-
Welcome to plumtriA platform for Research & Innovation -
Looking for Funding?Check out the current open calls -
Register today to start receiving our monthly newsletter -
Looking to partner up?Search our list of registered profiles -
You have questions on a particular funding programme?
News
Uploaded On:
The SmartGaze project, funded by Xjenza Malta, formerly the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) under the Smart Cities programme, has made significant strides in developing a cutting-edge system to assist individuals with mobility impairments. The project team recently presented its findings at two prestigious conferences: the 26th International conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCII 2024) and the European Conference on Eye Movements (ECEM 2024). At both events, poster presentations were delivered, outlining the innovative approach the team is taking to enable more natural and accessible control of smart devices through eye movements.
The primary goal of SmartGaze is to develop a system that allows users to control smart home devices without the need for a computer interface which typically requires users to select icons to initiate specific commands. Instead, the proposed solution allows users to interact with their environment by simply looking at a…
Uploaded On:
Composite materials are made up of two or more distinct constituent materials encapsulated together that when combined develop a new material capable to take advantage of the individual material properties of the constituent phases. Concrete which is heavily used in buildings is a composite material in itself, made up of aggregate bonded together with cement. The relatively low tensile strength and ductility of concrete can be enhanced further by the inclusion of steel reinforcements leading to a fibrous reinforced composite material. Various fibrous reinforced composites have been developed in the past century. Primarily the use of glass fibres embedded in a polymeric matrix better known as fibre glass has found their use in various industries such as the marine industry. Composite materials have the potential to replace steel in the automotive industry by reducing the total weight of a vehicle by around 25%. The use of composite materials in the aerospace industry has…
Uploaded On:
The JPI Oceans initiative, Science for Good Environmental Status (S4GES), has completed the first phase of its work and published a pivotal paper introducing a novel approach to monitoring and evaluating the health of our seas. This research, supported by institutional funding through the JPI Oceans framework, brought together 11 research-performing and funding organisations. Professor Aldo Drago, lead expert appointed by Xjenza Malta and affiliated with the Oceanography Section at the Institute of Engineering and Transport, Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST), plays a key role in this initiative and made significant contributions as a co-author of the paper.
While remaining on the workbench to further elaborate the new concepts, the time is ripe to start testing an evolution of the current approach adopted by the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), proposing monitoring strategies that…
Uploaded On:
UNIMED organised its fourth stakeholder workshop at the International Agricultural Research and Training Centre (UTAEM) in Menemen, Turkey on 4 April 2024. Twenty experts from the agricultural sector in Turkey participated in the workshop, which was divided in two parts.
In the first part of the workshop the participants were asked to assign weighting coefficients to the four indices which make up the Survivability-of-Droughts Index: perception, adaptability, vulnerability, and recoverability. Following on this, the participants were invited to rank the indicators which will be used to calculate each of the underlying indices. The results of this exercise revealed that based on expert opinion, the indicators are fit-for-purpose and there are no dominant indicators.
In the second part of the workshop, participants were divided into two groups and asked to score the…
Uploaded On:
The RoOFPEVs project, spearheaded by The Foundation for Innovation and Research – Malta (FiR.mt), is at the forefront of addressing critical challenges in Malta’s journey towards a sustainable energy transition. Supported by Xjenza Malta under the Research Excellence Programme, this project, titled "Robust Optimisation Framework for PVs and EVs Integration at Low Voltage Network," targets key technical and operational barriers to integrating renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, and electric vehicles (EVs) into Malta’s low voltage electrical grid. This innovative approach, supported by a robust optimisation framework, not only seeks to advance renewable energy deployment but also contributes to achieving Malta’s broader clean energy objectives and those of the European Union (EU).
Meeting Malta's Clean Energy Targets
Malta has set ambitious…
Uploaded On:
Power management with high renewable share is no mean feat! With Malta now having an appreciable renewable energy mix within its power system framework, decisions should be made, on how to efficiently utilize the available resources during emergency events.
Photovoltaics as rooftop based Distributed Energy Resources (DER) when procured by a customer/ consumer, it is mostly done keeping in mind, that the customer is contributing to reducing carbon emissions as well as trimming utility bills. Now, with several active schemes initiated by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services, further renewable energy integration is possible.
