National Collaborations in Malta
ISDI has developed strong national partnerships to support joint research studies, networking and international projects of excellence. Through formal Memoranda of Cooperation, we aim to devise new applications, tools and trainings in sustainable energy (including solutions applied to built heritage) and in the valorisation of cultural heritage through sustainable development-driven activities. These collaborations can also support joint capacity building initiatives in third countries, including developing contexts.
Memoranda of Cooperation
Din l-Art Ħelwa – National Trust of Malta
Din l-Art Ħelwa is a non-governmental, not-for-profit voluntary organisation founded in 1965 to safeguard Malta’s historic, artistic and natural heritage. Through our Memorandum of Cooperation, we support heritage valorisation and sustainability-driven initiatives, enabling joint actions, knowledge exchange and capacity-building opportunities that bridge cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) – University of Malta
ISE is part of the University of Malta and aims to support the development of national energy plans through studies on new and renewable energy sources and energy conservation. Under our cooperation framework, we collaborate on sustainability and energy-related initiatives—linking research, education and dissemination—while exploring practical applications, tools and training opportunities, including those relevant to built heritage contexts.
Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) – Malta
ITS is Malta’s main educational institution for tourism and hospitality, offering programmes from Foundation to Master’s degree level (MQF Levels 2–7). With its main campus located near Malta International Airport and an additional campus in Gozo, ITS supports skills development for the sector through academic programmes and a dedicated Training School offering a wide range of scheduled short courses throughout the year. This Memorandum of Cooperation strengthens collaboration on training, applied initiatives and project development—particularly in sustainable tourism, heritage-sensitive visitor economy models and capacity building aligned with Malta’s long-term tourism quality objectives.
Joint initiatives & pilots
Joint initiatives & pilots
Beyond formal Memoranda of Cooperation, ISDI actively contributes to practical, on-the-ground initiatives in Malta that translate sustainability objectives into tangible outcomes. These activities strengthen local capacity, enable knowledge transfer and support replication of innovative approaches within EU and international frameworks.
Pilot & applied innovation
GEO4CIVHIC — Shallow geothermal pilot in Valletta
Within GEO4CIVHIC, ISDI supported Din l-Art Ħelwa – National Trust of Malta as a consultant in the development of a shallow geothermal system in Valletta, representing a pioneering prototype in its context. The initiative demonstrates how innovative energy solutions can be explored in heritage-sensitive environments, combining technical feasibility with sustainability objectives.
Capacity building & equality initiatives
Gender Equality Plan & Women Empowerment — collaboration with AcrossLimits
ISDI collaborated with AcrossLimits on the development of a Gender Equality Plan and related women empowerment actions, while also contributing to the organisation of multiple meetings and capacity-building moments aimed at strengthening stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange and practical implementation readiness.