The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) brought together several researchers from various countries in the Mediterranean for a two-day seminar as part of the European Programme PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area).
The aim of this seminar is for several researchers to collaborate and come up with innovative solutions for more sustainable use of primary resources, particularly in the areas of water management, sustainable farming systems, and the agro-food value chain.
The seminar focused on funding opportunities for this year through the PRIMA programme. The proposals put forward by local and foreign researchers, with the professional assistance of the team within MCST, should focus on research and innovation in the thematic areas mentioned for better preservation of the environment.
In his speech, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti encouraged local researchers to collaborate with researchers from other countries, with these collaborations leading to innovative solutions capable of changing the current trend in various sectors, particularly when it comes to climate change.
“The funding opportunities that we are announcing today showcase the government’s commitment to foster smart, competitive, resilient, and diversified sectors through research and innovation”, concluded the parliamentary secretary.
From his end, the Chairman of MCST, Tonio Portughese, said that through this seminar, the Council is empowering local stakeholders, enabling them to form successful consortia. He added that these will ultimately lead to innovative research projects addressing crucial common issues in the Mediterranean region.