Bellairs Research Institute

Bellairs Research Institute is Canada's only teaching and research facility in the tropics. Located in Barbados (13°10' N, 59°35' W), it plays host to students and scientists from around the world for field courses, workshops and research projects involving both marine and terrestrial environments. Close association is also maintained with several scientists based at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies.

There is access to a wide range of marine habitats, including intertidal sand and rock, coral reefs, estuaries and mangroves, algal and seagrass beds, and deep oceanic water close to shore. As the only non-volcanic island in the Lesser Antilles, Barbados provides opportunities for unique studies in such disciplines as geology, geography, archaeology, climatology, as well as biology.

Field work is seldom interrupted due to inclement weather. Barbados lies outside the principal hurricane zones and the climate is healthy and pleasant, tropical but tempered with trade winds. The annual temperature normally ranges between 24ºC and 30ºC, rarely falling below 20ºC or rising above 32ºC. More than 3,000 hours of sunshine are recorded annually.

Facilities include large wet and dry labs, holding tanks, a small library, computers with Internet access and much more. Accommodation and meals can be provided for 30. Subject to room availability, holiday guests are also welcome at Bellairs. See the Facilities section for more information.

2004 marked the 50th anniversary of the Bellairs Research Institute. Visit our "From the archives" page for pictures from the early days, and for the full text of a speech given by Principal F. Cyril James in 1960 on the opening of the first new building at Bellairs.