The Malta Chamber of Scientists has elected a new Council to continue providing a voice and platform for scientists and researchers on the Maltese Islands. The organisation’s aims range from communicating science to diverse audiences to developing science and research and development policies for decision makers.
Dr Ing. Gianluca Valentino continues his term as the NGO’s president, guiding the Chamber of Scientists’ activities. These activities aim to build networks between established scientists and aspiring scholars, while also providing opportunities for scientists to effectively communicate their research and scientific developments to various communities and stakeholders, including industry, government, academia and the general public. Dr Edward Duca will be retaining the role of Secretary and will also encourage the participation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students in the Chamber’s activities as Student Affairs Officer.
Another goal of the Chamber is to encourage the country’s decision makers to value the importance and impact of science and R&D. To contribute to better informed politics, the Chamber will update its science policy recommendations in the dedicated working group under the lead of the newly elected Science Policy Officer, Dr Jackson Levi Said. Dr Matthew Agius will act as Public Relations Officer and will work towards expanding the reach of the Chamber of Scientist’s many projects and events.
The Chamber’s Open Access, peer-reviewed scientific journal, Xjenza Online, is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Cristiana Sebu, and the communication between the journal and organisation will be the task of the new council member Prof. Giuseppe DiGiovanni who has been appointed Xjenza Online Liaison Officer. The finances will be managed by treasurer Prof. André Xuereb and Dr Rosalin Bonetta will be taking care of the membership management in her appointment as Registrar.
The council held its first meeting with Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation, in which both parties agreed on the need for improved investment in research and innovation at a national level, which would lead to socioeconomic growth for Malta, and discussed possible contributions of the MCS towards achieving this aim.
The Malta Chamber of Scientists is looking forward to celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, led by the newly elected council members.