During a ministerial video conference about the role of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) in the future European Research Area, Minister for Research, Innovation and the Co-ordination of Post-COVID-19 Strategy Owen Bonnici expressed Malta's strong support for this programme.

He emphasised the invaluable opportunities that COST is providing for researchers from various disciplines and backgrounds to access the support of robust research infrastructures and logistical capacity with important European Union funding.

"Around 45,000 researchers are involved with COST at the moment, among them several Maltese. In spite of the island's small size, researchers based in Malta are currently participating in around 66% of all funded COST actions and have benefited greatly from its networking activities", said the minister.

Presently, Malta is also chairing two COST actions. 

Minister Bonnici went on to describe how COST enables early-stage researchers to establish themselves professionally away from our shores. "It provides unique opportunities of professional growth for our research community that is so crucial for future sustainable innovation", he continued.

The minister also acknowledged the contribution of COST programme throughout the lifecycle of Horizon Europe, stating that financial resources should be entrusted to the continuation and enhancement of the programme.

As an EU-funded programme, the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) organises funds for research and innovation networks, helping to connect researchers from different European countries and beyond. It enables scientists and researchers in the field of technology to come together and develop their ideas, stimulate further research efforts, and share them to enhance research and innovation.