Malta Council for Science and Technology spearheading research and innovation sector

The Malta Council for Science and Technology is leading Malta’s Research and Innovation sector with success.

In its 2018 report, the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) under the Executive Chairmanship of Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, reported an increased number of initiatives related to its continued efforts to put Science and Technology at the forefront of the national agenda.

MCST has striven to optimise its national funding programmes for research for the benefit of local researchers, as well as developing internationalisation opportunities through bilateral agreements and participation in EU programmes.

The government has shown its commitment to support Malta’s growth in the research and innovation (R&I) sector.

Through the support of Silvio Schembri, Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, MCST’s efforts are being reinforced. Malta’s economic growth permitted us to explore new opportunities. 2018 was, in fact, characterised by increased budgets.

The Council has launched a €2 million fund exclusively dedicated to the Maltese space sector, which is supported by the European Space Agency and will operate until 2022. The €2.2 million Technology Development Programme Fund allocated to local researchers to subsidise R&I projects was another milestone.

Malta  is  set  to  remain  a  high-performing  country  within  the  European  Union  with  a  GDP growth  of  4.8%  anticipated  by  2020. 

With  the  aim  of  formulating  the  new  R&I  Strategy, which will highlight Malta’s priorities in the sector beyond 2020, the Council kicked off a series of consultations with various key stakeholders to ensure that we foster the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish.

Investments in R&I are crucial in guaranteeing that the country can compete globally with a knowledge-based economy. Esplora is inspiring our younger generations to pursue scientific careers.  Statistics  produced  by  the  European  Centre  for  the  Development  of  Vocational Training (Cedefop) indicate that by 2025 most job opportunities in Malta (around 26%) will be in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Our Interactive Science Centre has been  a catalyst in  engaging the public in  STEM. Through the different educational  programmes  offered  to  the  schools  and  public,  various  areas  in  STEM  were highlighted and packaged into relevant, engaging, entertaining and everyday terms for awareness raising and upskilling. The latter has been done with the ultimate aim of fostering the personal growth, active citizenship and employability of our workforce.

With our government aiming to put R&I at the heart of the country’s economy, MCST will continue to have a vital role in championing the sector.