On Sunday, 25 October 2026, MCAST will host the Research Awards 2026 at La Vallette Hall, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta. Hosted by Principal & CEO Mr Stephen Vella, this invitation-only evening celebrates the achievements of the MCAST research community and is part of the College’s 25th anniversary commemorations.

An independent panel of five external evaluators assessed each submission against the established criteria for its category, ensuring recognition rests on the evidence presented.

The list of awards is:

Award for the highest mark in a Bachelor’s dissertation in 2026
Award for the highest mark in a Master’s dissertation in 2026
Award for the best community impact research
Award for research with best gender dimension consideration
Award for best collaborative research
Award for the best research-led teaching innovation
Award for the institute with the most outstanding research output

Award for the highest mark in a Bachelor’s dissertation in 2026:

Stephen Joseph Cricchiola – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Financial Services Management
Kylie Borg – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Media Production
Dylan Portanier – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Marine Engineering
Callum Micallef – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sport, Exercise and Health
Maria Spiteri – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technologies
Mireya Francesca Vella – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Creative Computing

Award for the highest mark in a Master’s dissertation in 2026:

Tania Vella – Master in Research Methods

Award for best community impact research:

ICARUS – Dr Clara Chetcuti, Mr Thomas Gatt, Mr Daren Scerri, Mr Andrew Schembri, Ms Cristina Macelli

Award for research with best gender dimension consideration:

Beverley Abela Gatt

Award for best collaborative research:

REACH-ETHICS – Dr Francis Delicata, Mr Daren Scerri, Mr Alan Gatt, Mr David Deguara, Mr Marco Montalto, Ms Marisa Galea Vella, Ms Lisa Theuma, Mr David Debono

Award for the best research-led teaching innovation:

SELBI – Dr Shirley Ann Gauci, Dr Francis Delicata, Mr Alan Gatt, Mr Frankie Inguanez, Dr Heathcliff Schembri, Ms Kimberly Terribile

Award for the institute with the most outstanding research output:

Institute of Community Services – Deputy Director Christianne Gatt Fenech