VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is taking its first formal steps toward associate membership in CERN, aiming to open new pathways for scientific research, STEAM education and global collaboration. The announcement was made by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Information, Clifton Grima, following an official visit to Switzerland at CERN’s invitation.
Grima said Malta’s strategic vision is to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem, noting that the country is one of only two EU member states currently outside CERN. Becoming an associate member, he said, would give Malta a stronger voice in shaping emerging technologies. “I am at CERN with one goal: to open doors for more research and innovation in Malta,” the minister stated. “This is a strategic investment in our brightest minds and their future.”
Officials said the move would help Maltese researchers compete globally by linking local expertise with leading scientific networks. Malta’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Randolph Debattista, said the organisation is keen to welcome Malta. “This will be a historic step for Maltese researchers to not only participate, but to lead projects within the largest research centre in the world,” he said. Xjenza Malta CEO Silvio Scerri, who joined the visit, described the mission as laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation and long-term scientific growth.
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