The Malta Council for Science and Technology and the Centre of Science and Industry launch innovative partnership

During the global Ecsite conference that brought together science leaders and museums from around the world, the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and the Centre of Science and Industry (COSI) signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate short and long-term partnership plans to engage, inspire, and transform the nation of Malta around science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, better known as the accronym (STEAM).

As part of the launch, COSI provided its “COSI Science Immersion” programme, which includes fun hands-on physical and digital STEAM programming. MCST and COSI have distributed Learning Lunchbox kits alongside free vouchers to the Esplora Interactive Science Centre and conducted science demonstrations to inspire the public.

Tonio Portughese, Chariman of MCST and Esplora said that, “We, here at the Malta Council for Science and Technology and at ESPLORA, warmly welcome this new collaboration with COSI, which is a direct and tangible outcome of the ECSITE Annual Conference organised here in Malta between 15 and 17 June, which was hosted by Esplora." He continued by saying that, “We look forward to establishing a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with the Center of Science and Industry, since MCST and Esplora are committed to keep expanding their portfolio of programmes, activities and educational campaigns.”

“COSI's mission is to engage, inspire and transform lives and communities. We are honored to partner with the MCST to help support science learning throughout Malta. We know that science is everywhere, and for everyone, and this partnership will enable us to help to serve families in Malta alongside our partners at Esplora,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of COSI.

Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliament Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, said: “The commitment that COSI has shown to science, technology, engineering and mathematics - STEM - education in the United States, even in their cooperation with NASA, is very much in line with the educational strategies that we have adopted here in Malta, especially the stronger investment we are making in this type of education, where MCST and ESPLORA are active participants.”

"This MoU being signed today with COSI will help us to further steer forward the promotion of STEM skills, which are key to future-proofing Malta’s economy,” he continued.

The mission of COSI is to engage, inspire, and transform lives and communities by being the best partner in science, technology, and industry learning. We know science is everywhere and for everyone. It empowers our community and world.

COSI continues its international work to support STEAM across the globe. COSI recently partnered with NASA to distribute over 30,000 kits across the U.S., and the U.S. State Department to showcase STEM innovation through the Learning Lunchboxes at the World Fair in Dubai. COSI has also distributed these kits in London, Paris, Barbados, Italy, and other countries.

MCST is a public body established by the central government in 1988 with the mandate of advising government on science and technology policy. MCST champions R&I engagement across public, academic, and private sectors and provides support measures across the research eco-system to help your ideas become a reality.