Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1495990
4 NEWS 30.3.2023 THE Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), together with partnering entities in Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS), has launched a joint call for local stakehold- ers to collaborate with international partners on joint research project pro- posals in enabling health and care sys- tems. e first co-funded joint call for re- search and innovation proposals, titled 'Healthcare of the Future', will have a €500,000 annual budget. MCST is one of the 63 entities from 26 countries participating in the Partner- ship for Transforming Health and Care Systems under the Horizon Europe Pro- gramme. Europe's health and care systems are facing fundamental common challeng- es that necessitate harmonised and co- ordinated solutions. THCS represents a unique strategic opportunity to bring together stakeholders, create synergies, coordinate research and innovation ac- tions, facilitate the digitisation of health and care services, and support the transformation of health and care sys- tems with innovative solutions driven by knowledge and evidence. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzo- pardi Tanti addressed this information meeting for researchers and members concerned. "We are proud to say that Malta is one of the participating coun- tries in the THCS program", he said. "Malta is investing heavily by support- ing this programme with €3.5 million of national funds spread over seven years". He further explained that such pro- grammes will propose innovations in the health sector to increase the well-being of our citizens. "It is of utmost importance to make a joint effort between the members of the European Union collaborating in vari- ous sectors such as this, combining the available resources in research and in- novation", concluded the parliamentary secretary. Chairman of the Malta Council for Sci- ence and Technology, Tonio Portughe- se, said, "e aim of this partnership is to help maintain and improve people's health, by supporting the transforma- tion of our health and care systems into high-quality, fairly accessible, sustain- able, efficient, resilient, and inclusive health and care systems for all". He added that MCST is proud to be actively involved in this partnership, ensuring that local funds are yet again allocated to key areas identified in Mal- ta's Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategy for 2021–2027, in particular addressing the thematic pillars – 'Health and Well-Being' and 'Future Digital Technologies'. More information about this part- nership is available on the MCST and THCS partnership websites. Call for collaboration in research and innovation enabling health and care THE constant changes affecting the mar- itime industry in an increasingly complex international scenario were the main areas of focus of an intensive upskilling programme for the human resources of Focal Maritime Group. Malta's leading multi-disciplinary specialist in maritime consultancy, Combined Maritime Ser- vices, coordinated the training. e recently introduced oil price caps as well as increasing Western sanctions imposed on Russia have significantly im- pacted the shipping industry considering its central role in international trade. is however is just one of many changes that are transforming the maritime industry. ese include a stronger-then-ever push for sustainability, supply-side challeng- es as well as an unprecedented stream of changes in legislation and regulation, included fiscal reforms at international level. e training focused on how these developments impact services such as ship, yacht and company registration, EU funded projects related to the mari- time transportation sector such as short sea shipping and motorways of the sea, the preparation and submission of pro- posals for tenders related to transport and movement of people and cargo and advice and practical solutions to marine environmental considerations. Godwin Xerri, CEO of Focal Maritime described the present maritime situation as one of profound change and rising complexity. "New business strategies, cutting-edge technology, and evolving laws will significantly impact carriers and forwarders alike. Shipping firms are facing a variety of challenges in advanc- ing the green transition, from logistical capacities in fulfilling new regulatory standards to the financial effects this will have on enterprises' bottom lines. In such a scenario, continuous training of our personnel is imperative to adapt to this evolution". is training was also supplemented by other management related training carried by Surge Advisory, a corporate consultancy firm, while personal coach- es addressed specific requirements for a number of members of the team. General Manager Silvan Fleri added that the constant investment in training is part of a wider strategy of the compa- ny while also reflecting the increasing importance of good governance within its operations. "For us, good governance is a funda- mental way of going about our business. At the same time, our business clients have learnt to expect this from us. Be- cause consumers and society as a whole are becoming more and more aware of the value of sustainable practices, busi- ness as 'usual' is no longer acceptable". Meanwhile, Focal Maritime has an- nounced the appointment of Ms. Ra- mona Saliba as Commercial Manager of the shipping companies falling under its brand. Ms Saliba, who has a twelve- year experience in the industry, more than half of which with Focal, will be re- sponsible for the implementation of the company's commercial policies and to the relations with clients and principals. Focal Maritime focuses on resources as shipping industry faces unprecedented transformation