Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546781
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 COMMERCIAL Esplora strengthens its international presence at the 2026 Beijing International Week for Science Literacy ESPLORA, the Interactive Sci- ence Centre operated by the Government's funding and poli- cy agency for research and inno- vation Xjenza Malta, participated in the 2026 Beijing International Week for Science Literacy, hosted at the Beijing Science Centre in China. This international event brought together science cen- tres, museums and organisations from around the world to foster collaboration, facilitate knowl- edge exchange and promote sci- ence literacy. On 23 September, Esplora Sen- ior Director Mary Ann Cauchi was a guest speaker at the event, presenting Esplora's Strategy 2030, "Inspiring Curious Minds to Shape Our Future". The pres- entation outlined the Centre's vi- sion and ambitions for the com- ing years, with a strong focus on science engagement and empow- ering future generations. On 24 September, Ms Cauchi participated in the 2026 Annu- al Meeting of the Beijing Glob- al Network of Science Festivals (BGNSF) & International Science Festival Roundtable, bringing to- gether BGNSF member organi- sations and international repre- sentatives. Discussions focused on building an international science communication collab- oration network and platform, developing a rotating host model for future BGNSF meetings, and facilitating cooperation in the exchange of exhibitions, science education programmes and oth- er science engagement resourc- es. The meeting also addressed practical aspects of international cooperation, including cross-bor- der transport and customs clear- ance. In the afternoon, Ms Cauchi participated in the Project Pres- entation & Matchmaking Ses- sion, which brought together international science museums and related organisations to share projects, exchange ideas and ex- plore potential partnerships. Es- plora presented two proposed in- itiatives: the Esplora Researchers' Corner, which connects visitors directly with students, research- ers and early-career scholars through informal demonstrations and conversations, and the Es- plora Young Researchers' Grant, which supports young people aged 13–21 in undertaking orig- inal research projects with men- toring and financial support. Throughout the week, Esplora representatives also delivered live demonstrations of educational science activities, showcasing the Centre's hands-on approach to science engagement and informal learning to an international audi- ence. "Participating in the 2026 Bei- jing International Week for Sci- ence Literacy was an important milestone for Esplora as we cel- ebrate our 10th anniversary. It gave us the opportunity to show- case our achievements and our Strategy 2030 vision, exchange ideas with international partners and bring new perspectives back to Malta, Mary Ann Cauchi, Senior Director at Esplora In- teractive Science Centre said. Esplora's participation further strengthened its internation- al presence while fostering new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and part- nerships. Ten years after opening its doors, Esplora continues to look outward and ahead, building on a decade of achievement while pur- suing its vision of "inspiring curi- ous minds to shape our future". Lidl Malta donates €3,162 to Ridt to advance cancer research following summer cause campaign LIDL Malta, the country's leading supermarket chain, has presented a donation of €3,162.50 to the Research, In- novation and Development Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta. The contribution was generated through a dedicat- ed summer initiative linking sun protection sales directly to local cancer research fund- ing. Between July 6th and July 19th, 2026, Lidl Malta pledged a €0.50 contribution for every Cien Sun high-protection product sold (SPF 30, 50, and 50+). Over the two-week time- frame, customers purchased more than 6,300 qualifying items across Lidl stores nation- wide. This campaign forms part of Lidl Malta's broader, long-standing collaboration with RIDT. Through period- ic cause-marketing initiatives and direct contributions across various medical and scientific causes, the company consist- ently supports the University of Malta's achievements while promoting public health aware- ness - including skin cancer pre- vention and sun safety. "Our collaboration with RIDT remains a core pillar of our Corporate Social Re- sponsibility strategy in Malta," said Owen Micallef, Lidl Mal- ta Director. "Structuring this campaign around high-factor sunscreen allowed us to foster public awareness regarding skin health while delivering target- ed funding for cancer research. Sustained corporate backing is critical to advancing local scien- tific capabilities, and we remain dedicated to supporting such causes." "The collaboration between RIDT and Lidl Malta is not only a monetary support, but contin- ues to give visibility and aware- ness to research at the Univer- sity of Malta. We look forward to this ongoing synergy." further stated Claudette Buttigieg, CEO RIDT. About RIDT Set up in 2011, the Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) seeks donations from various sectors of the community to achieve its fun- damental goal of promoting excellence in all areas of study at the University of Malta. By giving support, the communi- ty becomes part of the sterling work done by University of Mal- ta researchers. Donations to the RIDT accelerate the progress made in research and educa- tion, bringing benefits to society at large. About LIDL Lidl Malta Ltd. started in April 2008 with 3 stores and has ex- panded its network to 12 outlets. Its head office is based in Naxx- ar. Lidl Malta Ltd. is part of the Schwarz Group, a multinational group of companies, operating in the retail industry. The group was founded in Germany in the 1970s. After 20 years of opera- tion inside the domestic market, the group started its expansion activities across Europe. Currently, the group, which has its head office in Neckar- sulm, near Stuttgart, is present in 31 countries in the world with approximately 12.900 stores and more than 395.000 employees.