Celebrating 20 Years of CEI
Cape Eleuthera Institute Celebrates 20 Years of Research, Innovation, and Education
Since 2006, the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) has worked at the intersection of science, sustainability, innovation, and education in South Eleuthera.
What originally began as an ambitious aquaculture project has since evolved into one of the Caribbean’s leading environmental research institutions. For the past two decades, CEI has developed a research program that supports a robust experiential learning curriculum for The Island School’s educational programs, while helping shape environmental policy and scientific understanding throughout The Bahamas and beyond.
Our work addresses a wide range of the most pressing environmental issues facing our oceans and island habitats. Today, CEI maintains its identity as a hub for research and innovation where scientists, engineers, educators, and students work together to conduct meaningful work spanning the fields of conservation, sustainability, marine and terrestrial science, and outreach and engagement.
CEI Hope 20 Summit: Celebrating 20 years of Science, Conservation, and Education
This year marks 20 years of research and innovation at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, a moment for both reflection and a call forward. We celebrate two decades of research grounded in place and purpose, while inviting what comes next: deeper collaboration, shared questions, and new opportunities to bring people together around science. As CEI advances its conservation efforts, this gathering puts research at the center, connecting scientists, partners, and ecosystem builders to drive the next chapter of discovery and impact. Join us for the Hope 20 Summit, where scientists, policymakers, educators, and community leaders will come together to celebrate environmental stewardship.
For more information, please reach out to Kennedy Bliss (kennedybliss@islandschool.org) or RSVP by clicking below.
Schedule of Events
Monday, November 30
Arrival to Campus
6pm: Evening Circle & Dinner at The Island School
7pm: Welcome Reception
Tuesday, December 1
8am: Breakfast
9am: Student Research Symposium & Keynote Address
The symposium will showcase research conducted at the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) in conjunction with our educational programs. The morning will also feature remarks from our keynote speakers.
12pm: Lunch
Enjoy a delicious selection of local foods served in the Dining Hall, highlighting the efforts of our local food security program.
1pm: Mangrove Planting
1:30pm: CEI in Action
Join us for an immersive afternoon exploring our campus and research sites. See how our campus has evolved—from our solar installations and iconic aquaponics system to our new mobile lab conch hatchery and agroforestry site. Or join our research teams in the field surveying queen conch in the Schooner Cays, observe marine mammals in the Exuma Sound, visit the coral nursery at Tunnel Rock, or explore a lemon shark nursery ground in the mangrove creeks.
6pm: Dinner
7pm: 20 Years of CEI Anniversary Reception
Celebrate with friends and colleagues as we share stories, reconnect, and reflect on the people, partnerships, and experiences that have made CEI a place of lasting impact.
Wednesday, December 2
7am: Optional Circle & Sandbar
8am: Breakfast
9am: The Next 20 Years: Science, Leadership & Solutions
As CEI looks toward its next 20 years, what will it take to understand and protect our changing oceans and coastal communities? Hear from scientists, young leaders, educators, and partners about the emerging challenges they see—and the research, innovation, and collaboration needed to address them.
10am: Additional Meeting Time
12pm: Lunch
1pm: Optional Activities & Goodbyes
Give in Honor of 20 Years
Your generosity has been instrumental in shaping the Cape Eleuthera Institute into the dynamic hub of research, education, and conservation it is today. Over the past 20 years, our commitment to experiential learning, innovation, and environmental stewardship has flourished through a deeply engaged and supportive community. As we celebrate this milestone, we are grateful for the partners who have made this work possible, and your continued support will help drive CEI into the decades ahead.
For additional information, contact Kennedy Bliss (kennedybliss@islandschool.org).