The second edition of the EXPO on Research and Innovation, an event which highlights innovative research projects funded by Xjenza Malta, has been held. The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation stated that the EXPO provides a platform for researchers to present their work, encourage the exchange of ideas, and celebrate the results achieved.
Minister Clifton Grima and Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti said that 17 projects covering 7 different fields of research benefited from approximately €4 million in funding through the FUSION program as well as from various internationalisation programs. They added that these investments are a clear indication of the government’s commitment to the field of research and innovation.
The Ministry said that it is expected that the funding will increase over the coming years, with the FUSION program’s budget increasing from €5 million to €6.3 million in 20215, and the budget for internationalisation schemes increasing from €1.6 million to €2.2 million.
It continued that the EXPO also included detailed presentations on research processes, prototype exhibitions, and dynamic discussions with researchers and other partners from the private industry and the public sector. It states that these discussions were aligned with the National Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation 2023-2027, Malta’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2027, and Malta’s Space Strategy.
Grima commented that the EXPO showed concrete results of investments developed through Xjenza Malta projects. He said that such projects clearly show the continuous work and commitment of the government to support an innovative and knowledge-based economy.
Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the importance of the event as a means of highlighting Malta’s efforts in research and innovation. He commented that the event not only gives visibility to projects supported by Xjenza Malta, but that it also reflects on the government’s commitment to promote an environment which values curiosity and creativity at all levels. He also said that four beneficiaries will be given grants from the Cancer Research Funds to start working on their projects.
The Chairperson of the Cancer Research and Innovation Foundation, Professor Christian Scerri, emphasised the importance of funding in this area. He said that with almost €1.2 million allocated to four innovative projects, “We are showing our commitment to move forward in cancer research.” He concluded that the collaboration between interested parties, “public and private”, will be crucial to achieve concrete and transformative results.
