A collaboration between Malta and Turkey, which is the first one of its kind, will see the financing of two joint research projects between researchers coming from the two countries.
The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) will jointly finance €400,000 for research and innovation projects aimed at strengthening the R&I capacities in the fields of water management, farming systems and agro-food value chains. The call is an integral part of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), which brings together 19 different countries from the Mediterranean region and Europe, as it aims to support R&I in the three priority areas mentioned above.
PRIMA is the most ambitious joint programme to be undertaken in the frame of Euro-Mediterranean co-operation.
The call for joint Maltese and Turkish projects has been issued on the 1st of March, and will be closing on the 17th of June 2021. In the meantime, the two authorities are engaging in further technical discussions to strengthen the collaboration between the two parties.
In a joint virtual event, Minister for Research, Innovation and the Co-ordination of Post COVID-19 Strategy Owen Bonnici praised the sterling work undertaken in the last months between MCST and TÜBITAK in terms of this collaboration. He said that the Mediterranean area is crucial for our country, and that, through these projects, the co-operation between Malta and Turkey will also improve.
Minister Bonnici said that this endeavour will also assist researchers and innovators from both countries to strengthen their scientific expertise and network, enabling them to collaborate further in future annual PRIMA Calls.
MCST Executive Chairperson Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando remarked how the Council has prioritised the strengthening of its international portfolio to help the local research community thrive through collaboration with partners in other countries. Dr Pullicino Orlando added that; “Co-operating strategically with other countries to address mutual needs and priorities, and exploring the most suitable collaborating partners that best meet the research needs of our country, will enhance the country’s research and innovation capacity through long-lasting synergies. I am pleased that one such example is that of MCST and TÜBITAK – the focus of today’s event.”
Photos: MRIC
