Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1419860
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 OCTOBER 2021 15 COMMERCIAL AS from its inception, Esplora Interactive Science Centre has always sought to raise awareness on the importance of narrowing the gap between science and so- ciety. To accomplish this goal, the centre constantly strives to develop new projects that en- tail the engagement of scien- tists with the wider community. Such projects can translate into citizen science projects which provide the necessary tools for scientists to communicate their research with citizens or mem- bers of a specific community, who, in turn, offer new insights and opportunities for such re- search to evolve and improve human life. In light of the role that citizen science projects are currently playing on a global level, Es- plora, in collaboration with the STEM Engagement Working Group, is launching a funding scheme aimed at enabling re- searchers and communities to get together and address the needs of particular communi- ties. This funding scheme, the STEM Community Fund, cel- ebrates the relevance of sci- ence, technology, engineering and mathematics within the community, through support for research, education, com- munication, public engage- ment with science, and via the development of participatory process-led scientific projects that are designed and led by community members through constant engagement with sci- entific researchers. Through this fund, Esplo- ra is also seeking to challenge the perception often held by lay audiences, i.e. that not be- ing versed in science or apt at technology automatically dis- qualifies them from taking part in projects addressing commu- nity challenges on a scientific level. Applications for this fund are now open with a total budget of € 24,000. The fund will assist applicants with the costs of developing and implementing a STEM-re- lated project. It differs from other similar schemes in that applicants can be schools, local councils or non-governmental organisations that are active within a community. The latter need not be defined by geography but can very well be a community of people shar- ing a common interest or fight- ing for a common cause. Applicants are required to team up with a researcher/ STEM professional in the de- velopment and implementa- tion of their project. Further information can be obtained from the following link https://esplora.org.mt/ t h e - s t e m - c o m m u n i t y - f u n d / where one can find detailed guidelines as well as the online application form. Esplora is excited to see how winning projects will address challenges in Maltese society whilst at the same time insti- gating a level of scientific inter- est and curiosity amongst local communities. Any questions can be ad- dressed to stemengagement. esplora@esplora.org.mt. Esplora's STEM Engagement Team will be more than hap- py to assist interested appli- cants. Science for the People by the People: Esplora launches its first STEM Community Fund