Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1502123
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 JUNE 2023 8 COMMERCIAL Malta Council for Science and Technolog y and the Center of Science and Industry launch partnership to support STEAM in Malta DURING the global Ecsite con- ference which brought together science leaders and museums from around the world, MCST and COSI have signed a mem- orandum of understanding, on Friday the 16th of June, to facilitate short and long-term partnership plans to engage, in- spire, and transform the nation of Malta around Science, Tech- nology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics better known as the accronym (STEAM). As part of the launch, COSI has provided its "COSI Science Immersion" program, which in- clude fun hands-on physical and digital STEAM programming. MCST and COSI have distrib- uted the Learning Lunchbox kits alongside free vouchers to Esplora Interactive Science Cen- tre, among the local commu- nities, and conducted science demonstrations to inspire the public. Dr. Tonio Portughese, Cha- riman of MCST and Esplo- ra said that, "We, here at the Malta Council for Science and Technology and at ESPLORA, warmly welcome this new col- laboration with COSI, which is a direct and tangible outcome of the ECSITE Annual Conference organised here in Malta between the 15th and 17th of June, which was hosted by Esplora." He con- tinued by saying that, "We look forward to establishing a long- term and mutually beneficial relationship with the Center of Science and Industry, since MCST and Esplora are com- mitted to keep expanding their portfolio of programmes, activi- ties and educational campaigns." "COSI's mission is to engage, inspire and transform lives and communities. We are honored to partner with the MCST to help support science learning throughout Malta. We know that science is everywhere, and for everyone, and this partner- ship will enable us to help to serve families in Malta alongside our partners at Esplora," said Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of COSI. Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliament Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, said that, "The commitment that COSI has shown to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - STEM - educa- tion in the United States, even in their cooperation with NASA, is very much in line with the edu- cational strategies that we have adopted here in Malta, especial- ly the stronger investment we are making in this type of educa- tion, where MCST and ESPLO- RA are active participants." He continued by saying that, "this MoU being signed today with COSI will help us to further steer forward the promotion of STEM skills, which are key to future-proofing Malta's econo- my." The mission of COSI is to en- gage, inspire, and transform lives and communities by being the best partner in science, tech- nology, and industry learning. We know science is everywhere and for everyone. It empowers our community and world. COSI continues its interna- tional work to support STEAM across the globe. COSI recent- ly partnered with NASA to dis- tribute over 30,000 kits across the U.S., and the U.S. State De- partment to showcase STEM in- novation through the Learning Lunchboxes at the World Fair in Dubai. COSI has also distributed these kits in London, Paris, Bar- bados, Italy, and other countries. MCST, is a public body es- tablished by the central gov- ernment in 1988 with the man- date of advising government on science and technology policy. MCST champions R&I engage- ment across public, academic, and private sectors and provides support measures across the re- search eco-system to help your ideas become a reality. Maltese Olive Oil, Bidni, wins platinum award at London International Olive Oil Competition BIDNI Extra Virgin Olive Oil has won the Platinum Award at the renowned London Inter- national Olive Oil Competition, setting a new benchmark for Maltese olive oil on the interna- tional stage. The Bidni olive, a variety en- demic to Malta and virtually unknown to the world until two decades ago, was revived through the dedicated efforts of Sammy Cremona and later by the Grima family. The Bidni olive tree is an early harvest variety, which property naturally protects the olive fruit against fruit fly infestations. The olives, small and concave with a deep purple colour when ripe, yield a distinctive oil with a noticeably peppery taste, ow- ing to the fruit's high level of polyphenols. The olives are cold-pressed within less than 24 hours of harvest, producing an extra vir- gin olive oil with an oleic acid percentage considerably lower than standard extra virgin olive oils. Today, the Grima fami- ly cultivates around 600 Bidni trees, producing approximately 500 litres of this extra virgin ol- ive oil annually. The London International Ol- ive Oil Competition is one of the largest and most prestig- ious olive oil competitions in Europe, making this win a sig- nificant achievement for both the Grima family and MCA. As an accolade that sees hundreds if not thousands of competitors annually, the Platinum Award recognises the outstanding quality and distinctiveness of the Bidni Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Bidni Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available for purchase at several shops around Malta, including Master Cellars, Chocolate Dis- trict, Bagel Hole, Il-Lokal, Veg Box, and the MCA website. Bid- ni also forms part of the Merill Rural Network, an initiative that brings together a number of farmers and artisans from all over the Maltese Islands. For more information about Bidni visit www.mcamalta.com