Xjenza Malta, the government agency responsible for promoting and coordinating scientific research, technological innovation and science communication in Malta, has just signed three MoUs with the University of Malta, the Malta Chamber of Scientists and Aġenzija Sapport to further promote science and make it more accessible for people with disability.
The signing of these MoUs, which took place on Tuesday 16 July 2024, was presided by the Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, as well as the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti.
Thanks to this signing, Xjenza Malta will be able to keep building on the strategic collaboration it had already established with the three entities.
The agreement with the University of Malta was made with the aim to increase awareness on STEM subjects and to recognise the importance of science communication. The collaboration with Esplora with regards to career guidance will be strengthened, and UM students will now have the opportunity to apply for internships. The University will be providing academic support to Esplora to be able to hold certain activities.
The agreement with the Malta Chamber of Scientists will lead to more collaborations with Esplora. Members of the Chamber will be benefitting from a discounted entrance rate to Esplora.
The agreement with Aġenzija Sapport will benefit those individuals holding a European Disability Card, who will now be able to attend Esplora at a subsidised rate. For this agreement, the Agency will be investing the sum of €15,000 over a three-year period. The sum will also financially cover the license of a Planetarium film chosen upon the recommendation of individuals with disability.
Minister Portelli explained how this agreement is another testament to the Government’s commitment to greater inclusion.
“Inclusion is not just about accessibility. This agreement will offer people with disability the chance to include themselves in an educational environment that will help them further develop their social skills. Aġenzija Sapport invests a number of resources to continue preparing people with disability for independent living, and initiatives like these continue to strengthen this,” concluded the Minister.
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised that, “For Xjenza Malta, which has just established itself as a new agency, these agreements are a fundamental step that will strengthen collaboration with the scientific and educational community. Through these collaborations, we can develop joint projects that benefit from diverse perspectives and knowledge, while also opening new funding opportunities from different programs”.
Present at the signing were the Chief Executive Officer of Xjenza Malta, Mr Silvio Scerri, the Rector of the University of Malta, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, the President of the Malta Chamber of Scientists, Dr Alexandra Bonnici, the Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, and the Chief Executive Officer of Agenzija Sapport, Oliver Scicluna.