A number of students from San Anton Senior School and Sir Adrian Dingli Junior Lyceum attended an educational visit at the Institute of Cellular Pharmacology (ICP) Ltd, situated at the Mosta Technopark.

The institute last year announced the discovery of maltanedienol, a new molecule named for Malta, “after its discovery by a team of Maltese, French and Tunisian scientists working together on the unique healing properties of Mediterranean seaweed over the past 10 years.”

The students were welcomed by ICP director Charles Saliba, who first gave an overview of the work carried out by the institute, which first of all relies a lot on the vast work of researchers and scientists. Mr Saliba also explained some of the chemical processes carried out by the institute’s staff in order to produce its products.

In a comment, Valerie Agius, who was accompanying the San Anton students, said that it is very important for their students to see the application of scientific methods which they learn at school.

Mr Saliba said that ICP is always very pleased to welcome school children to its premises as it is a good way to get children to understand that what they do in school is not just theory in books, but that it has fruitful applications in everyday life.

Asked to comment, Mosta Technopark Tenants’ Association chairman Henry J. Borg said that they are very proud that at the Mosta Technopark there are successful companies who are making a good name for themselves and for Malta.