Xjenza Malta launches the Obesity Research Programme 2025 call

Xjenza Malta, in collaboration with the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, has officially launched the Obesity Research Programme 2025 Call. This initiative aims to tackle the growing public health challenge of obesity in Malta by funding research that explores the impact of the local food environment on obesity. The programme is funded through national funds and forms part of the Thematic Programmes portfolio, administered by the Research and Innovation (R&I) Unit at Xjenza Malta.

The Obesity Research Programme will focus on three critical areas: food labelling, food provision, and food promotion. By examining these areas, the programme seeks to generate evidence that will inform policies and interventions aimed at promoting healthier food choices and improving public health outcomes in Malta.

Tonio Portughese, Chairman of the Consultative Committee at Xjenza Malta, opened the press conference by saying: “The Obesity Research Programme represents a significant step towards addressing one of the most pressing health issues in Malta today. We are committed to supporting research that will help shape effective public policies that improve the health of our population.”

The 2025 Call offers grants of up to €100,000 per project, and the funding opportunity is open to academic, public, and private entities in Malta. A total of three projects are expected to be funded from the following programme’s sub-areas: food labelling, food provision, and food promotion.

Dr Jason Attard and Prof. Charmaine Gauci from the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing provided insights into the current obesity situation in Malta, highlighting the need for targeted research. The session continued with a presentation by Enya Maria Haber from Xjenza Malta, who outlined the rules and regulations for applying to the Obesity Research Programme 2025.

Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, addressed the audience, emphasising the government’s commitment to fostering research and innovation in the health sector. He said: “This programme is further proof of our commitment to invest in research as a concrete tool to tackle national challenges such as obesity. By strengthening the scientific basis of public policy, we can create a stronger future for generations to come.”

The event concluded with a closing speech by Jo Etienne Abela, Minister for Health and Active Ageing, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, researchers, and the private sector in combating obesity. Abela remarked: “We look forward to this research serving as a foundation for further studies and collaborations, aimed at achieving positive outcomes that strengthen our country's patient-friendly strategies.”

To assist interested parties in understanding the programme and the application process, Xjenza Malta will host an online information session on 2 June 2025 at 10am. This session will provide an overview of the call, eligibility criteria, and instructions on how to apply. Participants can register for the session via the following link: https://forms.gle/UTZGQBZMLY7euVNE7.