Delegates from the Malta Council of Science and Technology (MCST) and from the European organisation for nuclear research (CERN) met Prime Minister Lawrence at the Auberge de Castille, yesterday.

MCST chairman, engineer Dr Nicholas Sammut and CERN Professor John Ellis and researcher Emmanuel Tsesmelis told the Prime Minister about the collaborations that are ongoing between MCST and CERN. Malta and CERN signed a five-year memorandum of understanding in Geneva in January 2008. The goal of MCST is to gain access to CERN’s infrastructure.

Dr Gonzi spoke on the government’s aim to grant more scholarships and encourage science students to upgrade their qualifications to a doctorate level in Malta. These are attracted to study abroad and often remain there, explained the Prime Minister.

The delegation visited ST Microlelectronics earlier on in the day and will be discussing further collaborations during the visit.

Dr Nicholas Sammut is mostly known for his scientific contributions to CERN.