PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR YOUTH, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Cancer Research Days: committed towards scientific cancer research and innovation

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, addressed the Cancer Research Days event, organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation in collaboration with Xjenza Malta, as part of the October campaign — the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

The event aimed to bring together researchers, healthcare professionals, industry representatives and policymakers to present and discuss key facts and developments in the field of cancer research in Malta.

During the activity, Professor Vincent Marmarà presented the results of five surveys conducted by the University of Malta on public knowledge, practices, and perceptions regarding cancer in the Maltese Islands. These surveys provide a clear picture of the current situation and help identify where further awareness and targeted interventions are needed.

The topics were discussed among participants, who analysed the results and proposed concrete solutions. These were then presented during a panel discussion moderated by the Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM), featuring Prof. Christian Scerri and Dr Amanda Spiteri Grech.

In his address, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti reiterated the Government's commitment to continue investing in and strengthening this vital sector for the country. “Cancer affects every family, directly or indirectly. Therefore, research in this field is not only a scientific matter but also a human commitment. Over the past two years, the Government has invested more than €3 million in ten cancer research projects through a public call issued by CRIHM. We will continue to build on this success to encourage greater collaboration, innovation, and participation from our young scientists. This is an essential part of Malta's Vision 2050, which looks towards a nation built on knowledge, resilience, and innovation."

During the event, Giulia Aquilina, Executive for Research & Innovation within Xjenza Malta, also presented the process of the public call and the selection of cancer research projects, while videos showcasing the progress of projects funded last year were shown.

The event once again highlighted the conviction that collaboration between science, the healthcare sector, and public policy is key for Malta to continue strengthening its position as a centre of excellence in cancer research and innovation.