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 research priorities and global trends. This partnership will help connect Malta and Italy with the broader European scientific community, forging a powerful coalition that aligns seamlessly with EU R&I policies and the programming priorities of Horizon Europe – the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

Through this agreement, both institutions have committed to uniting their expertise in addressing regional challenges, from climate change and energy security to health and technological innovation. This partnership not only serves national interests but also strengthens the resilience of the Mediterranean region, contributing to the stability and prosperity of the European Research Area.

The MoU paves the way for joint funding mechanisms, researcher exchanges, and cross-border projects that span fields including marine sciences, cultural heritage preservation, health, and the burgeoning sectors of green technology, artificial intelligence, and climate adaptation. The collaboration is expected to address urgent societal challenges, bringing tangible benefits to citizens and enhancing scientific focus on common issues affecting the Mediterranean region.

Xjenza Malta CEO, Mr. Silvio Scerri, lauded the partnership as a milestone in regional cooperation. “This partnership between Xjenza Malta and CNR represents a model for effective regional collaboration. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can drive forward innovation and tackle the global challenges of our time through meaningful scientific cooperation,” Scerri stated. “The signing of this MoU is just the beginning of what we anticipate will be a dynamic, evolving relationship that benefits not just Malta and Italy, but also the wider Mediterranean region, and ultimately the European Research Area”

Professor Maria Chiara Carrozza, President of the National Research Council of Italy, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the strategic relevance of this partnership. “The collaboration between CNR and Xjenza Malta will amplify our collective capacities in addressing urgent scientific challenges, while fostering the spirit of European and Mediterranean cooperation. We look forward to the immense potential this partnership holds for scientific discovery and societal advancement.”

The senior management of both Xjenza Malta and CNR expressed unwavering confidence that this historic alliance will not only yield immediate results but also lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable innovation. Both institutions are eager to embark on this shared journey, anticipating new scientific research endeavours and pioneering innovative contributions that will resonate far beyond their national borders.

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