As a research institution, UVI invests in over a dozen research programs across many fields of study.
Research activities at UVI span a variety of areas.
These areas include education, economics, agriculture and environmental research. Through their study, our faculty and students are able to inform decisions and make a positive impact in the Virgin Islands, the wider Caribbean and beyond.
My advisors supported my decisions and helped to drive my interest in research. I feel very fortunate to be exposed to all the great research opportunities and friendships I have made here at UVI.
Agricultural Experiment Station (AES)
We work to continue a long tradition of agriculture in St. Croix. Through basic and applied research, the AES is able to meet the needs of the local agricultural community to help increase production, efficiency, and vitality.
Caribbean Exploratory Research Center (CERC)
Access to proper health care, health education, and health insurance represent barriers to success. The CERC, funded through the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, focuses on health research, outreach, education, and training on the Virgin Islands.
Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC)
By promoting and helping the community implement innovative green technologies, the CGTC supports the development of the Virgin Islands and the well-being of its residents. Four main focus areas include: energy, sustainable materials management, water & food security, and disaster risk reduction.
Center for Marine & Environmental Studies (CMES)
Part of our Marine Science Program, the CMES allows students and researchers the opportunity to study tropical marine and environmental issues and increase awareness about marine topics in the VI.
Cooperative Extension Service (CES)
CES is a dynamic organization dedicated to delivering quality programs most needed by Virgin Islanders in Agriculture & Natural Resources, 4-H/Family & Consumer Sciences, and Communications, Technology & Distance Learning. Events include agriculture fairs, farming-related conferences, our Woodworkers’ Expo, and more.
Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC)
Serving as the Virgin Islands’ Census Data Center, the ECC conducts an annual housing survey and conducts a variety of scientific sampling. These reports serve as the base of socioeconomic, demographic, and other reporting that inform decision-making, planning, grant writing, and more.
Emerging Caribbean Scientists (ECS)
The ECS Program offers scholarships, summer programs, research experiences, mentoring, and supplemental instruction to UVI students majoring in STEM.
Etelman Observatory
This research facility is located atop Crown Mountain on St. Thomas and operated in conjunction with the College of Charleston and South Caroline State University. Physics students and faculty members focus on solar physics, astrophysics, and climate change as main lines of research.
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR)
The Vision of R2R is to improve understanding of the drivers, processes, interdependencies, and consequences of ecological change driven by natural and anthropogenic disruptions in Caribbean coastal and marine ecosystems.
The Mission of the project is to advance science-informed knowledge that guides managers, researchers and communities to more effectively manage the natural resources of the Territory while we adapt and respond to the impacts of climate change.
Institutional Research
The office of Institutional Research collects, organizes, analyzes, distributes, and presents data for planning, decision-making, and policy formulation to support the University's mission.
Research & Technology Park (RTPark)
A partnership between the private sector, the USVI government, and UVI, RTPark is a rapidly growing economic development program that offers tax incentives for businesses while also offering partnership pathways for students. Since 2002, the program has lured scores of businesses in high-growth industries to the islands.
Virgin Island Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS)
VIMAS, a part of the University of Puerto Rico Sea Grant College Program, works with the Virgin Islands community to raise awareness about our natural resources and foster environmental stewardship. Focuses include sustainable fisheries, making resilient communities, and more.
Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI)
Established in 1973, WRRI is one of the 54 water resources research institutes throughout the United States and its territories. Students can assist in research while exchanging vital information with local, regional, national, and international water authorities.