Prof. Edward Duca is a Science Communication Associate Professor at the University of Malta that manages a team of 10–20 staff and interns. He co-runs the science communication STEAM Summer School, started the research magazine Think, is involved in several large EU funded projects (securing over €2.8 million in direct funding), and has created and managed several science communication events through the NGO the Malta Chamber of Scientists. He is a PhD graduate in Genetics (University of Edinburgh) & a freelance science writer and researcher. He has written for local & international organisations including The Times of Malta, Science and Nature.
In Malta, he founded Malta Cafe Scientifique, CineXjenza and Kids Dig Science. He is now managing a Sci Comm office with a team of 10–20 staff and interns. He’s had over 70 international speaking engagement, 21 peer-reviewed publications, and has created and managed several science communication events through the NGO the Malta Chamber of Scientists. The largest activity being the national science and arts festival Science in the City attracting 6% of Malta’s population annually.
His research interests include Innovation and Science Communication. Research includes how to embed transdisciplinary education in Higher Education Institutions, development of innovative STEAM activities, recommendations for improving science communication in Malta, and impact evaluation of science communication activities and large scale festivals on audiences. His lecturing portfolio covers topics including science education, transdisciplinary education, STEAM approaches, science communication, public speaking & writing skills, and business communication & entrepreneurship. He is looking for collaborations with researchers in transdisciplinary education, and to develop approaches that engage society throughout the whole research process.
Duca is a member of local & international associations. Most prominently, he is secretary of the Malta Chamber of Scientists & has been a member of 12 others (AAAS, ABSW, BIG, EUSEA, PCST & others). These associations include general science, science communication, & science writing societies. Between 2020–2024, he was the UM’s Rector’s Delegate in STEM Popularisation (Engagement) and a board member of EUSEA. He is on Malta’s National STEAM Engagement Task Force and Honorary Senior Research Fellow (University of Exeter).
STEAM non-formal and informal education
Transdisciplinary education
Science and Arts
Evaluation methodologies
Societal involvement in research (Impact and RRI values)
ACT-AI Academy is a European Erasmus+ Academy supporting teachers’ skills and competences for effective AI integration in education. It promotes creative content development, ethical awareness, and responsible AI use through online, in-person, and blended training. The project will establish a centre of excellence for digital education, develop evidence-based pedagogical strategies, and create an AI-focused extension of the DigCompEdu digital competence framework. The consortium includes 17 organisations from eight countries, including UM.
ASTRO-EDU is a Erasmus+ school education project focused on empowering primary and secondary teachers as STEAM communicators in astronomy education. It strengthens teachers’ astronomy knowledge, pedagogical practice, and digital skills through transdisciplinary and inquiry-based approaches. The project will co-design an inquiry-based digital toolkit, organise an international educator summer school, deliver online and in-person professional development, and support outreach activities such as astronomy festivals, citizen science initiatives, and school-based events. It aims to build a sustainable European educator network for inclusive and innovative astronomy education.
L-STEAM, 2024–2027, integrates science learning with performing arts. It develops a framework for embedding STEAM into European school curricula by strengthening educators’ capacity to use transdisciplinary, student-centred, inverted, and research- based pedagogies. The project draws on successful European practices in science education, science communication, arts education, and entrepreneurship to cultivate transferable STEM skills enriched by creativity and artistic methods.
EcoFem is an Erasmus+ project, 2026–2027, that promotes agroecology, ecofeminism, green skills, and ecological literacy among young people and youth workers. It builds practical competences in sustainable food choices, critical thinking, civic responsibility, and community action through non-formal education, workshops, events, and educational materials. It also foregrounds gender equality and social inclusion by recognising women’s role in agroecological traditions and sustainable practices.
EcoSpectrum, coordinated by the Malta Chamber of Scientists, 2026–2027, combines ecology, creativity, inclusive learning, and outdoor STEAM education for neurodivergent young people aged 11–16. Linked to ecological restoration at Chadwick Lakes, it supports biodiversity, environmental stewardship, civic engagement, and social inclusion through project-based outdoor sessions delivered by ecologists, educators, and special needs education expertise.
