Kingston, Jamaica – Three exceptional students from The University of the West Indies (UWI) have been selected to participate in the inaugural CariSurg Surgical Robotics Summer Research Program at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. This prestigious initiative places the students at the forefront of cutting-edge global research in surgical robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
The successful candidates—Samiya Allen (Cave Hill Campus), Abishua Johnson (Mona Campus), and Justin Sooknanan (St Augustine Campus)—emerged from a competitive pool of 130 applicants across the UWI system. Their selection reflects both academic excellence and a strong potential to contribute meaningfully to the Caribbean’s healthcare innovation landscape.
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The fully funded, eight-week program, scheduled from June 28 to August 16, 2025, will take place at the STORM Lab at the University of Leeds. It will offer participants immersive research opportunities in surgical robotics and AI, with a specific emphasis on applications relevant to the Caribbean context.
In addition to research, the students will benefit from professional development workshops designed to support postgraduate study applications, customized career mentorship, and cultural exchange activities. They will also have the chance to collaborate with leading researchers from around the world, strengthening global networks that may help to shape the future of Caribbean healthcare.
The CariSurg program is the brainchild of Nikita Greenidge, a St Lucian researcher, and is designed to give Caribbean students direct exposure to pioneering work in AI-enhanced surgical systems. “This program is about preparing our brightest minds to shape the future of healthcare,” said Greenidge. “We must be part of the solution if we are ever to lead it. By creating access to these opportunities, we’re building a foundation for innovation that is rooted in our region’s context and clinical needs, while bolstered by meaningful global collaboration.”
The initiative is funded by Emergent Ventures, a globally respected fellowship that supports high-impact ideas. Additional support is provided by the Caribbean College of Surgeons and the Caribbean Society of Endoscopic Surgeons, both of which will offer clinical mentorship to ensure that the research remains grounded in regional healthcare realities.
“This is a powerful example of what can be achieved when our universities collaborate with a shared vision,” noted Dr. Carl Beckford, one of the program’s advocates. “We are not only creating unique opportunities for these students but also building a foundation for a research ecosystem that can benefit the Caribbean for generations to come.”
Regional Robotics and AI Innovation
The momentum surrounding robotics and AI in the Caribbean continues to grow. Students and enthusiasts of emerging technologies will also have the opportunity to engage at the upcoming UWI Five Islands Campus International Conference (UWIFIC 5IR) in Antigua and Barbuda, taking place from June 23 to 24, 2025. This year’s conference is themed “Bridging Digital Frontiers: AI Innovation for Caribbean Sustainability.”
On the second day, the Robotics Track will feature a Student Robotics/AI and Data Science Competition, showcasing innovations focused on disaster response, sustainable resource management, and other critical regional issues. The competition will highlight the creative and technical skills of the Caribbean’s young innovators and serve as a platform to inspire the next generation of regional problem solvers.
Beyond competition, the conference will present AI applications in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities, offering valuable insights and inspiration for students exploring careers or research in digital technologies. The emphasis on practical applications reinforces the role of AI in addressing real-world Caribbean challenges.
Together, initiatives like CariSurg and UWIFIC 5IR represent an important shift in the region’s scientific and educational landscape, empowering young minds and positioning the Caribbean as an emerging hub for technological innovation in global healthcare and beyond.
