Mrs. Merline Bardowell, O.D. is a retired scientist and information specialist who has contributed significantly to Science and Technology(S&T) in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean for almost 40 years. Mrs. Bardowell attended the James Hill Primary School and the Excelsior High School. She has a B.Sc. (natural sciences), Post Graduate Diploma and Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) in technology management from The University of the West Indies (UWI); and MS (information resources management) from Syracuse University, USA. She entered public service at the Jamaica Library Service, the Ministry of Health and then The University of the West Indies. Her major and very substantial achievements have been made as a former Group Director at the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and as Executive Director of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST). where her contribution included spearheading legislation which made the Commission a statutory body, strategic planning and development of performance indicators and the formulation of several science and technology policies. Mrs. Bardowell has played a pivotal role in advancing science and technology (S&T) in Jamaica by promoting its relevance to national development and everyday life. Her efforts include pioneering a wide-ranging programme to popularize S&T through initiatives such as: national conferences and S&T month celebrations, educational outreach at all school levels, including competitions, societies, camps, and internships, publications, exhibitions and the introduction of awards like the SRC/Shell Young Scientist/Technologist Award. Mrs. Bardowell continues to serve on several national and international boards and committees. In 2006, Mrs. Bardowell was the first female to receive Jamaica’s Order of Distinction for sterling contribution to the development of Science and Technology. In 2023 she was awarded the Bronze Musgrave Medal for Science by the Institute of Jamaica.