Xjenza Malta has launched its new Transdisciplinary Research Programme (TRP), a funding initiative designed to accelerate the development of innovative, real-world solutions to some of Malta’s most pressing societal and environmental challenges.

The Government said that the programme introduces a new model for research and innovation, bringing together academia, industry, government and civil society through a quadruple helix consortium structure.

Each funded project will include a research and knowledge dissemination organisation, a private enterprise, a public authority and a societal organisation, ensuring that research is developed and implemented collaboratively from the outset.

Inspired by the missions under Horizon Europe – the EU’s Framework Programme for R&I, the scheme will support projects addressing areas such as climate adaptation, climate-neutral and smart cities, cancer, soil health, and the restoration of oceans and waters. The initiative encourages Maltese stakeholders to develop mission-oriented solutions that respond to national priorities while contributing to wider EU-level objectives.

Unlike traditional research funding schemes that focus primarily on knowledge generation, the Transdisciplinary Research Programme places a strong emphasis on impact. Supported projects are expected to combine research, innovation, demonstration and implementation activities to deliver practical outcomes, including pilot initiatives, policy solutions, new technologies and scalable innovations.

Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima said that “over the past years, Malta has made remarkable progress in the field of innovation. According to the European Innovation Scoreboard 2025, Malta now scores 95% of the European Union average and ranks 12th among all Member States. More importantly, Malta has improved at a faster pace than the European average, demonstrating that our country is steadily strengthening its innovation capacity. We are also among Europe's leading performers in digitalisation”.

Closing the event, Xjenza Malta Chief Executive Officer Silvio Scerri emphasised the programme’s ambition to translate research into tangible impact. Mr Scerri said that “the challenges Malta faces are opportunities for innovation. Through the Transdisciplinary Research Programme, we shall be helping stakeholders transform ideas into solutions that deliver economic growth, attract investment and improve quality of life.”

Mr Scerri noted that while Malta has built a strong foundation in research excellence, the next stage of innovation requires stronger connections between research, implementation and societal impact. He highlighted the TRP consortium model as a means of bringing together public authorities, businesses, civil society organisations and researchers to develop solutions that are scientifically robust, operationally feasible, socially relevant and aligned with both national and EU priorities.

Submissions under the Transdisciplinary Research Programme can be made until 6th August 2026. For further information, including eligibility criteria and application details, one can contact the Framework Programme Unit at [email protected].