The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) launched the ReNature Horizon 2020 project which aims to develop a research strategy in nature-based solutions. It will include training and networking events, including international PhD summer schools, in an effort to promote research excellence in the field.
The project builds on the research initiatives carried out in the sector over the past years and strives to promote Malta as a research leader on a regional and international level. The ReNature project has a budget of €1 million and is being coordinated by MCAST.

ReNature was officially launched by the Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo during a press conference held on Friday 8 February at the Institute for Applied Sciences, MCAST Main Campus, Paola. Project coordinator Dr Mario V Balzan gave an overview of ReNature’s objectives and timeline of events, whilst MCAST Principal Prof James Calleja and MCAST Deputy Principal Dr Alex Rizzo also addressed the press conference and reiterated the college’s commitment to research development. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport, and Voluntary Organizations Dr Clifton Grima was also present for the launch.

Nature-based solutions, in the form of urban green spaces, walls and roofs, contribute to the improvement of human well-being and help tackle environmental challenges such as reducing flood risk, limiting the environmental impact of urbanization, and increasing biodiversity in cities. Nature-based solutions can also reduce air pollution.
ReNature project partners include Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), University of Trento (Italy), University of East Anglia (United Kingdom), and Pensoft Publishers (Bulgaria). This multidisciplinary team of professionals incorporates expertise in agricultural and fisheries sciences, environmental sciences and management, health sciences, and engineering and information technology.

This project receives funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 809988.

More information on the project is found on: http://renature-project.eu/

 Caroline Balzan

Communications Manager

E: caroline.balzan@saidfamily.com

The Strategic Plan for the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) has been launched for public consultation today. The Strategic Plan is an ambitious 7-pillar policy document which is intended to guide its investments, academic focus, networking approach and quality structures.

The public consultation will be mainly available on the official Government site: www.konsultazzjoni.gov.mt
MCAST kicked off an extensive 8-month consultation process in August 2018 to take stock, review and chart its strategic direction for the years ahead. The process, involving a large amount of MCAST stakeholders, will lead to the launch of a three-year strategic direction in the 2nd quarter of 2019.

The consultation process has included Seminar workshop with the Senior Management Team, Internal Consultation workshops with lecturing staff members within each Institute, Internal Consultation workshop with administrative and support staff at the College; and a first Round-table consultation session with employers, social partners and stakeholders. The consultation process has now reached its 2nd phase with a four-week public consultation phase.
With the next cycle of development approaching, which will cover the years 2019 to 2021, the administration at the College, has an opportunity to revisit the positive developments and challenging aspects as a results of the reforms implemented at the College.

Apart from the feedback received during these workshops and meetings, MCAST would still like to receive feedback from the public on how we can improve our strategy direction. The evolution of the College has been characterized by a constant drive to provide an opportunity for students to obtain professional and vocational education and training, allow them to possess a myriad of skills that are relevant for industry.
The public consultation phase will end on the 8th of March, 2019.

Feedback can be submitted to: strategyconsultation@saidfamily.com
A five-minute survey is also available on: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TTRYTQD