The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) has announced the winners of its first Research Awards, recognising research that contributes to communities, industry and education. The awards were presented on Sunday, 25 October, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, as part of the College’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Organised by the MCAST Applied Research and Innovation Centre (ARIC), the ceremony brought together researchers, academics and students to recognise outstanding work across different disciplines.

The ICARUS project, led by Thomas Gatt, received the Award for Best Community Impact Research. The research team includes Andrew Schembri, Thomas Gatt, Daren Scerri, Cristina Macelli and Clara Chetcuti. The award was presented by Dr Lorna Bonnici West, MCAST Director for Research and Innovation.

Beverley Abela Gatt received the Award for Research with Best Gender Dimension Consideration, presented by Renee Laiviera, Commissioner for the Promotion of Equality.

The REACH-ETHICS project, led by Daren Scerri, won the Award for Best Collaborative Research, presented by Dr Maria Azzopardi, representing Xjenza Malta. The team comprises Daren Scerri, David Deguara, Alan Gatt, Marco Montalto, Francis Delicata, Marisa Galea Vella, Lisa Theuma and David Debono.

The Award for Best Research-Led Teaching Innovation went to the SELBI project, led by Shirley Ann Gauci, together with Frankie Inguanez, Alan Gatt, Kimberly Terribile, Heathcliff Schembri and Francis Delicata. The award was presented by Kenneth Brincat, CEO of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA).

The MCAST Institute of Community Services received the Award for the Institute with the Most Outstanding Research Output, presented by MCAST Principal and CEO Stephen Vella.

The ceremony also recognised students who achieved the highest dissertation marks in their respective degree programmes.

Six students received the Award for the Highest Mark in a Bachelor’s Dissertation in 2026: Stephen Joseph Cricchiola, Kylie Borg, Dylan Portanier, Callum Micallef, Maria Spiteri and Mireya Francesca Vella. The awards were presented by Deputy Principal Dr Tatjana Chircop.

Tania Vella received the Award for the Highest Mark in a Master’s Dissertation in 2026. The award was presented by Horace Laudi, President of the MCAST Board of Governors.

Addressing the ceremony, MCAST Principal and CEO Stephen Vella said research had become an increasingly important part of the College’s vocational and professional education.

“Research must not end with publication. We want to see it translated into better teaching, improved industrial practices and solutions that make a difference to people’s lives. These awards recognise the dedication of our researchers and their contribution to MCAST and the wider community,” Mr Vella said.

He also referred to MCAST’s growing international research activity, including its collaboration with CERN, and recent investments in research facilities for metal additive manufacturing and aerospace engineering.

ARIC, established in 2019, led the development and organisation of the awards, including an assessment process involving five external evaluators. The Centre has played an important role in strengthening applied research at MCAST, supporting academics, encouraging collaboration and helping researchers share their work with industry and the wider community.

MCAST acknowledged the work of Dr Tatjana Chircop, Dr Lorna Bonnici West, Professor Judita Theuma and the entire ARIC team for their contribution to establishing the awards and supporting the College’s research community.

ARIC’s initiatives include the annual MCAST Research and Innovation Expo, qualitative research conferences and the recently launched From Vision to Practice, a scholarly publication examining the evolution of vocational education and exploring its future direction.