The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) presented four research projects awarded 106 570 Euro through the Research Fellowship Scheme launched last March. The event highlighted MCAST’s commitment to fostering innovation through collaborative research between academia and industry.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, emphasised the fellowship’s role in empowering researchers to pursue projects of national relevance and the government’s dedication to supporting research initiatives that bring tangible benefits and value-added to society. “These projects prove that industry and academia collaboration can yield real, impactful results. Through this fellowship, we’re not just funding research but investing in Malta’s future,” he stated.

   

President of the Board of Governors Horace Laudi, addressed the audience, affirming MCAST’s pivotal role in advancing Malta’s research landscape. “Through this scheme, we’re supporting innovation and contributing to the professional development of researchers who will shape Malta’s future in high-value sectors. This fellowship complements our vision to create a robust, research-driven ecosystem at MCAST, bridging academic expertise with industrial application,” said Mr Laudi.

Dr Tatjana Chircop, MCAST Deputy Principal for Research and Innovation, said, “The MCAST Applied Research and Innovation Centre has continued strengthening its structures and operations. In addition to our existing projects, in 2024, MCAST started implementing 12 new projects with external funds and joined 7 Research Network schemes, totalling around €700,000. We are a Vocational training College and a Research centre, as recognised by Xjenza Malta.”

President of the Chamber of SMEs, Mr Paul Abela, underscored the scheme’s importance for local industry. “These fellowships are crucial for smaller businesses lacking research resources,” he said. “This collaboration brings cutting-edge research to the heart of our economy, directly supporting sustainable growth.”

The highlight of the event was the presentation of four projects supported by the fellowship:
COASTWISE, by Francesca Soster in collaboration with Discover the Blu, is a project focusing on sustainable coastal management. It is dedicated to safeguarding Malta’s coastal resources through innovative research and awareness.

PlasmaSemiCon, by Dr Ing. Stephen Sammut is a project being carried out in collaboration with STMicroelectronics, a semiconductor-focused project. Dr Ing. Sammut explained that PlasmaSemiCon aims to contribute to Malta’s semiconductor industry potential.
DeFi & AI by Franco Farrugia, in collaboration with The Bit Research Company and Crypto Ħub Malta, combines decentralised finance and artificial intelligence to harness the power of DeFi and AI to create more efficient, secure financial systems.

Sea2Tech, by Alexia Massa Gallucci and supported by Invent 3D Ltd., introduced a project centred on sustainable marine technologies, focusing on creating solutions that protect and enhance our marine environment.

The event provided a platform for more discussion about collaborative projects between academia and research and the need for sustainable funding models.