More than 33,000 people visited Valletta for this year’s Science in the City festival, held on 26–27 September 2025 under the theme “Past Forward.” The event, part of the European Researchers’ Night (ERN) initiative co-funded by the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, once again filled the capital with science, art, and creativity. Visitors of all ages explored how research connects to everyday life through interactive installations, performances, and exhibitions.
The SEA-EU Office at the University of Malta took part with a stand showcasing two projects developed under the SEA-EU Student-Led Projects Call 2025. This initiative supports students from SEA-EU partner universities to design projects that bring research closer to society, promote sustainability, and encourage collaboration between European coastal universities.
The first project, “Trash to Treasure -The Garbage Art Project,” created by Musawar Ahmad, turned waste into art through hands-on activities. Visitors could craft Maltese cultural mosaic tiles using recycled materials, test their knowledge in a “Guess the Waste” quiz, and add a leaf to a growing “Pledge Tree” symbolising personal commitments to greener lifestyles. The installation combined art, science, and environmental awareness in a fun and accessible way.
The second project, “Edge of Survival: The Science of Sea Turtle Nesting,” by Barbora Fürychová, offered an educational documentary exploring the nesting behaviour of sea turtles in Malta and Spain. The film discussed the threats these species face from coastal development, pollution, and climate change, while also highlighting conservation efforts and research collaborations aimed at protecting fragile marine habitats.
Both projects drew considerable interest from festival visitors, especially families and young people, who engaged enthusiastically with the activities and discussions. Their success reflected the growing importance of student-led science communication in inspiring curiosity and action on sustainability.
By taking part in Science in the City 2025, the University of Malta and SEA-EU helped showcase how students can make research more engaging and accessible to the public. The event also provided a great opportunity to connect with the local community, share ideas, and celebrate the creativity that drives scientific discovery.