However, extreme heat events, which can potentially deter continuous grid operation, can also have an impact on the PVs. Most PVs, with no energy storage back-up solution, are generally…
Uploaded On:
Xjenza Malta, the national agency for Research, Innovation, and Space, and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Italy’s foremost public research institution, have taken a pioneering step in solidifying their commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation. With the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this collaboration not only deepens the historical ties between Malta and Italy but also underscores a shared vision to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges facing the Mediterranean and Europe at large.
This strategic partnership amplifies Malta’s role as a rising hub for research and development within the Mediterranean, positioning Xjenza Malta as a key player in international innovation diplomacy. As Malta’s National Research, Innovation, and Space funding agency, Xjenza Malta stands at the forefront of scientific policy-making, bridging the gap between national…
Uploaded On:
Do you know a young leader making an extraordinary impact in their community or industry? The search is on for outstanding individuals under 40 who exemplify excellence in their fields and inspire others to achieve greatness. The Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) awards celebrate those who are driving positive change and making a difference. If you or someone you know embodies these qualities, now is the time to submit a nomination. Don’t miss the chance to recognize the future leaders shaping our world—nominate today!
These are the 10 categories for which you can nominate someone:
- Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment
- Business, Economic, and/or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment
- Environmental Leadership
- Contribution to World Peace and/or Human Rights
- Cultural Achievement
- Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership
- Personal…
Uploaded On:
The public vote for the REGIOSTARS 2024 is open 2 September – 9 October 12:00 CET. The most voted project among all finalists will receive the Public Choice Award. The winner is announced in the REGIOSTARS ceremony.
Each voter can vote only once. Therefore, carefully read the projects descriptions of all finalists before voting. To vote, just click “Vote for this project” and confirm your selection.
The 25 finalists have been selected by REGIOSTARS jury, who carefully evaluated a record number of applications, 262 in total. Find the finalist projects of each category below.
REGIOSTARS has become Europe’s label of excellence for EU-funded projects that demonstrate the impact and inclusiveness of regional development, since its inception in 2008. By putting forward solutions to common challenges and tapping into the…
Uploaded On:
The University of Malta’s Boundaries of the Brain laboratory is developing a toolbox that can help study spaceflight’s impact on the brain.
Travelling to space is possibly the greatest challenge we have overcome. The stars were once a means of navigation, not something to navigate to. Before that, we occasionally sacrificed each other to them. When our early hominin ancestors looked to the sky, it was because giant birds may have snatched them from the ground and eaten them – a rapid ascent wasn’t high on their list of priorities. Our minds’ ambition evolved from “not lining a comically large bird’s nest” to “spaceflight”. Our physical brains, however, are struggling to keep up. We’ve evolved according to the demands of a very specific atmosphere and an even more consistent gravity. Changes to either impact our brains’ health, in ways that are still not fully understood.
…
Uploaded On:
We would like to consult you in order to identify challenges and problems in health systems and services that should be researched and to use research to inform policy-making.
The consultation is organized by the European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS), in which our institute is a partner organisation. The Partnership aims to fund transnational research projects in the area of health and care systems. It does so via dedicated calls from more than 30 national funding agencies,…
Uploaded On:
Watch the testimonial video clip of Zoe Katsamani, an olive grower and a woman champion of farming with Nature on the Island of Crete, Greece. Indeed, Zoe proved herself to be a woman champion on the use of several of the Nature-based Solutions that are being promoted through the PRIMA funded Mara-Mediterra project.
Dirk De Ketelaere and Anna Spiteri (IRMCo, Malta) first met up with Zoe Katsamani at the School of Agricultural Sciences on the Island of Crete. The latter is the only University School of Agriculture on the Island. Its goal is to act as a reference point for bodies from the Region of Crete who require expertise regarding any topic within the scope of Agricultural Science and Agri-food. We met up with the principal and several of the school’s teaching and research…
Uploaded On:
As associated partners in the @INSPIRING ERA consortium, Xjenza Malta is supporting the development and strengthening of the European Research Area and ensuring that research and technology stakeholders are able to communicate their vision and experience with the EU approach to science and innovation. Starting this summer, the INSPIRING ERA project is launching a continuous process to research and screen existing stakeholders’ experiences with ERA.
