Over 130 persons have been nominated for the National Science Technology Engineering and Maths Awards, and a board of independent experts have made the necessary evaluations according to the established criteria in each of the ten categories being awarded.
In his address for the occasion, Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici praised the success being achieved by many Maltese citizens in the field of STEM. He explained that; “This event serves primarily to acknowledge the great work being carried out in Malta in the field of STEM, and also to create role models for the younger generation to approach these subjects which are of crucial importance to Malta and Europe.”
“The government is working to increase awareness and wants to acknowledge the importance of the work being done by our academics in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,” the Minister continued, “and encourage and motivate others to pursue further studies and careers in these areas.”
Malta Council for Science and Technology Executive Chairman Jeffery Pullicino Orlando said that; “These awards will be held every two years, and have the aim of honouring and acknowledging the excellent work being done in the areas of STEM, in the employment sector, in education and the social sector.”
Responding to the increasing demand and forecasted shortages of STEM skills in Europe, the Malta Council for Science and Technology has been a catalyst in STEM-related fields by enacting the National STEM Engagement Working Group through Esplora Interactive Science Centre.
This working group brought together the major national stakeholders in the field of STEM including the University of Malta (UM), The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and MCST itself to create awareness and address the shortage of STEM skills.
The National STEM Awards being livestreamed from Villa Bighi on the 9th of July 2021 is one of the main actions of this working group.
