Xjenza Malta and the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) have launched the 2025 Joint Call for Research Proposals under the SPIRE Programme. This initiative aims to strengthen research collaborations between Malta-based and CNR researchers by providing seed grants for small-scale projects that pave the way for larger future research efforts.
The SPIRE: Seed Grants for International Research Programme enhances Malta’s international research collaboration by facilitating joint calls with international partners. Through multi-annual calls, SPIRE supports projects that foster research partnerships, promote knowledge exchange, and serve as a foundation for larger-scale initiatives.
Funding & Project Details for the Xjenza Malta-CNR Joint Call
- Funding: Up to €6,000 for the Malta-based consortium (at least one Malta-based partner). The financial contribution to Malta-based entities shall be 100% of the eligible costs incurred.
- Project Duration: 24 months (1 January 2026 – 31 December 2027)
- Application Deadline: 29th May 2025, 12:00 PM CET
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRL): 1–7
Thematic Areas
Proposals must align with at least one of the following focus areas:
- Marine and Maritime
- Digital Technologies
- Health
- Sustainable Use of Resources
- Smart Manufacturing
- Aerospace, Aviation, and Space
- Cultural Heritage
Who Can Apply?
Each consortium must include:
- At least one eligible Malta-based entity
- At least one CNR researcher
Projects should be balanced in terms of workload and funding distribution between the two partners.
Eligibility and Application Process (click links to download/view the documentation)
- To be eligible, applicants must be a Malta-based entity, including Private Entities, Public Entities, and Research and Knowledge Dissemination Organisations, with an operating base in Malta in accordance with the SPIRE Click to download the State Aid and Click to download the Non-State Aid National Rules for Participation.
- Malta-based applicants must also follow the Xjenza Malta-CNR 2025 Call Text. Click to view Call Text.
- Applicants must complete and submit a Click to download the National Application Form duly signed and supported by the required Annexes. These can be downloaded from the Xjenza Malta Click to visit the Resource Page.
- Malta-based applicants must submit a National Application Form to international.xjenzamalta@gov.mt, keeping Ms Francesca Grillo (francesca.grillo@gov.mt) in copy, by 29 May 2025, 12:00 PM CET.
- CNR researchers must follow their own submission process as outlined by CNR regulations.
Online Information Session
Xjenza Malta will be hosting an online information session on 27 March from 10:00 to 11:00 AM CET to introduce the SPIRE Programme and the Xjenza Malta – CNR 2025 Joint Call for Research Proposals. This session will cover key details about the call, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Interested participants can register here: https://forms.office.com/e/rReHYgQvSq.
More Information
For queries, please contact:
Malta-based Applicants:
📧 Francesca Grillo (Executive, Internationalisation)
📩 francesca.grillo@gov.mt | ☎️ +356 23602232
CNR Researchers:
📧 Maria Gerunda (Responsible for Scientific Cooperation with Malta)
📩 maria.gerunda@cnr.it | ☎️ +39 0649932469
