Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538811
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 AUGUST 2025 IN an age where health and well-being are increasingly shaped by global challenges—ageing populations, digital transformation, and rising healthcare demands—two forward-looking institutions are joining forces to lead positive change. The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) and Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland have launched a new initiative titled "Health & Well-Being Nexus: Bridging Gaps for Innovation and Sustainability" with a mission to foster knowledge exchange, drive interdisciplinary collaboration, and support sustainable solutions in healthcare and social services. With the growing complexity of today's health and well-being challenges— including demographic shifts, digitalisation, and the rising demand for inclusive, person-centred care—there is a pressing need for fresh perspectives and collaborative solutions. This initiative answers that call by creating a platform where experts from both countries can come together to explore ideas, share best practices, and build lasting professional relationships. At the heart of the project is a series of staff exchange visits between MCAST and Laurea. These visits were designed to strengthen collaboration between the institutions, enabling professionals from both sides to showcase their research, explore innovative models of service delivery, and identify opportunities for joint initiatives. The aim is to inspire innovation not just through research but also through real-world application. One of the project's defining features is its interdisciplinary nature. Bringing together academics from healthcare, social sciences, and digital technology, the collaboration seeks to bridge gaps between sectors that too often operate in silos. By integrating diverse perspectives, the project encourages holistic thinking on how to design sustainable health and well-being systems that meet the evolving needs of society. The project has also initiated the development of a joint systematic review on "Innovative educational interventions to educate healthcare professionals and students about medication safety." This research focus reflects the real- world relevance of the collaboration and its commitment to addressing practical challenges in healthcare delivery. MCAST's Applied Research and Innovation Centre (ARIC) plays a leading role in supporting the project. Through structured networking and a "network of networks" approach, ARIC aims to open new international pathways for researchers and strengthen MCAST's profile on the European research stage. This partnership further strengthens MCAST's and Laurea's shared commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, helping to address critical societal challenges while fostering a healthier, more inclusive future for all. The project "Health & Well-Being Nexus: Bridging Gaps for Innovation and Sustainability" was financed by the Research Networking Scheme (RNS) 2024 of Xjenza Malta (GA: RNS-2024- 015). Building bridges in health and well-being: MCAST leading a new Malta–Finland partnership for innovation and sustainability