World Science Day: Greater investment in science is needed
On the occasion of World Science Day for Peace and Development, Momentum is calling on the Government to make science and research national priorities, warning that Malta continues to lag behind the European Union in several key areas of scientific development.
Despite Malta’s ambitions to become a knowledge-based economy, the country invests just 0.6% of its GDP in research and development, compared with approximately 2.2% across the EU.
The situation is particularly concerning in education and the development of scientific talent. Only 13.9% of tertiary students in Malta are enrolled in STEM subjects, compared with 26.9% across the EU. Malta also ranks last among the 27 EU Member States for new doctoral graduates, producing just 21.6% of the EU average relative to the relevant population benchmark.
These figures highlight weaknesses in Malta’s ability to develop its own scientists, support postdoctoral researchers, retain scientific talent and strengthen its research institutions.
Matthew Agius, executive member of Momentum, said, “There are significant gaps in scientific research, R&D investment and the production of highly skilled researchers. Innovation cannot be sustained without a strong scientific and educational foundation. These concerns are made even more evident by the Government’s priorities in the 2027 Budget Speech; despite references to economic growth, productivity and technology, science was not mentioned once in the speech.”
Momentum believes Malta needs a long-term national science and research strategy, supported by greater investment in research infrastructure, STEM education, doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities, scientific careers, intellectual property and international research collaboration.
Malta cannot aspire to become a knowledge-based economy without placing science, research, critical thinking and education at the heart of its national priorities.
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