UWI Seismic Research Centre

What UWI Seismic Research Centre does

The UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) is the mandated national seismological and volcanological service for the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean, operating as a non-profit research unit within The University of the West Indies, headquartered in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. Established in 1953, the Centre monitors earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunami hazards across 11 volcanically active islands and 21 known live volcanoes through a network of over 60 seismic stations with access to approximately 100 additional stations from partner agencies. Continuous data is transmitted in real time to the St. Augustine office for processing, and the Centre disseminates earthquake, volcano, and tsunami information to governments, disaster management agencies, and the public via an interactive map and active social media channels.

The Centre's core technology stack comprises seismograph and GPS-based CORS monitoring networks, geochemical sampling equipment (Giggenbach and Nalgene bottles analysed via Ion Chromatography and Atomic Absorption), and probabilistic seismic hazard mapping capabilities producing PGA and spectral acceleration maps at multiple return periods. It operates dedicated products including an Interactive Map (earthquakes magnitude 3.8+), downloadable Seismic Hazard Maps, and the public Trinidad & Tobago Microzonation Project. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory has been under SRC scientific management since 2008, providing operational oversight of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. The Centre also delivers fee-based consultancy services covering geotechnical drilling, land stability assessment, karst/sinkhole detection, structural monitoring, water aquifer determination, geothermal exploration, coastal erosion monitoring, mud diapirism investigation, and forensics geophysics.

Revenue is generated through three streams: territorial contributions and government contracts (managed services model), fee-based consultancy services to public and private sector clients (professional services), and external research grants from organisations including the Caribbean Development Bank, UKRI/EPSRC, AHRC, European Commission, CCRIF, USAID/OFDA, and the Government of New Zealand. Pricing for consultancy work is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Customer relationships are anchored by long-term contracts with Eastern Caribbean governments and national disaster management organisations, supplemented by multilateral and bilateral research collaborations with institutions such as GNS Science (New Zealand), University of Oxford, University of East Anglia, IPGP, The Royal Society, and CDEMA. The Centre was awarded the 2022 IAVCEI Volcanic Surveillance and Crisis Management Award and the 2024 UWI Most Productive Centre Research Award.

Name

UWI Seismic Research Centre

Legal name

The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre

Website

https://uwiseismic.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The UWI Seismic Research Centre is the mandated national seismological and volcanological service for the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean, operating as a non-profit university research unit that monitors earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis across 11 islands using a network of 60+ seismic stations, serving governments, disaster management agencies, and the public since 1953.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Seismic and Volcanic Monitoring Services

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Mineral Exploration & Geoscience Services (Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Resource Modeling) (IMAKAKAA)

Keywords

• Seismic monitoring services
• Volcano surveillance
• Earthquake hazard assessment
• Geophysical consultancy
• Tsunami warning systems

Headquarters

HQ city

St. Augustine

HQ country

Trinidad & Tobago

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Contracts: SRC operates as part of The University of the West Indies with funding from contributing Eastern Caribbean governments for national seismological and volcanological services. Includes specific contracts such as the Government of Montserrat contract for Montserrat Volcano Observatory management since 2008.
2. Consultancy Services: Fee-based consultancy services offered to private and public sectors, individuals and communities for geotechnical assessments, land stability analysis, karst/void detection, forensics geophysics, structural monitoring, water aquifer determination, geothermal exploration, geothermal monitoring, coastal erosion assessment, and mud diapirism investigation.
3. Research Grants: External funding from organizations including Caribbean Development Bank, UKRI/EPSRC, AHRC, Government of New Zealand, European Commission, Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), USAID/OFDA, and others for specific research projects.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The UWI Seismic Research Centre operates as the mandated source of earthquake, volcano, and tsunami information for the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean. It delivers continuous monitoring through the Eastern Caribbean Seismograph Network of over 60 seismic stations, complemented by GPS deformation monitoring and geochemical analysis, and supplements its public mandate with fee-based geophysical consultancy services (geotechnical, land stability, structural monitoring, geothermal, karst detection) for private and public sector clients.

