Science Malta is strengthening its commitment to intensifying Malta’s research and innovation ecosystem through new thematic funding opportunities, with a total investment of €1.7 million, addressing national priorities and emerging sectoral needs.
This was announced today by the Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima at an event bringing together representatives from government, research, industry and innovation. The event highlighted how targeted funding for research and innovation can address national challenges and market needs, while demonstrating the value of inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral collaboration in co-creating and delivering on funding opportunities.
Minister Clifton Grima spoke about how research and innovation are fundamental to Malta’s future competitiveness and the Government’s commitment to continue investing in this sector. “We cannot emphasise enough how essential a collaborative approach is if we are to build a stronger research and innovation ecosystem in Malta. However, while we must continue to create opportunities for researchers and scientists to develop their ideas, we also need to create the pathways that allow these ideas to go beyond research itself and lead to significant impact. This means encouraging greater engagement between academia, entrepreneurs, start-ups, industry, public entities and policymakers, as well as creating an environment where knowledge can be translated into solutions,” said Minister Grima.
In total, €1.7 million is being allocated to the three main thematic funding initiatives for research and innovation.
The programme focuses on three main thematic research and innovation funding initiatives. The first on the Third Cancer Research Programme, developed in collaboration with the Cancer Research Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM). During today’s session, the latest Cancer Research Call was presented and the evolution and impact of the programme was highlighted, including success stories from previous initiatives.
The second initiative focused on the Digital Voucher Programme, developed in collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). The event marked the continuation of a successful three-year collaboration between Science Malta and MDIA and introduced the new Digital Innovation Programme and the Digital Voucher Programme.
The event also launched the Water Innovation Research Programme for Sustainable Agriculture, developed in collaboration with Agricultural Resources Malta (RAM). The initiative aims to support research and innovation that addresses water-related challenges in Malta’s agricultural sector and to encourage collaboration between relevant stakeholders.
Silvio Scerri, Chief Executive of Science Malta, highlighted the importance of ensuring that research and innovation funding remains closely aligned with Malta’s national priorities. Scerri said, “Through our Thematic Programmes, Science Malta is committed to supporting research and innovation that responds to Malta’s real priorities and challenges. By strengthening collaboration between Government, research and industry, we can help drive innovative solutions that create long-term economic and social value.”
Through these initiatives, Science Malta continues to foster collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, public entities and policymakers, while supporting the development of innovative solutions that can contribute to sustainable economic and social growth.
MDIA CEO Kenneth Brincat said, “At MDIA, our goal is to create the conditions for trusted digital innovation to flourish. This program reflects our commitment to supporting research, talent and emerging technologies that can offer tangible benefits for Malta.”
Professor Christian Scerri, Chairman of CRIHM said, “With the launch of this third funding round, CRIHM is building on almost €3 million already invested in ten cancer research projects, strengthening Malta’s capacity to transform scientific discovery into better prevention, diagnosis and treatment.”
Manuel Sapiano, Chief Officer – Water Resources Division at RAM, said, “Research is most valuable when it reaches the people who can exploit it. Through joint initiatives, workshops, training programs, and stakeholder engagement activities, we can help ensure that farmers, agricultural operators, and other stakeholders are equipped with the knowledge needed to embrace innovation and respond effectively to evolving challenges.”
