The Ministry for Gozo has said that this week, professors and researchers coming from several universities and companies across the world are meeting in Malta for the third international conference which will provide an opportunity for a meeting of scientists and technologists working on novel functional and nanostructured materials and for the seventh workshop regarding research in the sector of auxetic materials. This involves studies on value added innovative materials that can be used in multifunctional systems.

The Malta group was entrusted with the organisation of this conference which has the participation of around 40 foreign participants who will be spending their last three days in Gozo. During her speech, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono expressed her satisfaction regarding the fact that Malta is directly contributing through research in this sector. She explained how the government’s present policies regarding seek to implement initiatives that are in line with the sustainable development concept in order that the island may be able to offer a better quality of life within the context of the 2020 vision. The Minister also expressed her satisfaction that Gozo will be contributing to the dissemination of research in this important field of study. Minister Debono also distributed certificates to young researchers for the best papers presented during this conference. This year’s winners come from the United States, England and Malta.

The aim of this conference is to offer the opportunity to research groups from different countries to share knowledge and achievements gained during the past months in this field. This conference also provides space for discussions that can lead to cooperation between different institutions that operate in this sector.

In Malta, research on auxetics is lead by Prof. Joseph N. Grima, a lecturer in the Chemistry Department within the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta. His team includes a group of collaborators amongst whom Ruben Gatt and Daphne Attard, University of Malta graduates who are in the final stage of their PhD studies. The Maltese group is very active in this sector. Their work includes the development of new auxetic materials which can be used in the manufacture of protective clothing and equipment. Malta aims to continue investing in research in this area and last week, the University of Malta set up the Metamaterials Unit to specialise in this matter.

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