From Malta To Trieste: Exploring The Science Behind The Sea
Francesca Grillo from Xjenza Malta recently took part in the Blue Skills Summer School 2025, held in Trieste, Italy between 10th and 18th June. Organised by the Italian National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), the programme forms part of the wider Blue Skills initiative, which is supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the 5+5 Dialogue on Research, Innovation and Higher Education and recognised by the Union for the Mediterranean. It’s also worth noting that this initiative won the WestMED Best Project Award back in 2021.
Francesca’s participation aimed to deepen Xjenza Malta’s engagement with Mediterranean communities by better understanding their evolving needs in ocean science and sustainability, insights that will help inform future funding calls and strategic initiatives. This aligns closely with Xjenza Malta’s broader goal to internationalise research and innovation in Malta through active involvement in regional dialogues and capacity-building efforts.
The summer school brought together early-career professionals, researchers and experts from across the Mediterranean and beyond to dive into some of the most pressing topics in ocean science and sustainability. The sessions were interactive and multidisciplinary, covering everything from climate change and marine spatial planning to ocean literacy, science diplomacy and sustainable finance. Participants also visited Fonda Fish Farm in Piran, a standout example of sustainable aquaculture in practice.
Francesca’s participation in this programme offered hands-on insight into how international cooperation is shaping capacity-building efforts in marine science and policy.
It also highlighted the importance of organisations like Xjenza Malta in promoting scientific innovation and long-term sustainability. As global challenges continue to mount, initiatives like this reinforce the need for shared learning and international engagement.
Xjenza Malta has an ongoing collaboration with OGS through the 5+5 Dialogue, with both organisations jointly leading efforts to strengthen research and innovation networks in the region. Maltese researchers are strongly encouraged to apply for this annual summer school, which offers a valuable opportunity to grow professionally, develop new blue skills, and connect science diplomacy efforts across the Mediterranean.
📍 For more info, visit blueskills.ogs.it/summer-school or get in touch via [email protected].
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