Minister for Research, Innovation and the Co-ordination of Post Covid-19 Strategy Owen Bonnici opened the first Research and Innovation Expo organised by the Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST).
This two-day event is part of the College’s drive to increase industry-relevant research as it prepares to launch its first professional doctoral programme. The Expo is showcasing the projects of 40 students and 96 researchers from the College’s six institutes.
Minister Bonnici said; “This Expo shows the significant research and innovation work being carried out by MCAST researchers. It is exciting to see the variety in research and innovation practices which reflect the College’s diversity and specialist areas. MCAST is at the forefront of innovation, and it was one of the first institutions to launch its Artificial Intelligence Strategy. I am truly humbled and excited to be present for such innovative thinking as I feel that this is the future of our country, as well as other countries across the globe.”
Dr Alex Rizzo, Deputy Principal responsible for Research and Innovation, said; “Ongoing research projects at MCAST span across a variety of areas, from applied science to engineering, from business and management to community services and education, from ICT to the creative arts. We decided to use an immersive virtual campus environment, to provide an engaging experience to present this work and to take the current limitations imposed by the pandemic as an opportunity to innovate.”
Within the virtual set-up, participants are joining remotely through customisable avatars and interacting within the immersive 3D campus together. The virtual campus also includes an Expo Hall exhibiting projects by students who have just completed their undergraduate degree.
The four themes of the Expo, all of which address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, are emerging technology and creative innovation; social well-being, sports and health; quality pedagogy and effective learning; environmental and cultural sustainability.
Over 250 participants joined the event hosted through a 3D virtual campus environment.
