A delegation from the University of Malta (UM) recently participated in a pivotal study visit to Berlin-Adlershof, Germany, from December 2–4, 2024.

The delegation included Dr Elena Sultana, Manager at the Research Support Services; Ing. Michelle Cortis, Administrative Director at the Corporate Research & Knowledge Transfer Office; Prof. Ing. Andrew Sammut, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Matthew Montebello, Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence at the Faculty of ICT; and Prof. Philip von Brockdorff from Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy and also Rector's Delegate for the Gozo Campus.

The visit was part of the ERA-Shuttle project(), specifically supporting Work Packages 3 and 4, which aim to enhance talent mobility, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and build capacity for attracting and retaining talent in research and innovation. Participants engaged in site visits, presentations, and workshops that explored academia-industry collaborations, innovation ecosystems, and talent development strategies. 

Notable highlights included discussions with WISTA Management GmbH and other leading organizations, which showcased effective models for integrating researchers into industrial settings and developing transferable skills. These insights are expected to directly inform UM's ongoing efforts to strengthen career development frameworks and foster robust networks for cross-sectoral collaboration.

This visit marks a significant milestone in UM's commitment to advancing research excellence and fostering innovative ecosystems aligned with European research and innovation goals.