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Meet the People Bringing Science to the City 2026

Malta’s annual science and arts festival, Science in the City, returns on 25 and 26 September with a new and refreshing theme: Research, Resist, Reimagine.

But behind the experiments, games, and installations are the researchers, scientists, artists, students, educators and organisations who bring science to life for all communities.

On 25 and 26 September, Triton Square in Valletta will spring to life from 18:00 to 23:00, transforming the city into a giant interactive playground where curiosity takes centre stage. Visitors can meet the people behind the research, ask questions, test their skills and discover how science and creativity connect to the world around them.

This year’s programme brings together an extraordinary range of contributors and experiences. Visitors can become marine scientists for the day with the Oceanography Malta Research Group, explore real-time seismic monitoring with the Seismology in Schools team, or follow clues to discover hidden freshwater beneath the sea and see how AI is being used to track this vital resource.

As always, nature takes centre stage. Sharklab-Malta invites visitors to discover The Truth about Sharks, while BirdLife Malta explores how birds have adapted to life in the concrete jungle. At the EcoSpectrum stand, science, creativity and conservation come together in a large bug hotel installation featuring interactive games designed by young neurodivergent people, inspired by their work restoring Chadwick Lakes.

Visitors can also explore how we can make Malta greener, cooler and more resilient, learn about rainwater, native plants and soil, and discover how plants could generate clean electricity. Other activities invite participants to rethink Malta’s future through interactive challenges exploring urban spaces, sustainable transport and our relationship with the sea.

For those fascinated by the human body and mind, there is plenty to investigate. Beyond the Realm of Dreams offers a glimpse into the workings of an anaesthesiologist through live simulations and hands-on activities. Visitors can explore how the brain shapes and sometimes distorts reality with Mind Benders, step into the mind of a psychologist, or become forensic investigators and solve mysteries using real investigative techniques.

Health is explored through interactive experiences too, from trying medical equipment at The Health Lab, to discovering how medicines are developed, exploring the process of medical diagnosis, and even getting a free dental check-up at the University’s Mobile Dental Unit. Visitors can also test their life-saving skills through an interactive CPR game.

And then there is the world of engineering, robotics and technology. Visitors can meet the student team and try their electric race car simulator, build and code robots, explore AI and interactive digital experiences, and see student-built rockets and engineering projects up close.

And for those looking upwards, visitors can turn off the lights and turn on the sky, discover how light pollution affects Malta, explore the Solar System through play and AI.

Younger festival goers and families can also get involved in activities ranging from mathematical puzzles and STEAM challenges to experimental games, alternative controllers and AI, while the Sensory Friendly Room offers a calm, inclusive space to reset, recharge and explore sensory wellbeing.

At the heart of all these activities are people who research, question, challenge and create, sharing not only their knowledge, but their passion for discovery.

Because Science in the City is not just about science. It’s about the people who are curious enough to ask questions, brave enough to challenge what we think we know, and inventive enough to create and discover what comes next.

Research. Resist. Reimagine.

The Science in the City consortium is led by the University of Malta and the , in partnership with Institute for Methods Innovation, Arts Council Malta, (RIDT), Xjenza Malta, Esplora, JAMRAI Project, Ministry of Education and Sport, Malta Enterprise, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, APS Bank, Piscopo Gardens, Transport Malta, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta, Digital Traffic Brain, ProHealth, Project Green, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Health, Embassy of Spain, European Institute for Emerging Technologies (EIET), Ministry for Justice, Research and Innovation, Ministry For Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights (Aquatic Resources), Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Embassy Hotel Valletta, Storm Design, Heritage Malta, Public Broadcasting Services Limited, Ministry for Social Policy and The Family, Sala San Duminku, GreenPak, .