CONNECT is led by the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology, and financed by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation.

Marine data and information are essential ingredients not only for sea-based research, climate studies, the monitoring of the state of health of the sea and the management of its resources. Indeed, the marine data value chain in the evolving information age envisages new avenues, reaching out to industry and fuelling innovative applications that can raise economic levels to new heights that we need to target.

The Conference is precisely planned to bring national stakeholders, responsible entities, the research community, operators and private enterprise to discuss, design, streamline and plan marine observations in the Maltese Islands for monitoring, ecosystem services, R&I, security and economic excellence. This is a very much needed national strategic reflection that we have to make as we endeavour to more systematically depend on the oceans, and we further look at the sea as a resource for the blue economy and the green transition.

No more disjointed efforts. Individual project-based and ad hoc initiatives relying on singular best effort deliveries do not work. We need a coordinated effort, a financed and enduring strategy with a political commitment to achieve and sustain a national marine observing system for the needs of a nation that works to meet challenges and looks beyond the horizon.

The CONFERENCE PROGRAMME includes a high level segment, keynote presentations engaging foreign expert speakers to provide the broader perspectives on an international scale, interactive working group sessions in the afternoon to feel the pulse from the local stakeholders, and a networking buffet lunch.

The conference is an important stepping stone in the shaping of the national system for marine observations: (1) basing on our specific needs and applications, (2) building on wide consultation to obtain a consolidated co-designed approach, (3) acting within the evolving international scenarios, and (4) taking stock on experiences of those who have done it before us or are in the process of refining what they have already achieved.

Conference Details:

Date: 29 September 2025

Time: 08:30 to 17:00

Venue: Db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Qawra, Malta, and online

Join us in this inspiring initiative!

Register on the below link:

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