Our goal is to analyse relevant reports and identify gaps in policy fields related to the ERA Actions
As a next step, we’ll collaborate with European Commission representatives and the ERA Forum to address…
As a next step, we’ll collaborate with European Commission representatives and the ERA Forum to address…
Uploaded On:
Network with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors and get a chance to participate in the Startup World Cup finals!
Submissions deadline: 11 September 2024
Top 10 Announcement: 20 September 2024
Read instructions and eligibility criteria on the below link.
Information and image source:
Uploaded On:
As part of its strategy for 2021-2027, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) will launch a new Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) in the field of water, marine and maritime sectors and ecosystems.
This was confirmed by a European Commission analysis published on 27 June 2024 that presented how the establishment of the new KIC is needed to tackle water scarcity, droughts, floods, and marine and freshwater degradation.
The new EIT KIC will connect top partners and steer innovation to strengthen the blue economy and Europe’s competitiveness. The Call for Proposals for the new KIC will be published in 2025 and the designated EIT KIC will be launched in 2026.
Visit the below link to read further.
Information and image source:
Uploaded On:
The GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security welcomes contributions from all disciplines and fields, embracing a diverse range of approaches towards advancing sustainable global security. Whether you're proposing technological breakthroughs, conceptual innovations, pioneering research, or grassroots initiatives, we want to hear from you.
The winners, to be announced during an online event in November 2024, will receive public recognition for their outstanding achievements. The first-place winner will be awarded CHF 10,000 and a certificate of excellence, while the two other finalists will receive certificates of recognition.
Download the official flyer or visit the below link to read further.
Application deadline: 23 September 2024
Information and image source:
Uploaded On:
The Maltese Islands are home to some of the world’s oldest prehistoric temples. Unfortunately, continuous exposure to the elements causes these Temples to suffer from ongoing stone degradation. The MEGALITH project builds on recent efforts to understand, and hopefully help mitigate, these environmental impacts by generating simulations that allow the team to combine meteorological effects and resulting stone degradation on these sites. Mnajdra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was chosen as a case study for this project.
The project received funding in November 2023, building on conservation-focused studies that have been conducted over many years by the same group, and others, in collaboration with Heritage Malta and Italian colleagues. ‘Currently, the Temples are covered with a shelter that protects from rain, provides shading, and reduces temperature fluctuations between day and night. However, the researchers…
Uploaded On:
This survey was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the author(s). The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.
Through this survey, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture within Maltese Government seeks to gain an understanding of the general public's awareness and perception of the Aquaculture Industry in Malta. It is open to residents of Malta (whether Maltese or not) aged 16 and over. It will require up to 10 minutes to complete.
You are under no obligation to complete the survey and may exit at any time. The data collected will be used solely for the purposes of this research and your responses are anonymous. For further information, please refer to the European Commision's privacy…
Uploaded On:
A new project aimed at promoting research in maritime technology has been launched. The project was announced during a press conference addressed by the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, and Dr. Ing. Brian Azzopardi from the Foundation for Innovation and Research – Malta (FiR.mt).
This initiative by FiR.mt enables a new research thematic in Marine Technology Research that focuses on three distinct research studies: wave energy, light transfer systems for in-water and on-water vehicles, and a real-time monitoring living laboratory for ports. The project aims to offer solutions to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, leading to improved air quality and a cleaner environment.
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti stated, “This project is significant as the sea is not only a part of our heritage but also essential…
Uploaded On:
The aim of the Antonio Feltrinelli Prizes is to award Italian and international prizes to distinguished scholars in the various fields of science and the arts. The Fellows of the Accademia dei Lincei are not eligible for nomination. The International prizes may be awarded to both Italians and foreigners. The prizes are conferred annually, on a rotating basis in the following fields:
Six International Prizes will be awarded to both Italians and foreigners, in the amount of € 100.000 each (gross amount before tax deductions) in the field of:
- …
