The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) has secured €1.3 million in European funding for two new research facilities in engineering and advanced manufacturing.

The projects were announced at MCAST by Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri and Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti.

The first project has a total investment of €855,500, including €775,750 in European funds. It will establish Malta’s first Single-Stage Light-Gas Gun Impact Testing Facility.

The facility will allow researchers to carry out controlled high-velocity impact tests, with applications in aviation, aerospace and materials research. It will give MCAST researchers, students and industry access to specialised testing facilities that are currently not available in Malta.

The second project has a total investment of approximately €676,000, including €556,400 in European funds. It will establish a Metal Additive Manufacturing Research and Training Facility at MCAST.

 

The facility will include industrial-grade technology for metal additive manufacturing, commonly known as metal 3D printing. It will be used for applied research, practical training and the development of prototypes, as well as projects carried out with industry.

Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti said European funding should result in practical investment that supports Malta’s future development.

“The investment in these projects is clear evidence of how European funds are being translated into new and tangible capabilities, while also reflecting the type of modern economy we want to build for the future, one based on innovation, science and the creation of added value,” Minister Azzopardi Tanti said.

He thanked MCAST’s management, researchers and staff involved in preparing and implementing the projects.

Minister Byron Camilleri said the new facilities would give MCAST students more opportunities for specialised practical training and help ensure that their skills remain relevant to industry.

“This investment is a clear example of the direction we want to continue giving education in our country: from knowledge to competence, from learning to application, and from qualifications to opportunities,” Minister Camilleri said.

“Through these facilities, MCAST students will not only learn about advanced technologies, but will also be able to use them, carry out research and develop skills that bring them closer to the needs of industry. We want an education system that looks ahead, prepares students for the opportunities of tomorrow and gives them the tools to fulfil their potential.”

MCAST Principal and CEO Stephen Vella said the two projects would allow the College to take its research work further and strengthen its links with industry.

He said, “We have built considerable experience in aviation education and training, and we are now developing further in aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing. If we want our students to work in these sectors, they need access to the technology and research facilities being used to shape them.”

Mr Vella thanked the Ministry for Education, the Ministry responsible for European Funds and the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division for their support. He also acknowledged the work of MCAST’s Institute of Engineering and Transport and the College’s EU Projects team in developing and implementing the projects.

The two facilities will be used by MCAST students and researchers and will support work with industry, universities and research partners.