The Research Networking Scheme (RNS) initiative empowers academics to expand their professional networks and increase research visibility through three distinct funding tracks. Below is a summary of the available options and the specific deadlines for University of Malta academics.
Networking & Collaboration Opportunities Applicants may apply for up to EUR 8,000 for projects spanning a period of 12 months under one of the following options:
Option A: Local Networking Scheme (LNS) Focused on activities within Malta. This supports two or more Maltese entities (or a mix of Maltese and foreign partners) in hosting local seminars, workshops, training sessions, and conferences.
Option B: International Networking Scheme (INS) Focused on activities outside of Malta. This track covers travel costs for attending international conferences, short scientific missions, and other cross-border research activities.
Maltese Diaspora Top-Up: An additional EUR 2,000 is available for projects that involve a Maltese Diaspora researcher—defined as a Maltese citizen or a researcher of Maltese descent currently living and working abroad.
The Open Access Journal Support This strand is designed to help past beneficiaries of Xjenza Malta research grants increase the impact of their work with up to EUR 4,000 per successful application.
Option C Requirements: Support is specifically for publishing research results in peer-reviewed, open-access journals. The publication must be directly related to a project previously funded by Xjenza Malta.
The call remains open for one year; however, please note that proposals are evaluated and awarded on a first come first served basis, with a target of 10 projects awarded or until funds are exhausted.
This page is a summary of the available options under this call, along with internal deadlines for University of Malta. For full eligibility criteria and application documents, please consult the Xjenza Malta .
Please fill in and send the following by the internal deadlines TO:funding.rssd@um.edu.mt to review and support with your proposal documentation CC:preaward.rgfm@um.edu.mt for financial planning and budget approval
International Networking Scheme
Local Networking Scheme
Open Access Journal Support
The Budget Template [Excel] by the Pre-Award Team at the office for Research Grants Finance Management (RGFM). Please use the template for Option A and Option B. For Option C, no template is needed, but you must still inform the Pre-Award Team of your intent to apply.
Option A: Local Networking Scheme - To send your drafts to our offices. - To finalise your proposal - all documents ready. Submit to Xjenza Malta by
Option B: International Networking Scheme - To send your drafts to our offices. - To finalise your proposal - all documents ready. Submit to Xjenza Malta by
Option C: Open Access Journal Support Send your Drafts to our offices by latest, 2 weeks before you intend to submit. Finalise your proposal - All Docs ready by latest, 1 week before you intend to submit. Submit to Xjenza Malta by latest,
Xjenza Malta will not be taking any applications for the following periods of recess:
30 June 2026 to 31 August 2026
1 December 2026 to 9 January 2027.
Adhering to deadlines is essential not only to inform the University about your intended submission but also to allow us to support you and to get your application signed in time (when applicable).
Email Subject Line: Research Networking Scheme 2026
The application form in MS Word (.docx) format.
The same application in a PDF Format with signature.
A precise plan of project activities, timeframes, and deliverables.
A detailed plan of how Beneficiary’s knowledge and, where applicable subcontractors or co-collaborators, will be used to perform the project tasks and to achieve the project.
The Detailed budget breakdown form (.xlsx).
Curricula Vitae of principle investigator/s from local and partner institution/s.
Letters of support provided by all partner institutions, confirming any matching or additional funding.
Self-declaration form in the case of Diaspora Researcher
Agenda of events, activities, training etc.
Profile of potential partners
The signed Non-State Aid Declaration Form for a public “research and knowledge dissemination organisation”, or for a public entity, that does not carry out an economic activity within the meaning of Article 107 TFEU
The signed Additional Declarations (found within application)
Max Email with Attachments: 20MB (use cloud storage for larger files)
Documents for Option C (Open Access Journal Support)
Email Subject Line: Research Networking Scheme 2026
The application form in MS Word (.docx) format
The same application form in a PDF format with signature
Curricula Vitae of principle investigator/s
The signed Non-State Aid Declaration Form for a public “research and knowledge dissemination organisation”, or for a public entity, that does not carry out an economic activity within the meaning of Article 107 TFEU
Signed additional declarations (found within application)
Max Email with Attachments: 20MB (use cloud storage for larger files)
An information session was held on 13 February 2026.
Xjenza Malta have now shared a recording of the webinar:
