The second edition of the National STEM Community Fund has been launched, which will enable eligible organisations to carry out community-based STEM-related projects within the community. Organisations who engage with a researcher or STEM professional for such projects can receive up to a maximum of €8,000 per project. This was announced during a press conference by the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti.
The National STEM Community Fund is an initiative of the STEM Engagement Working Group which is chaired by Esplora Interactive Science Centre on behalf of the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), with the endorsement of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised on the importance of such initiatives to engage more people into the STEM world. “We thrive to bring people closer to the STEM subjects. Through such initiatives we are raising awareness and interest of people from a very young age to continue their studies in STEM subjects,” stated the parliamentary secretary.
He also spoke about the important work MCST is carrying out in promoting STEM subjects within the Maltese community. He concluded by welcoming Silvio Scerri, the new CEO of MCST, who with his vast experience will support the entity with continuing to progress and move forward.
Chief Executive Officer of MCST Silvio Scerri stated: “At Esplora we are committed to bridging the gap between science and society. This scheme, will serve as a step forward towards making science more accessible to the local community while bringing together STEM professionals and the general public to use their expertise in developing a STEM project that benefits society at large.”
Eligible organisations, including schools and resource centres, can access the application from: https://esplora.org.mt/the-stem-community-fund-2023-introduction-and-applications/.
Applications will be open till Friday 24th of March 2023. Further information can be obtained by email at stemengagement.esplora@esplora.org.mt.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister