About Us – The Research Innovation Unit (RIU)

“We simulate, so you can adapt.”

The Research Innovation Unit (RIU) is Malta’s climate foresight engine, a specialist public-sector entity forging operational tools to combat heat, flooding, storm surge, sea-level rise, and climate-induced inequalities through Digital Twins, Earth Observation, and AI-powered simulation.

Founded within Malta’s Local Government framework, RIU has grown into one of the EU’s most advanced subnational climate units, recognised by the European Commission, European Environment Agency, and the European Space Agency.

Our Mandate

Rooted in Article 33(1)(q) of Malta’s Local Councils Act (Chapter 363), our legal mission is clear:

“Protect the natural and urban environment… ensure the more efficient use of energy, good waste management and climate change initiatives.”

We operationalise this through cutting-edge simulation tools and real-time digital foresight, placing Malta at the frontline of climate intelligence.

Our Leadership

RIU is co-led by:

Fabian Borg

Scientific & Strategic Lead

Creator of PHASE 2, pioneer of Malta’s Digital Twin (DTMT-01), and architect of the Climate Command doctrine now shaping EU multilevel governance policy.

Mandy Farrugia

Executive, Administrative & Financial Lead

Senior public servant with 20+ years in government, ensuring strategic continuity, financial integrity, and legal compliance for all RIU operations.

Together, they embody RIU’s core ethos: data, discipline, and foresight at every level of governance.

Our Flagship Technologies

  1. PHASE 2: An open-source, scientifically accurate digital twin engine capable of forecasting climate extremes in 15-minute intervals.
  2. DTMT-01: Malta’s first national-scale digital twin, integrating Copernicus, Sentinel-2, bathymetry, and remote-sensed 3D buildings.
  3. Urban Heat & Flood Apps: Public-facing platforms that convert satellite data into citizen foresight.
  4. Landfill Intelligence: Circular economy tools transforming methane risks into energy assets.

Our Impact (EU + Beyond)

RIU has presented at:

  1. European Space Agency (ESA) – Frascati, Italy
  2. European Commission (DG CLIMA & DG CNECT) – Brussels
  3. European Environment Agency (EEA) – Vienna
  4. Parliament of Malta – Ġenerazzjoni Klima
  5. Public Service Expo 2025 – Valletta

Our methodology is being explored as a replicable model for EU27 and beyond.

Youth & Outreach

RIU’s Foresight Education Programme has reached 6,000+ students, using:

  1. Cartoon superheroes to explain extreme weather;
  2. School-based urban heat mapping with NASA GLOBE;
  3. Real digital twins in classrooms — turning climate anxiety into empowerment.

Our Vision

We no longer “adapt.” We command the climate risks ahead. Through bottom-up foresight and top-down EU integration, RIU is executing a new operational model we call:

Climate Command – Resilience is no longer reactive.

Key Initiatives and Projects

  1. JUSTNature Project: This initiative focuses on implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) to promote low-carbon cities. It addresses urban challenges related to income inequality, biodiversity, and environmental impacts, ensuring a just transition to sustainable urban living. The project uses advanced technologies like the LoRaWAN Gateway to collect and analyze environmental data in real-time, aiding in the development of digital twins for urban planning​.
  2. Urban Heat Island Interactive Web App: Developed to monitor and visualize temperature variations in urban areas, this tool uses data from Earth Observation Satellites and street-level sensors. It helps policymakers make informed decisions to mitigate the urban heat island effect​. A recent study revealed that a road in Gzira was 11°C hotter than a nearby valley, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in urban planning​.
  3. GoGreenRoutes: This project involves creating "Urban Well-being Labs" that integrate citizen science and digital innovation to promote sustainable urban living. The initiative focuses on transforming urban spaces into healthier, more resilient environments​.
  4. VARCITIES: Aimed at establishing sustainable models for enhancing citizen health and well-being across various European climates, this project leverages green infrastructure and innovative urban design to address climate challenges​​.
  5. RISE Cities Program: Fabian Borg, the co-lead of RIU, participated in this fellowship program, which promotes responsible leadership and sustainable urban development. The program focuses on resilience, intelligence, sustainability, and equity in urban planning​​.

Collaborations and Stakeholder Engagement

We actively engage with local councils, government bodies, academic institutions, and international partners to foster a collaborative approach towards achieving our climate goals. Our work has been recognized and featured in various news outlets, showcasing our contribution to Malta's research and innovation landscape. Notable collaborations include the European Innovation Council (EIC) and Horizon Europe projects, which place us at the forefront of breakthrough discoveries in science and technology​ (Representation in Malta)​​ (Research Trust Malta)​.

In the News

Our work has been highlighted in several media outlets. The Times of Malta reported on our study revealing temperature variations in Gzira, showcasing the impact of urban heat islands and the effectiveness of our nature-based solutions​ (NetworkNature)​. Lovin Malta featured an interview with Fabian Borg, discussing how Malta has become significantly hotter over the years and the measures we are taking to combat this trend​​. Additional coverage of our projects and their impact can be found on platforms such as JUSTNature, GoGreenRoutes, and VARCITIES websites​​.

Contact Us

To learn more about our projects, initiatives, and how you can get involved, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can build a sustainable and resilient future for Malta and beyond.