In this year’s edition of the Public Service Awards ceremony, the Malta Council for Science and Technology received the ‘Best Practice in Good Governance Award’ from among all public administration entities. The award ceremony was held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre under the patronage of Her Excellency the President of Malta, Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono.

The adjudication for the choice of the winner of this award was the National Audit Office (NAO), which embarked on an extensive auditing exercise conducted on several random samples of the MCST’s Research and Innovation public fund administration, meticulously examining the process for any anomalies or irregularities. Upon completion of this audit, the NAO concluded that the processes and documents vetted were not only fully in accordance with the principles of good governance, and demonstrated accountability and transparency in administration, but also that the work ethic shown is to be considered as being a ‘Best Practice’ example in the administration and governance of public monies.

Mr Silvio Scerri, CEO of Xjenza Malta, received this prestigious award on behalf of the Institution, and in his acceptance speech, said that this is an official recognition and acknowledgment of the dedication, integrity and honesty daily shown by the Institution’s workforce. Mr. Scerri said, “I am honored to receive the award for Good Governance on behalf of all the employees who turn up to work daily to diligently manage national public funds in the field of research and innovation, serving the public with unwavering commitment. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all involved in earning Xjenza Malta this prestigious Award.”