Product overview

The UWI Seismic Research Centre is a university research centre providing a national seismological and volcanological service for the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean. Its core offerings include real-time earthquake, volcano, and tsunami monitoring through a network of over 60 seismic stations, supported by an Interactive Map for public data access. The Centre offers downloadable Seismic Hazard Maps for multiple Caribbean territories, manages the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, and operates research projects including the Trinidad & Tobago Microzonation Project and the Volcano Ready Communities Project. Through its consultancy arm, the Centre provides geophysical services including geotechnical assessments, land stability analysis, structural monitoring, geothermal exploration, and coastal erosion monitoring. Education programmes include the CORE Internship and postgraduate research opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Interactive Earthquake, Volcano and Tsunami Map Public-facing real-time interactive map that displays earthquake, volcano, tsunami, and hazard activity across the Eastern Caribbean, posting earthquakes of magnitude 3.8 and above unless reported as felt. Targets the general public, governments, and media for situational awareness of regional seismic and volcanic activity.
• Seismic Hazard Maps for Eastern Caribbean Territories Downloadable probabilistic seismic hazard assessment maps for Eastern Caribbean territories providing Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), 0.2s spectral acceleration, and 1s spectral acceleration values at 95, 475, 975, and 2475-year return periods across multiple islands. Used by governments, engineers, and planners for Building Code development and land-use planning.
• Geotechnical Geophysical Survey Services Consultancy service applying electric, active and passive seismic, and electromagnetic methods to determine subsurface composition, shear wave velocity, aquifer depth, and liquefaction potential at proposed or existing sites. For developers, engineers, and infrastructure owners undertaking site investigations in the Eastern Caribbean.
• Land Stability Assessment Geophysical consultancy for slope stability assessment, landslide volume calculation, and detection of the detachment interface between rock and sediments. Applied to communities, road stability, and dam flanks. For public infrastructure agencies, road authorities, dam operators, and private developers.
• Karst and Sinkhole Detection Tomographic detection and specification of karsts, sinkholes, and underground tanks in limestone environments. For developers, infrastructure planners, and engineers working in karst terrain where subsurface voids pose construction and stability risks.
• Real-Time Structural Monitoring Continuous real-time structural health monitoring of buildings, bridges, and dams using specialised seismological equipment, with real-time alerting delivered to infrastructure managers. For owners and operators of critical or ageing infrastructure who require continuous condition data.
• Water Aquifer Determination Determination of underground water aquifer depths (ranging from tens to hundreds of metres) using electric and electromagnetic methods. For water authorities, agricultural interests, and developers assessing groundwater resources.
• Geothermal Exploration and Monitoring
• Coastal Erosion Monitoring Monitoring and determination of coastal erosion extent using standard and customised electric, passive, and active seismic methods. For coastal zone managers, port authorities, environmental agencies, and developers with coastal exposure.
• Forensics Geophysics Detection and location of buried material (organic or otherwise) near the surface using electric and electromagnetic techniques. For forensic investigations, environmental assessments, and archaeological surveys.
• Economic Geology / Resource Volume Estimation Estimation of near-surface deposit volumes of aggregates, limestone, and other large-scale geological resources using geophysical methods. For quarry operators, mining companies, and construction material suppliers.
• Montserrat Volcano Observatory Management Scientific management of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory under contract with the Government of Montserrat since 2008, providing continuous monitoring of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. For the Government of Montserrat and the international scientific community tracking one of the longest-running volcanic eruptions in the Caribbean.
• Trinidad & Tobago Microzonation Project (TTMP) Multi-year research project developing seismic microzonation maps for ten towns and cities in Trinidad and Tobago using geophysical fieldwork including ambient noise recordings, microtremor array measurements, electric resistivity sounding, and seismic tomography. Delivered for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Volcano Ready Communities Project Community disaster risk reduction project targeting 12 communities in northern St. Vincent and the Grenadines to enhance early warning, adaptive capacities, awareness, and response capabilities for volcanic hazards from La Soufrière Volcano. For vulnerable communities in St. Vincent, delivered with Caribbean Development Bank funding.

