The Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation announced a major investment in applied research through the MCAST Research Fellowship 2025. Speaking at MCAST’s “Research and Innovation Expo 2025,” Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the creativity, ideas and collaboration shaping Malta’s applied research ecosystem. The event also marked the official selection of nine new R&I projects, supported by more than €265,000 in government funding.
This initiative forms part of the MCAST Research Fellowship Scheme, launched in 2024 to strengthen the institute’s role as a leading centre for applied research connecting vocational education with industry needs. Last year, four projects were financed with €106,570; this year the number doubled to nine, covering environmental science, technology, education, culture and digital innovation.
Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the national importance of the programme, saying: “We want to support research that brings real solutions for the country… research that transforms ideas into impact—for our communities, our economy, and our future.” He praised the work of the MCAST Applied Research and Innovation Centre and thanked researchers and educators for bridging academic knowledge with practical applications to national challenges.
MCAST Principal Stephen Vella welcomed the Government’s continued collaboration, noting that “nine funded projects show how MCAST is growing as a centre of applied research,” and that the scheme helps researchers work with industry to create meaningful solutions.
The selected projects contribute directly to Malta’s Vision 2050, focusing on sustainability, digitalisation and skills development—key to boosting national competitiveness and creating opportunities for future generations.
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