The Institute for Social and Cultural Research held its 2nd Annual Tertiary Level Research Competition on May 5th, 2011 at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City. This year's Competition saw participation from four tertiary level schools within the country- St.John's College Junior College, University of Belize, Galen University and last year's champion Ecumenical Junior College. The competition was launched in December of last year where all tertiary level schools countrywide were invited to participate in the research competition. This year's chosen theme was "Social Cohesion in Belize's Multi-Cultural Context Since Independence" which was chosen as part of the Institute's focus on cultural diversity as well as this year's 30th celebration of Belize's Independence.

Participating students from each school were asked to submit a research proposal which consisted of the topic of their research, their research design and how they would analyze their data. Their research proposal was reviewed by a panel of judges who provided feedback on how to improve their research. A final research paper was submitted which was followed by a public presentation which took place on May 5th. The students were graded on both their research paper and oral presentation and after the scores were finalized the winners were announced on May 13th on the LOVE FM Morning Show.

The University of Belize team, Rolando Cocom & Isidro Cus took the top prize for this year's competition with their research entitled- Social Integration in Salvapan: A historical Analysis of Social Integration amongst 2nd Second Generation Residents in Salvapan.  Second place went to Galen University's Ashanti Garcia, Sylvia Batty and Mr. Victor Cucul whose research was entitled: The Creole Language and its Contribution to the Social Cohesion of Belizeans Since Independence. Ecumenical Junior College's Cleopatra Cuevas and Isola Gongorga placed third with their research entitled- Our Belizean Education: Seeking Harmony through a Post- Colonial Kaleidoscope.

All three research papers will be made available online in the ISCR Library and at our offices.

Congratulations to this year's top winners Rolando Cocom and Isidro Cus from the University of Belize!