European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn is in Malta to mark the launch of the Horizon 2020 framework programme for research and innovation. During a press conference, Ms Geoghegan-Quinn stated that “Horizon 2020 presents huge opportunities for scientists and innovators in Malta to fulfill that potential.”

She encouraged researchers to get out of their silos and urged them to include societal aspects to address the socio-economic Science and Humanities across the entire programme. The European Commissioner mentioned the opportunities that this programme offers for the small and medium-sized companies, whereby more than €9 billion will flow to SMEs over the next seven years.

Commissioner Geogeghan-Quinn appealed to the media present to convey the message that science is important since it is though research that we will improve our quality of life.

Addressing the press conference, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport Stefan Buontempo, said that Malta is highly supportive of the “Widening Participation” activities and the Government is satisfied with the Commission’s €800 million support to the new member states, the so-called EU-13.

Dr Buontempo said that Malta is committed to achieving the set target of 2% of its GDP on research and innovation and added that the Horizon 2020 and the National Strategy on R&I will be beneficial to the economy and to Malta’s competitiveness.

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