Young Researchers’ Grant launched to encourage young people to conduct scientific research

Esplora Interactive Science Centre has launched the Young Researchers’ Grant 2026, an initiative designed to foster curiosity and give young people the opportunity to conduct real scientific research from an early age.

The fund, which opened on 26th August, is open to Maltese citizens and holders of a residence permit in Malta aged between 13 and 21. The fund has two age categories: those aged 13–17 and those aged 18–21, both of which receive the same level of support. Applicants can apply individually or in teams of no more than three people.

Esplora expects to support between 15 and 18 projects in the first edition. Each 'Explorer' will be paired with a researcher or mentor, suggested by the applicants themselves or identified with the help of Esplora.

Each project can receive up to €700 for research expenses, including materials, equipment, software and travel for fieldwork. Mentors can separately receive up to €1,000, in recognition of their guidance. The programme also includes a practical training programme covering transversal research skills.

Projects can explore a wide range of scientific fields, including the sea, space, technology, health and the environment, and will run for 12 months, giving participants the time and support to investigate the research questions they choose.

Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima explained that the fund reflects the Government’s direct investment in building Malta’s research capacity from the outset, not only at university and industry level.

“We should encourage young people to openly question and investigate the world around them and this fund will help them do precisely that. Malta’s future in research and innovation cannot be built only at university or industry level, but must begin by sparking curiosity among adolescents and young people, giving them real and practical experience of what research entails,” Minister Grima said.

In total, €140.2 million was spent on research and development in Malta in 2024, an increase over the €121 million spent in 2023, data published by the National Statistics Office shows. In 2024, this amounted to 0.61 per cent of GDP

Esplora Senior Director Mary-Ann Cauchi said: “By pairing every young researcher with a mentor from Malta’s research and professional community, we are also building stronger bridges between young people and the wider STEAM ecosystem. Ultimately, this is an investment in curious young minds and an effort to give them the skills, confidence and opportunities to help shape Malta’s future.”

An online information session will be held on 2nd September at 5pm, followed by the application deadline on 21st October. Results will be announced on 21st November 2026.

Government said that prospective applicants are encouraged to attend the information session to learn more and ask questions. The full guidelines and online application form will be available on Esplora’s website. Questions can be sent to funds.esplora@gov.mt.