Education Ministry Issues Statement On New Xjenza Malta Consultative Committee

The Education Ministry has issued the following statement about the formation of a new consultative committee within Xjenza Malta.

“The committee will be established based on a recommendation made by the European Commission through a Peer Review conducted with the help of international experts in the field of research and innovation.”

“Among the recommendations from these experts was an important suggestion to strengthen the administrative structure, ensuring that it is independent and separate from the Government and beneficiaries, as well as transparent, shaped by the necessary technical expertise when it comes to scientific and technical recommendations and advice.”

“Therefore, in reference to the statement made by the Opposition, the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation emphasizes that the Consultative Committee is intended to address the Peer Review’s recommendation for “an independent consultative forum.”

“The Commission’s guidance in this regard is clear and needed to be reflected in the regulatory structure. This model is used in agencies responsible for research and innovation in various countries, where they distinguish between administrative leadership and those structures responsible for making scientific and technical recommendations.”

“Thus, the Consultative Committee, as proposed by the Government, is designed to eliminate any possibility of conflict of interest within the governance framework of the Agency. It is important to recognize the Government’s efforts, which have led to advances in the field of research and innovation, and the work to continue driving this sector forward through further strengthening of resources and, above all, confidence in the valuable work being carried out by the Government agency, Xjenza Malta.”