Largest ever International Manufacturing Research conference organised in Malta

The Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Malta, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation within the Ministry for Education, successfully hosted the International Conference on Industry of the Future and Smart Manufacturing (ISM 2025) between 12 and 14 November 2025 at the Valletta Campus.

This year’s edition marked a significant milestone, becoming the largest international manufacturing research conference ever held in Malta, and bringing together over 400 participants from around the world, 300 of which attended in-person, including industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers.

The Official Opening Ceremony was held on 12 November, during which Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, delivered a keynote address highlighting the strategic importance of innovation and manufacturing transformation in Malta’s economic development.

As General Co-Chairs of the conference Prof. Francesco Longo from the University of Calabria, and Prof. Ing. Emmanuel Francalanza from the University of Malta welcomed the delegates. Prof. Ing. Francalanza highlighted the manufacturing research excellence being achieved both at the University of Malta as well as Maltese companies, both small and large. This introduction was followed by an address by Prof. Ing. Simon Fabri on behalf of the University of Malta.

The conference explored the evolving landscape of smart manufacturing, with a strong focus on how Collaborative Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins, Industrial IoT (IIoT), and advanced automation are shaping more human-centric, resilient, and sustainable industrial ecosystems.

Each year, ISM serves as an open forum for advancing a culture of innovation and examining the transformative impact of digital technologies driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. ISM 2025 continued this tradition by highlighting world-class research and showcasing breakthrough developments at the intersection of physical and digital systems. Discussions centred on operational excellence, emerging manufacturing models, and enhanced human–automation collaboration across public and private sectors.

Two keynotes were presented centering around topics of smart and human centric manufacturing. These were delivered by leading experts in the field, Prof. Rodolfo Haber Guerra, from the Centro de Automatica y Robotica, Spain and Prof. Maurizio FACCIO from the University of Padua, Italy. Two plenary discussion panels were also held. The Bridging the Research & Innovation Ecosystem brought together key players involved in the full cycle of research and innovation projects, from the initial funding stage to the final dissemination of results. This included Dr Laurent Filipozzi general manager at ST Microelectronics Malta Ltd. The Pathfinder Plenary Panel convened a diverse group of experts to explore the evolving landscape of modern methodologies and technologies.

The conference also featured three major side events. An International Doctoral Workshop, offering emerging researchers an opportunity to present their work and engage with senior experts in the field. In partnership with Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Calabria and Malta a Business-to-Science (B2S) Matchmaking Event, connecting industry representatives with researchers to foster new collaborations and the International EXPOsition of Innovative Solutions for the Industry of the Future, providing a platform for exhibitors to present cutting-edge Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies. This was attended by ST Microelectronics Malta Ltd., Trelleborg Malta Ltd., AIM Enterprises Ltd., and Invent3D amongst others.

ISM 2025 offered an exceptional educational and networking experience, giving local participants the opportunity to engage with global experts, discover the latest advancements shaping the future of manufacturing, and explore new avenues for collaboration.

The University of Malta thanks all speakers, partners, and attendees for contributing to a highly successful event and an inspiring exchange of ideas that will continue to shape the industry of tomorrow.