Xjenza Malta is strengthening support for health-related research and innovation, including cancer research, alongside other national priorities, through new thematic funding opportunities worth a total of €1.7 million, addressing national priorities and emerging sector-specific needs.
This was announced today by Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima during an event bringing together representatives from government, research, industry and innovation.
A total of €1.7 million is being allocated to three key thematic research and innovation funding initiatives.
The programme focuses on three main thematic research and innovation funding initiatives. The first is the Third Cancer Research Programme, developed in collaboration with the Cancer Research Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM). During today’s session, the latest call for cancer research was presented, highlighting the programme’s development and impact, including success stories from previous initiatives.
The second initiative focused on the Digital Voucher Programme, developed in collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). The event marked the continuation of a successful three-year collaboration between Xjenza Malta and the MDIA and introduced the new Digital Innovation Programme and Digital Voucher Programme.
The event also saw the launch of the Water Innovation Research Programme for Sustainable Agriculture, developed in collaboration with Agricultural Resources Malta (RAM). The initiative aims to support research and innovation addressing water-related challenges in Malta’s agricultural sector and to encourage collaboration among relevant stakeholders. Sustainable water use is an important part of a healthy future.
The event highlighted how targeted research and innovation funding can address national challenges and market needs, while demonstrating the value of cross-ministerial and cross-sectoral collaboration in jointly developing and delivering funding opportunities.
Minister Clifton Grima spoke about the fundamental role of research and innovation in Malta’s future competitiveness and the Government’s commitment to continued investment in the sector.
We cannot overstate the importance of a collaborative approach if we are to build a stronger research and innovation ecosystem in Malta. However, while we must continue creating opportunities for researchers and scientists to develop their ideas, we must also establish pathways that allow these ideas to move beyond research and deliver meaningful impact. This means encouraging greater engagement between academia, entrepreneurs, start-ups, industry, public entities and policymakers, while creating an environment in which knowledge can be translated into solutions
Clifton Grima, Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation
Xjenza Malta Chief Executive Officer Silvio Scerri emphasised the importance of ensuring that research and innovation funding remains closely aligned with Malta’s national priorities.
“Through our Thematic Programmes, Xjenza Malta is committed to supporting research and innovation that respond to Malta’s real priorities and challenges. By strengthening collaboration between government, research and industry, we can help drive innovative solutions that create long-term economic and social value,” Scerri said.
Through these initiatives, Xjenza Malta continues to foster collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, public entities and policymakers, while supporting the development of innovative solutions that can contribute to sustainable economic and social growth.
MDIA Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Brincat said: “At the MDIA, our goal is to create the conditions for trustworthy digital innovation to flourish. This programme reflects our commitment to supporting research, talent and emerging technologies that can deliver tangible benefits for Malta.”
Professor Christian Scerri, Chairman of CRIHM, said: “With the launch of this third funding cycle, CRIHM is building on almost €3 million already invested in ten cancer research projects, strengthening Malta’s capacity to translate scientific discoveries into better prevention, diagnosis and treatment.”
Manuel Sapiano, Chief Officer of RAM’s Water Resources Unit, highlighted the importance of ensuring that research reaches those who can put it to practical use.
“Research delivers the greatest value when it reaches the people who can make use of it. Through joint initiatives, workshops, training programmes and stakeholder engagement activities, we can help ensure that farmers, agricultural operators and other stakeholders have the knowledge they need to embrace innovation and respond effectively to evolving challenges.”
Photo: Pierre Sammut