Quantifiable outcome

• Monitoring over 1,200 earthquakes annually across the Eastern Caribbean
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Government of MontserratcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008The UWI-SRC provides scientific management of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) under contract with the Government of Montserrat since 2008. The project provides significant opportunities for advancing geoscience research and ensures SRC's continued involvement in the longest volcanic eruption in the Caribbean (Soufrière Hills Volcano). Funding provided by the Government of Montserrat.
• University of East AngliamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on multiple research projects including the Risk at Margins (RAM) project led by Professor Jenni Barclay, and the Curating Crises project which focuses on histories of volcanic crises in St. Vincent, Montserrat and Dominica from 1890-2000.
• Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSRC began managing MVO in 2008. MVO monitors the Soufrière Hills Volcano in Montserrat. Staff from both organizations conduct technical exchange training under the UNDP Seismic Risk Management Project.
• GNS Science (New Zealand)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative project to improve early warnings and stakeholder response during volcanic unrest in the Eastern Caribbean. SRC staff benefit from enhanced knowledge and skills in volcanic monitoring techniques including GPS, InSAR, Volcano-hydrothermal and Remote sensing.
• Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP)majorTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration on TSUAREG project for installation of VSAT stations in Antigua, Carriacou, Dominica and Saint Lucia for tsunami detection and data sharing. IPGP monitors volcanic activity in Martinique and Guadeloupe independently.
• University of OxfordmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Curating Crises project along with the Royal Society and The National Archives, focusing on histories of volcanic crises in the Caribbean and UK.
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System Project for public awareness and education on tsunami hazards.
• The National Archives (UK)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Curating Crises project along with University of East Anglia, University of Oxford, and Royal Society.
• The Royal SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Curating Crises project focusing on histories of volcanic crises in the Caribbean from 1890-2000.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• US Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program: Larger US government agency operating the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Cascades Volcano Observatory, and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Broader geographic and thematic scope but directly comparable monitoring methodology, hazard assessment, and public-facing alert systems.
• Fugro: Global geotechnical and geoscience services firm offering site characterization, geophysical surveys, and offshore asset integrity services. Comparable in geophysical survey capability (relevant to SRC's consultancy services) but operates as a commercial-scale incumbent across multiple end markets.
• British Geological Survey (BGS): UK government geoscience agency providing national seismic monitoring and geological hazard services. Comparable as a publicly funded geoscience institution with research, monitoring, and consultancy functions, though with broader mandate beyond volcanology.
• Earthscope Consortium: US-based non-profit geoscience consortium operating large-scale seismic and GPS networks (formerly UNAVCO and IRIS). Comparable in operating GPS/deformation networks, distributing real-time geophysical data, and serving academic and government researchers.

Peers

• Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF): Regional parametric insurance facility for Caribbean governments, a funding partner and customer of SRC's earthquake hazard data. Adjacent peer in the disaster-risk ecosystem with complementary role to SRC's monitoring function.

Direct peers

• Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP): France's leading volcanological and seismological research institution, operating observatories in Martinique and Guadeloupe (French Caribbean). Directly comparable to SRC in function (volcano/seismic monitoring) and regional scope (Caribbean arc), with active data-sharing collaboration via the TSUAREG project.
• Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands): Iceland's national agency for weather, water, and seismic monitoring, overseeing volcano and earthquake surveillance across Iceland's active volcanic zones. Highly comparable operating model: national mandate, real-time public monitoring, hazard mapping, and international research collaboration.
• GNS Science (Te Pū Ao): New Zealand's geological hazards research institute providing seismic and volcanic monitoring for the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Highly comparable as a government-funded, multi-island volcano/seismic monitoring body with similar mandate, scale, and partner profile.
• Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS): Philippines' national agency monitoring active volcanoes and seismic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Comparable scope and mandate: multi-volcano monitoring, hazard mapping, tsunami warning, and public education across an island-arc setting.

Others

• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA): Regional inter-governmental disaster management agency coordinating Caribbean disaster preparedness and response. Adjacent peer sharing the same customer base (Eastern Caribbean governments) and operating on tsunami early warning partnership projects with SRC.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/uwiseismic
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/UWISeismicResearch
• Facebookfacebook.com/uwiseismic
• Instagraminstagram.com/uwiseismic
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/uwi-seismic-research-centre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about UWI Seismic Research Centre