Pictured above: Two young researchers presenting their project to the Deputy Speaker The Hon Censu Galea, and the Project Coordinator for Science in the City and Chair of the Malta Chamber of Scientists Prof. Alex Felice.

Scientists and researchers today met Members of Parliament to strengthen co-operation and networking with policy makers. A poster exhibition entitled “Science in the House” was inaugurated under the auspices of the Office of the Speaker, at the House of Representatives, The Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta.  The exhibit was organised by Dr. David Magri (University of Malta) on behalf of the consortium “Researchers’ Night – Science in the City”

The researchers were met by the Deputy Speaker The Hon. Censu Galea in the presence of Project Coordinator for Science in the City and Chair of the Malta Chamber of Scientists Prof. Alex Felice, University of Malta Pro-Rector for Research & Innovation Prof. Richard Muscat, Chief Executive of the Research Trust (RIDT) Wilfred Kenely, and Members of Parliament.

Prof Felice said: “Science in the House is highlighting some of Malta’s current and exciting research projects conducted by researchers at the University of Malta.  The poster exhibition has been set up to coincide with tomorrow’s major science festival – Science in the City. Nowadays, science is firmly embedded throughout society and the economy including health, energy and many places of work. The Science in the City festival offers an opportunity to showcase Maltese scientists, researchers, in particular, the upcoming young scientists.”

Prof Muscat also had a positive message. He said: “This is the second time that we are having an informal meeting with MPs to show Malta’s excellence in research projects. Many researchers are contributing greatly for the social and well being of our country. Today we celebrate these accomplishments and we augur that Malta’s research and innovation skills will continue to grow and expand and more graduates will seek to take up scientific research as their career.”

Wilfred Kenely said that we need to stress on the value of research and innovation in Malta.  At the University of Malta there is sterling research going on but in order for this research work to continue the University needs continuous funding. The Research Trust has been set up to attract a flow of funds from private and public entities as well as from the community.

Deputy Speaker The Hon Censu Galea being shown around the exhibition accompanied by (from left) Project Coordinator for Science in the City and Chair of the Malta Chamber of Scientists Prof. Alex Felice, Chief Executive of the Research Trust (RIDT) Wilfred Kenely and University’s Pro-Rector Research and Innovation Prof Richard Muscat

Following the opening speeches, the Deputy Speaker was shown round the exhibition. The set of 12 posters were consistent with the policy goals of the Malta Chamber of Scientists, “Today’s Science, Tomorrow’s Jobs” and the slogan of the Research Trust “Brighter thinking, broader future”, and focus on different research themes. Each poster explains a particular research study, how this research makes our lives better and the team of researchers.  The exhibition aims to provide a unique opportunity for Members of Parliament and the public to meet and learn how the research is contributing to a better quality of life.

Dr David Magri together with scientists and researchers from the University of Malta

Prior to the “Science in the House” inauguration, a consortium led by the University’s Research Trust and the Malta Chamber of Scientists together with a number of journalists toured some of the exhibits being set up in Valletta for Science in the City.

The “Science in the House” exhibition will be open for public viewing tomorrow (today) during Science in the City from 6.00pm to 9.00pm and on the 5^th October during Notte Bianca. During the week of the 30^th September, the exhibition will be open for viewing by the parliamentarians.

The Science in the City programme can be downloaded from www.scienceinthecity.org.mt or festival updates followed on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ScienceInTheCityMalta