Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547002
17 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS TWO-THIRDS of people sur- veyed by Esplora say they are in- terested in science and technol- ogy, but more than half say they find science-related information difficult to understand. The findings are part of a new strategy the Kalkara-based gov- ernment science centre has un- veiled as it seeks to broaden its ap- peal beyond children and families. The Esplora 2030 Strategy is cur- rently out for public consultation. A national survey of 400 people aged 16 and over conducted by Esprimi in April and May 2026 found that 67% expressed an in- terest in science and technolo- gy, but 51% said they found sci- ence-related information difficult to understand. Another 20% said they were not interested in science because they found it difficult to understand. The main motivations for seek- ing scientific knowledge were gen- eral curiosity or personal interest, cited by 71% of respondents, fol- lowed by a desire to learn new things and expand their knowl- edge, cited by 63%. The strategy identifies the gap between interest and understand- ing as a challenge for science engagement, arguing for more accessible, interactive and partic- ipatory ways of communicating science. But Esplora's existing audience remains strongly associated with children and family visits. 62% of Maltese adults had visit- ed Esplora, while 57% of visitors said they had mainly gone to ac- company children or attend with their family. Among people who had never visited Esplora, 26% perceived it as a place for children only. The strategy consequently sets out a deliberate expansion across all age groups. While children will remain a core audience, Esplora wants to increase engagement among teenagers, young adults, adults and older people, including through activities outside normal working hours. There is evidence of demand for this broader approach. Some 45% of respondents had attended a sci- ence-related event during 2024 or 2025. Among those interested in science who did not actively seek out scientific information, 36% expressed interest in activities specifically aimed at adults, while 29% were interested in museum or exhibition-based activities and community activities. This was followed by practical and interac- tive activities (28.5%) and science festivals (27.5%). Accessibility is another chal- lenge, with 18% saying Esplora was too far away, while 5% cited difficulties accessing it by public transport. The draft strategy, commis- sioned by Xjenza Malta and au- thored by Culture Venture, seeks to respond by establishing Esplora as Malta's National STEAM En- gagement Platform, in line with Malta Vision 2050. STEAM expands the traditional science, technology, engineering and mathematics approach by incorporating the Arts, with the strategy identifying four main cu- ratorial pillars: Health and wellbe- ing, innovative technology, sus- tainability and space. Esplora plans to renew 20% of its permanent exhibits, equivalent to around 40 installations, and introduce five new major experi- ences. It also proposes expanding regional outreach through Esplora Lil Hinn and doubling the propor- tion of international visitors from around 5% to 10%. The strategy also proposes a Teen Explorers Club, an Artist– STEM Residency Programme with Arts Council Malta, a Young Researchers Grant Programme, a Community STEAM Engagement Fund and a National STEAM En- gagement Taskforce. Space at Bingemma The most significant new phys- ical project is Esplora Spazju at Fort Binġemma, linked to the planned Malta Space Park. It is envisaged as a complemen- tary discovery space for teenag- ers and lifelong learners, with more specialised engagement in astronomy, space science and environmental science, includ- ing night-time experiences and interaction with scientists. The strategy says Esplora Spaz- ju would provide opportunities for "immersive engagement in astronomy, space science, en- vironmental science and other emerging STEAM disciplines through hands-on exploration, public engagement and collab- oration with the wider scientific community." At the existing Bighi complex, the strategy proposes a Tinker- ing Space, Makerspace, Culinary Experience Lab, Botanical Gar- den, Playscape and Adventure Park, alongside a Sail To Science route, using traditional luzzu boats to connect Valletta, the Three Cities and Bighi. The draft strategy is open for public consultation until 28 Oc- tober 2026. People interested in science but it's difficult to understand Esplora draft strategy proposes Binġemma space facility and strategy to broaden appeal beyond children and families A scientifically-curious Halloween experience at Esplora, one of several events organised by the science centre, which now seeks to expand its reach beyond children and families JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Fort Bingemma will be transformed into a space and astronomy centre