A long-held vision of Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin, MD, Ph.D., K.C.S.L. was to take part in establishing an independent academic academy in Saint Lucia. This was realized in 2025 with the incorporation of The Saint Lucia Academy of Technology, Science, and the Arts.
The foundation for this initiative began in March 2022, when Laurencin discussed the topic with St. Lucia’s Prime Minister, Honourable Philip J. Pierre. Laurencin expressed his deep appreciation and a desire to contribute to Saint Lucia which was his father’s homeland. He proposed a national initiative that would contribute to the country’s long-term development: the establishment of an Academy of Science, Technology, and the Arts. “The Prime Minister has a deep commitment to science, technology and the arts,” said Laurencin. “National Academies can also contribute to national development as independent sources of advice.” Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre stated, “Dr Laurencin must be credited for his lead role in establishing the Saint Lucia Academy of Science, Technology and Arts, which will undoubtedly bring immense benefits to Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean community.”
The Saint Lucia Academy of Science, Technology and the Arts is dedicated to:
- Conducting independent scientific research and partnering with national academies worldwide to provide government and non-governmental agencies with evidence-based research on important issues of national development.
- Inspiring young Saint Lucians by cultivating an environment that encourages interest and careers in science, technology, and the arts, including the humanities.
- Promoting an innovation-driven ecosystem to attract international business start-ups, promote research and development, and facilitate business growth in collaboration with world-class academia and research institutions.
- Recognizing exemplary contributions by Saint Lucians in science, technology, and the arts through induction into the Academy.
In bringing the Academy to fruition, Laurencin worked closely with the Government of St. Lucia and several distinguished Saint Lucian leaders, including: Her Excellency Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy, Ph.D., GCSL, GCMG, DStJ, Governor-General Emerita and former Governor-General of Saint Lucia; Sir Winston C V Parris, KCSL, CMG, MD, a distinguished Saint Lucian physician and a renowned professor emeritus at Duke University; and Javed Samuel, MEng, MSc, a Rhodes Scholar, prominent Saint Lucian cybersecurity expert, cryptographer, and academic who has significantly contributed to technological development both locally and internationally. All are Founding Fellows.
Emeritus Founding Fellows are the late Sir Owen King, Nobel Prize Winner, the late Sir Arthur Lewis, and Nobel Prize winner, the late Sir Derek Wolcott.
Laurencin was elected the first President of the St. Lucia Academy of Science, Technology and the Arts. Laurencin is the first surgeon in history to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Inventors. In 2025, Laurencin became Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, conferred under the auspices of King Charles III through the Governor General. His contributions to Saint Lucia include establishing the UConn JUMP Saint Lucia program to help support public health and healthy living, Chairing the First World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in January 2025 and Chairing the Second World Congress in January 2026, both held in St. Lucia. He also received the St. Lucia Medal of Honor in 2022.