The R&I Unit is committed to creating a thriving R&I ecosystem that drives societal progress, whilst positioning Malta as a leader in scientific and technological advancements. For this purpose, the R&I Unit manages the national research funding portfolio. The R&I Unit within Science Malta manages three national funding streams by way of direct implementation support to the National R&I Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027:

  • FUSION is the flagship national funding programme, designed to drive and support local R&I efforts. It provides the necessary support for researchers and technologists to transform their innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. FUSION encompasses various schemes offering the necessary mentoring and financial support across all levels of RDI, from basic to applied research and commercialisation. This ensures that the Maltese research community has the tools needed to develop ideas that benefit society;
  • The Thematic Programmes are targeted, top-down initiatives that address a particular market need or failure for the year in question. These thematic programmes aim to improve Malta’s R&I landscape by creating a cohesive system for researchers and entrepreneurs to develop their innovative ideas within a comprehensive, well-adapted environment suited to their sector;
  • The Research Networking Scheme provides opportunities for collaborative initiatives with international partners and supports researchers in publishing their research results in peer-reviewed open access journals.