Research Innovation Unit

Kicking off the final conference of the H2020 JUSTNature Project in Brussels #h2020 #horizoneurope

When a storm system persists, in-situ equipment comes really handy from a ground level data gathering #malta #storm #harry

This year’s Local Councils Expo 2025 by the Local Councils' Association Malta let Malta’s local and regional authorities touch climate intelligence, not just hear about it. At the RIU booth, mayors, councillors, officers and even the Malta Police Force explored Urban Heat Island hotspots, Heat Severity risks and live air-quality data from the Kunak Air Pro, all powered by the JUSTNature project and our digital twins of Malta. In this new article, we share how these tools are turning complex science into simple, actionable insights for every locality. 👇 #ResearchInnovationUnit #LocalCouncils #ClimateAdaptation #UrbanHeatIsland #DigitalTwin #JUSTNature #Horizon2020 #AirQuality #KunakAirPro #LocalGovernment #ResilientCities #Malta

🌿 JUSTNature Project in Action: Mapping Nature-Based Urban Futures in the Mediterranean At the Mediterranean Forum for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, our Head of Research and Strategy, Fabian Borg, joined the high-level panel to present how JUSTNature empowers cities through science-based climate adaptation. Using Malta’s pioneering Digital Twin, we demonstrated how thermal inequality data supports urban planning and biodiversity strategies — fully aligned with EU Missions and the Nature Restoration Law. 📊 Key Benefits of the JUSTNature Project: ✔️ Map Urban Heat Hotspots ✔️ Assess Tree Cover & Cooling Deficits ✔️ Identify Heat Risk for Vulnerable Areas ✔️ Plan Cool Spaces in Densely Built Environments ✔️ Support Solar Rooftop Potential ✔️ Guide Local Action under the Nature Restoration Law ✔️ Align with Horizon EU & EU Biodiversity Strategies We thank the European Commission and the Mission Secretariat for this platform to share RIU’s work and showcase Malta’s leadership in nature-based and digital climate adaptation. 🔗 #ClimateCommand #PHASE2 #DigitalTwinMalta 🔗 #EUmissions #HorizonEU #MissionClimateAdaptation #MissionMedForum25 🔗 #JUSTNature #UrbanHeatMapping #NatureRestorationLaw #BiodiversityIntelligence #MultilevelGovernance

The Malta Public Service Expo 2025 came to a close… but Malta’s climate mission is just beginning! This year, the Research Innovation Unit (RIU) proudly exhibited at the Edukazzjoni u Żgħażagħ Pavilion, thanks to the kind invitation and support of Xjenza Malta. We’re truly grateful for the platform they gave us to showcase Malta’s leadership in Earth Observation, digital innovation, and climate foresight to over 6000 students. And with that, we officially launched our version in Cartoon Heroes; Malta’s mid-school climate defenders, created to inspire a new generation of thinkers, doers, and protectors. From heatwaves to floods, they stand guard over our islands using science, technology, and bold ideas. But even superheroes can’t save the planet alone. They need your support!!! Whether you're a student, teacher, policymaker, or citizen, we all have a role in building a climate-safe future. The RIU Cartoon Heroes are here to remind us that action starts with awareness, and that science can be fun, too. Backed by JUSTNatureProject, Horizon Europe, and the dedication of Malta’s local climate team, the RIU will continue turning complex research into engaging, accessible tools for the public good. Thank you to all who visited, interacted with our heroes, and joined us in this mission. #RIU #PublicServiceExpo2025 #XjenzaMalta #ClimateHeroes #DigitalTwins #ClimateAdaptation #SDGs #HorizonEurope #Edukazzjoni #MaltaYouth #FutureScientists #CartoonHeroes #ThermalJustice #Malta

RIU represented the Government of Malta at the “New Capabilities and Countries in European Space” Conference hosted by the European Space Agency - ESA in Frascati, Italy, on 14–15 May 2025. We extend our sincere thanks to Xjenza Malta and its CEO Silvio Scerri for coordinating the Maltese delegation and fostering national collaboration across the scientific and space-tech communities. Co-leads Fabian Borg and Mandy Farrugia of the Research Innovation Unit (RIU) proudly presented Malta’s climate foresight capabilities built around our exclusive use of PHASE 1 and PHASE 2 technologies. These systems are transforming ESA and Copernicus Earth Observation data into real-time simulations for: ·      The Digital Twin of Malta – a national-scale foresight engine ·      Medicane Helios – high-resolution storm surge and flood mapping ·      Heatwave Cerberus – UHI and heat stress risk modelling ·      JUSTNatureProject H2020 – thermal justice and greening strategy tools ·      EO-driven circular economy tools – landfill methane and waste monitoring Our team also highlighted RIU’s unique experience in operationalising EO data from Sentinel-2, 3a, 5p, Landsat, CAMS, and CMEMS, with plans to expand our engagement through PECS, Horizon, and Destination Earth programmes. We welcome European and global partners interested in co-developing Digital Twin solutions or testing downstream climate foresight applications. #ESA #PHASE2 #DigitalTwin #EarthObservation #SpaceForClimate #JUSTNature #ClimateAdaptation #EUClimateMission #Malta #RIU_Malta #Copernicus #ClimateForesight #CircularEconomy #XjenzaMalta #SpaceResearch #DTMT #JUSTNature