15 Beneficiaries Receive STEAM Community Engagement Fund 2026 Grants
A total of €175,000 has been awarded to 15 community-based organisations through the STEAM Community Engagement Fund 2026, supporting projects that bring science closer to communities across Malta.
Managed by the Esplora Interactive Science Centre on behalf of Xjenza Malta, the Fund supports initiatives that promote engagement with science through research, education, science communication, public engagement and citizen science. Each beneficiary will work with a STEAM professional to deliver a year-long project that addresses a real community need through Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima noted that the Fund's budget has increased from €100,000 to €175,000. "Together, the projects supported by this Fund demonstrate how science can connect people with their environment, culture and communities, while reinforcing the message that science is everywhere," said Minister Grima.
The 2026 call attracted 50 applications by the 19 August deadline, compared to 18 applications in 2025, reflecting growing interest in community-based scientific initiatives. Funding of up to €12,000 was available for each project.
Applications were assessed by external and independent evaluators according to the Fund's published criteria. The selected beneficiaries include both first-time applicants and previous recipients, with each application evaluated on its own merits.
Mary Ann Cauchi, Senior Director of Esplora, said: "This Fund recognises communities as active partners in connecting science with everyday life. By bringing together their ideas and local knowledge with STEAM expertise, we are creating opportunities for people to investigate shared challenges, develop skills and shape solutions that matter to them. This reflects the direction of Esplora's draft Strategy 2030, which aims to expand our reach across Malta and Gozo through strong partnerships, inclusive participation and lasting community impact."
The funded projects reflect a wide range of community interests, from environmental sustainability and biodiversity to education, cultural heritage, health and social inclusion. The initiatives include SCYLLA: Investigating the Hidden Dangers of Ghost Nets by Żibel, Cool Cities by Kopin, and ROOTS: Researching Orchid Occurrence Through Soil by Green House. Educational projects include NatureLab SCHS by St Catherine Secondary School and Growing Minds: An Outdoor STEAM Discovery Garden by Rabat Primary School.
Cultural heritage is represented through projects by La Stella Levantina Musical Society, focusing on the digital preservation of historic feast decorations, and Għaqda Mużikali Sant'Andrija, which will explore the science behind band music. Other initiatives focus on health and social inclusion, including With or Without a Prosthesis? by Siġġiewi Rowing Club, and TAMA's project promoting awareness of sexual and gender-based violence within migrant and refugee communities.
The remaining beneficiaries are St Paul's Missionary College, with The Living Pond Project and SparkLab STEAM Mission Programme; the 1st Sliema Scout Group; Gozo College Rabat Primary School – The Happy School; the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee; and the Mtarfa Local Council.
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Photo Source: DOI - Daniel Scicluna
