Prof. Pierre Schembri-Wismayer Showcases Maltese Research at the European Biotechnology Congress 2025

Between 11 and 13 September 2025, Prof. Pierre Schembri-Wismayer from the Department of Anatomy attended the European Biotechnology Congress Annual Meeting in Tirana, Albania.

He presented a poster entitled “Challenges in Transfection of the Halophytic Microalga Dunaliella salina”, relating to the NASDAC Project (Novel Antibiotic Synthesis and Development for Agriculture and Cancer Therapy), funded through Xjenza Malta via the SINO-MALTA Internationalisation Fund.

Other posters showcased during the meeting explored the application of microalgae in biofuel production.

The three-day event gathered numerous speakers from across Europe, with a strong representation from Eastern Europe, Italy, and Israel. The congress was hosted by the Department of Biotechnology, Tirana University, with support from Ben-Gurion University.

Sessions were thematically diverse, spanning:

• Biomedical and genetic biotechnology

• Technology-driven approaches, including AI applications for managing and analysing large data sets

• Plant biotechnology research, with an emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience

Of particular note were sessions organized by the reCROP COST Action, which aims to use biotechnology to enhance the reproductive resilience of plant species, thereby strengthening food security through improved drought and climate resistance in crops.

Prof. Schembri-Wismayer attended several of these sessions, which highlighted the innovative and collaborative potential of this initiative. As the COST Action is midway through its four-year term, it presents an excellent opportunity for Maltese researchers interested in plant biotechnology to become involved, including as management committee members representing Malta.