The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) has, since 1988 been mandated by the Government to act as the national focal point for science and technology policy and has been responsible for identifying and addressing major science and technology challenges and issues of strategic importance for Malta, thereby contributing to the development of coherent and sustainable policy visions and initiatives. It is responsible for implementing the National Strategic Plan for Research & Innovation 2007-2010 and manages the Research & Innovation Funding Programme for Malta. The MCST.s main remit is to encourage increased public and private investments in science and research with a view to promoting a culture for science, technology and innovation. It supports a number of departments across ministries as well as other agencies and maintains close links with academia.
MCST supports the implementation of the Community Framework Programmes in Malta and fosters the participation of Maltese companies and research organisations in European and international research and technology programmes, initiatives and actions, particularly in the Framework Programme of the EU. As host for all National Contact Points (NCPs) of FP7, MCST..s main services are to create awareness on collaborative trans-national RTD, to offer information and consultancy on international research and technology programmes, and to give advice on criteria, modalities for participation and technical procedures related to project preparation and applications.
Following from the successful participation attained in FP6, MCST is placing primary emphasis on encouraging and facilitating the participation of SMEs and local industry in the Seventh Framework Programme and to enhance Malta's qualitative participation in FP. MCST has taken part to the Inco-NET MIRA Project as partner.
