A Barbadian scientist has been honoured among the Hemisphere’s brightest minds by the Organisation of American States (OAS).
Dr Cardinal Warde was the lone Caribbean scientist among seven distinguished individuals from the Americas, awarded the prestigious Science, Technology and Innovation Award of the Americas during the VII Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Science and Technology, (REMYCT).
The ceremony celebrated trailblazers from Barbados, Canada, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay and the United States for their exceptional contributions to science and technology, as well as their commitment to fostering cooperation and development across OAS member states.
The other awardees were Dr Alejandro Adem of Canada, president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); Dr Pablo Zamora of Chile, president of Fundación Chile; Dr Rosibel Ochoa of Honduras, Associate Vice Chancellor at UC Riverside; Dr Arturo Reyes Sandoval of Mexico, director of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN); Dr Natacha DePaola of the United States, professor of biomedical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), and director of the Illinois Tech Digital Medical Engineering and Technology Research and Education Centre and Dr Henry Cohen of Uruguay, head of the Department of Gastroenterology at the Hospital of the University of the Republic, and director of the ECHO Project.
In her congratulatory message, OAS executive secretary for integral development, Kim Osborne, spoke of the importance of ensuring the contributions from the Americas to global science and innovation does not go unnoticed. “Each of you in your own way have made your mark on the world of science, technology, and innovation, today the OAS simply wants to say thank you for enriching our work with your time and expertise,” she said.
A Champion for Caribbean Science
Dr Warde, 79, a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was recognised for his groundbreaking work in optoelectronics and his leadership in advancing science education in the Caribbean. As president of the Caribbean Diaspora for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CADSTI) and Interim Executive Director of the Caribbean Science Foundation, Dr Warde has dedicated his career to equipping the next generation of scientists and engineers with tools for success.
Born in Christ Church, Warde showed an early passion for science, converting his father’s carpentry shop into a makeshift chemistry lab. After excelling at Harrison College, he pursued higher education in the United States, earning his doctorate in physics from Yale University in 1974.
Pioneering Research and Innovations
At MIT, where he has served since 1974, Dr Warde is a leading expert in materials and systems for optical information processing and displays. His research spans diverse fields, including optical computing, wireless communication and holography. He has developed innovative optical neural network processors and light modulators that have advanced brain-like computing and high-resolution imaging technologies.
Beyond academia, Dr Warde founded multiple successful technology ventures, including Optron Systems and Radiant Images, Inc., specialising in optoelectronic systems and displays. His inventions have earned him 12 patents, underscoring his impact on the tech industry.
Advocacy for Education and Development
Dr Warde is equally celebrated for his contributions to education policy in the Caribbean. He has worked tirelessly as a scientific advisor to the Government of Barbados and other regional entities to enhance STEM opportunities for Caribbean youth.
Through the Caribbean Science Foundation,
Dr Warde oversees the Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), a rigorous summer initiative that prepares gifted students for careers in science and engineering. He also established the Rosetta Irene Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting higher education for students from English-speaking Caribbean countries.
Global Recognition
Dr Warde’s accolades include the Barbados Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence and the Caribbean American Heritage Award. He is also a Fellow of The Optical Society and holds honorary doctorates from the University of the West Indies and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.
As a scientist, educator, and advocate, Dr Warde exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration. His recognition by the OAS highlights the vital contributions of Caribbean professionals to global science and technology.
The OAS Science and Technology Awards, established in 1972 as the “Bernardo Houssay” Award, honor the legacy of the esteemed Argentine Nobel laureate whose work on diabetes transformed global health. Since then, the award has celebrated outstanding achievements in fields like Biological Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Applied Technological Research. (PR)
