The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) is pleased to announce the launch of Horizon Europe, the largest EU Research and Innovation (R&I) programme, succeeding Horizon 2020 on the 17th of February 2021. Horizon Europe is the most ambitious R&I programme with a budget of 95.5 billion Euro. The programme will be focused on three main pillars: Excellent Science, Global challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, and Innovative Europe; and will promote excellence, provide valuable support to top researchers, and help innovators drive the systematic changes needed to ensure a green, healthy, and resilient Europe.
Hon. Owen Bonnici, Minister for Research, Innovation and Co-ordination of Post Covid-19 Strategy and Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, the Executive Chairman for MCST will give a welcome address to open the event. The event will be also addressed by the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel.
Mr Jean-Eric Paquet, Director General for R&I at the European Commission will provide an overview of the Horizon Europe programme while the new instruments such as the Missions, Partnerships and the European Innovation Council will also be presented by Commission officials.
The winners of the Horizon 2020 Malta Awards will be announced during the event. The aim of the Awards is to recognise the efforts of the Maltese beneficiaries that have successfully participated in research and innovation projects within the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. Seven award categories will be presented, including Best Impact for Health; Security or Smart Mobility Award; The Blue Award; The Green Award; Best Innovative SME Award; Best Promotion of STEM Award; Best Technological Innovation Award and Most Active Researcher Award.
MCST is the official National Contact Point Organisation for the EU Framework Programme. National Contact Points strive to assist and handhold Maltese researchers and entities in participating in Horizon Europe. An overview of these services will also be presented during this event by National Coordinator, Ms Anthea Fabri.
The online launch event is free of charge and it will take place on 17 February between 1.30 and 4pm. Find out more and register by not later than noon on 16 February from here.
