Science Malta (Xjenza Malta) is the government agency leading Malta’s efforts in research & innovation policy, and science communication. It manages the FUSION portfolio, offering grant-based funding across all technology-readiness levels. Acting as the National Contact Point for Horizon Europe, Science Malta promotes Malta’s participation in the EU R&I Framework Programme, Horizon Europe. The agency's Internationalisation Unit facilitates Malta’s engagement in R&I Co-Fund Partnerships and expands bilateral and multilateral collaborations, including mobility and funding programs with international counterparts. Science Malta also supports Malta's growing space sector through the Plan for European Cooperating States (PECS) agreement with the European Space Agency, offering opportunities for public, private, and academic entities in space-related projects and education. Additionally, Science Malta operates Esplora, Malta’s interactive science centre, advancing STEM education and public science engagement.
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Head of office
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Regional Address
Villa Bighi
Dawret Giovanni Bichi
Kalkara KKR 1320
Malta
S3 Strategy
The Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) 2021-2027 for Malta focuses on fostering innovation-driven economic growth through targeted investments in six priority sectors: health and well-being, sustainable resource use for climate adaptation, smart manufacturing, marine and maritime technologies, aviation and aerospace, and digital technologies. Built upon lessons from the previous RIS3 (2014-2020), this strategy employs a place-based approach, emphasising Malta's unique strengths and addressing societal challenges. By integrating extensive stakeholder input from the quadruple helix (government, academia, industry, and civil society), the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) ensures stakeholder collaboration to identify high-potential areas for further investment.
Strategic R&I Projects
BlueMissionMed
Focused on depollution and regeneration, it fosters collaboration among stakeholders, supports innovation ecosystems, aligns policies, and promotes societal engagement to address pollution, enhance cooperation, and drive transformative environmental change.
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Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP)
Through joint calls and innovation ecosystems, it fosters clean energy technologies, supports capacity building, and drives market adoption, contributing to the EU’s 2050 climate-neutral goal under its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.
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Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) & FUTURE4PRIMA
PRIMA develops innovative solutions to improve food production, water quality, and availability in the Mediterranean. FUTURE4PRIMA fosters collaboration among 16 PRIMA states to advance sustainable water and food systems, broadening PRIMA’s scope.
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FUSION: The R&I Programme
FUSION is the flagship national funding programme, designed to drive and support local R&I efforts. It provides the necessary support for researchers and technologists to transform their innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.
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National Contact Point (NCP) Networks
The Framework Programme Unit is actively involved in eight NCP Networks within Horizon Europe. These networks foster cross-border cooperation among NCPs, share best practices, and enhance the quality of support provided to programme applicants.