The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) completed the third edition of the MCAST Qualitative Research Conference 2024, themed Beyond Boundaries through Applied Qualitative Research. The event, organised by the Applied Research and Innovation Centre (ARIC), focused on methodology implementation and the practical application of applied research, particularly within industry and society.

This year’s conference featured research presentations across five thematic tracks: exploring cultural contexts, marginality, integrating new approaches, collaborating with industry, and reshaping education. The sessions examined how qualitative and mixed-methods research can address Malta’s specific challenges as a small island while offering new perspectives to reshape industries and education systems.

In the conference opening, Principal and CEO Stephen Vella and Deputy Principal for Research and Innovation Dr Tatjana Chircop welcomed participants to the three-day initiative. International keynote speeches were delivered by international guest speakers, including Prof Helmi Järviluoma from the University of Eastern Finland, Christina Silver, Associate Professor from the University of Surrey, Prof Milada Šťastná from the Faculty of AgriSciences at Mendel University Brno and Prof Kahryn Hughes from the University of Leeds.

 

A highlight of the conference was the Doctoral Day event, which provided active and prospective candidates of the MCAST DRes doctoral programme with a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities of pursuing doctoral studies. Participants engaged in insightful discussions about navigating research journeys and shared queries and experiences in an interactive setting. The doctoral programme, launched in June 2021, aimed to provide data and information that will help industry make evidence-based decisions.

The conference follows the success of the Research and Innovation EXPO earlier in the week, which showcased MCAST’s commitment to bridging academic research with real-world applications. Focusing on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this year’s event strengthened MCAST’s role as a hub for research and innovation that directly addresses local and global needs.

For more information about MCAST’s research initiatives, visit the MCAST Research and Innovation activities research.mcast.edu.mt.