The Caribbean Tourism Organization's Communications Specialist Johnson Johnrose speaks to Professor Clive Landis, the Chairman of the University of the West Indies Covid-19 Task Force.   Professor Clive Landis has held a number of leadership positions at the University of the West Indies. He has fostered collaborations both inside and outside the university; in Professor Landis' view: "collaboration is the engine of my productivity as an academic and an administrator".  Currently, he is the Por-Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies and Research and is also Professor of Cardiovascular Research, George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, The University of the West Indies, Barbados. From 2015 – 2019, Professor Landis served as the Deputy Principal, of the Cave Hill Campus, The University of the West Indies, Barbados and from  2013 – 2015, he held the position of Director, ofGeorge Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, The University of the West Indies, Barbados.

His ongoing research remains focused on the role of inflammation, particularly the resolution of inflammation, in vascular diseases and recovery from surgery. Recently, he ihas focused on viral research: established viruses such as HIV as well as emerging viruses such as Zika and COVID-19.  Professor Landis has sought to help build preparedness and capacity in the Caribbean to deal with such pandemics as Zika andCOVID-19 as Chair of the UWI Zika Task Force in 2016 (www.uwi.edu/zika) and Chair of the UWI COVID-19 Task Force in 2020.

Over the years, Professor Landis has successfully secured a number of  research grants and engaged in fundraising for The University of the West Indies.