MCST-TÜBİTAK 2021 joint call for R&I proposals launch event

A manifestation of a strengthened cooperation between Turkey and Malta in the field of R&I

The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), organised a live, online event to officially launch a new bilateral call entitled MCST-TÜBİTAK 2021 Joint Call for R&I Proposals. This bilateral call will support cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation in the thematic areas of water management, sustainable farming systems and agro-food value chains. This bilateral call is also officially recognised as a PRIMA Participating State Initiative. The PRIMA Programme aims to align national R&I policies and budgets to strengthen cooperation and fragmentation of R&I efforts in the Mediterranean Area. The MCST-TUBITAK 2021Bilateral Call directly aligns with the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda of the PRIMA Programme.

Introductory interventions were made by Honourable Dr. Owen Bonnici, Minister for Research, Innovation and Co-ordination of Post Covid-19 Strategy; Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, the Executive Chairman of MCST and Prof. Dr Hasan Mandal, the President of TÜBİTAK .

In his speech, Minister Bonnici praised the sterling work undertaken in the last months between MCST and TÜBITAK in terms of this collaboration.  He said that the Mediterranean Area is crucial for our country and through these projects, the co-operation between Malta and Turkey will also improve. Dr Bonnici added that this endeavour will also assist researchers and innovators from both countries to strengthen their scientific expertise and network, enabling them to collaborate further in future annual PRIMA Calls. 

In his speech, Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando remarked how the Council has prioritised the strengthening of its international portfolio to help the local research community thrive through collaboration with partners in other countries. Dr. Pullicino Orlando added that: “Cooperating strategically with other countries to address mutual needs and priorities and exploring the most suitable collaborating partners that best meet the research needs of our country, will enhance the country’s Research and Innovation capacity through long-lasting synergies. I am pleased that one such example is that of MCST and TÜBITAK – the focus of today’s event.”

The event was also attended by H.E. Dr. Theresa Cutajar, Malta’s Ambassador to Turkey, and H.E. Mr. Kerem Ahmet Kiralti, Turkey’s Ambassador to Malta.

Subsequently, MCST and TÜBİTAK representatives provided information on international collaboration efforts of both entities.  Information on the call details of the MCST- TÜBİTAK joint call was also given, where each party will be committing €200,000, to fund 2 R&I projects in the fields of water management, sustainable farming systems and  agro-food value chains. Thus, the overall call value will be that of €400,000.

This bilateral cooperation between MCST and TÜBİTAK is believed to be the first among many prospective opportunities for future collaborative projects between Malta-based and Turkey-based entities.

The event was recorded and can be viewed through a link that will be promoted on the plumtri platform (plumtri.org) very soon.