PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR YOUTH, RESEARCH, AND INNOVATION Xjenza Malta joins the European Partnership for Brain Health with a €3.5 million investment in research and innovation

Xjenza Malta has officially joined the European Partnership for Brain Health, a Europe-wide initiative aimed at improving brain health through coordinated research, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. Through this partnership, Malta gains access to shared expertise, funding opportunities, and evidence-based strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disorders, benefiting citizens of all ages.

The launch brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and representatives from civil society to mark this significant milestone in the country's mental health and neuroscience initiatives.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, emphasized the societal importance of the initiative. “Mental health affects us all, at different times and in different ways. Malta's participation in the European Partnership for Brain Health ensures that we can benefit from shared knowledge, evidence-based approaches, and cross-border collaboration, which ultimately improve the well-being of our people."

The launch was also addressed by Dr Lydia Abela who stated, “As a caring society, we need to make significant efforts to increase awareness, education, and above all, empathy. This must also be done with the very young, and perhaps with those in our society who are most vulnerable to the pressures of today's world—children."

The CEO of Xjenza Malta, Silvio Scerri, added “This launch represents an important step for Malta's research and innovation ecosystem. By participating in this European Partnership, we are not only advancing scientific knowledge but ensuring that our research translates into practical and meaningful improvements for the health and well-being of our citizens."

The event also included a panel discussion with experts from the neurological care, ADHD, and dementia sectors, exploring current research, prevention strategies, and the opportunities offered by cross-border collaboration. The session concluded with a presentation by Kaylen Borg from Xjenza Malta's Internationalisation Unit. He explained how Maltese researchers can make use of the €3.5 million financial investment allocated by the Maltese Government for this initiative, so that Malta can play an active role in European brain health research.

The launch highlighted Malta's commitment to fostering collaboration, advancing mental health initiatives, and translating scientific progress into tangible benefits for all citizens.