientific qualifications but possess an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. They are explorers, learners, and avid supporters of scientific endeavours.

Make contact with and learn about our local Scientists.

This account is for businesses to showcase their scientific services to a science community.

Free listing on the Fiwi Yellowpages.

This account is for educational institutions to display their work and workers in the scientific field.

Make unlimited posts to the Fiwi Events Calendar where your local events are exposed to a much wider regional audience.

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