The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus has received an endowment valuing $75 000 from the Graham Gooding Trust Fund to support the annual Graham Gooding Biology Prize well into the future.
The prize consists of a commemorative scroll and voucher for $1 000 in cash or for the purchase of educational or professional development equipment and supplies. It is awarded to the most outstanding biology graduate – based on the student’s performance (minimum B+ average) in their courses – in memory of Gooding, a late Barbadian scientist.
At a handover ceremony, which was held at the university on Tuesday, Chairman of the Graham Gooding Trust Fund, Professor Sean Carrington explained that the charity, which was established in 1990 primarily to fund the prize, was approaching the end of its life but the intention was to ensure funds remained available for the award.
“This year, our charity will come to an end having achieved our main goal of establishing and supporting, up to now and into the future, a prize commemorating the work of this Barbadian scientist,” he said, revealing that after 34 years and with the help of other endeavours, including a “very successful fundraiser”, the charity was able to accumulate up to $75 000.
“Today, we formally entrust this sum to the University of the West Indies for the sole purpose of maintaining this prize into the future.”
Reflecting on the objectives of the Trust, Carrington added: “Our goal was always to ensure the continued recognition of outstanding achievements in biology. With today’s endowment, we are entrusting the UWI with not just funds, but with a legacy that will propel capable young scientists towards making meaningful contributions to science and society.”
Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Professor Clive Landis expressed gratitude towards the Graham Gooding Trust for the generosity, noting that the endowment represents “a beacon of hope for those who have the passion and aptitude for biology but lack the financial means to fully engage in such a critical field of studies”.
“Funding for academic scholarships and prizes is often described as the lifeblood of a student’s academic journey, and for good reason. It is vital support that enables learners from diverse backgrounds to pursue their educational dreams without the sometimes crippling weight of financial constraints. In short, students are able to focus on their studies and not be distracted by financial worries,” he said.
The principal further shared that the impact of the prize transcends the recipients, making an impression on the broader community, as gaining financial support can be the difference between them abandoning higher education and achieving academic success.
Professor Landis said: “The annual prize represents the kind of generosity and critical financial support that allows students not only to immerse themselves in their studies, but perhaps engage in research that could one day lead to breakthroughs in medicine, conservation, or biotechnology.”
According to him, such initiatives extend far beyond academia, potentially creating ripple effects that benefit ecosystems and communities across the region.
During the ceremony, Professor Carrington highlighted Gooding’s legacy, underscoring his contributions to botany, food technology, and environmental conservation.
“Graham was a modest man who left a profound legacy. We established this prize in his honour to continue his work and inspire future generations,” he said. (SM)
