On 23 May 2025, the Research Innovation Unit (RIU) took centre stage at the Public Service Expo 2025, Malta’s national platform for excellence in public sector innovation. RIU showcased the fusion of climate intelligence, digital twins, and science communication tools aimed to 6000+ mid-school students.
The RIU stand was delivered in collaboration with Xjenza Malta, ensuring that technical innovation was presented not only as policy infrastructure, but also as a creative learning experience for all age groups.
Climate Tools for Real-Time Action
Visitors to the RIU exhibit experienced first-hand the digital technologies transforming climate resilience planning across the Maltese Islands:
- Malta Heat Severity App – Visualising areas most at risk during heatwaves using real-time datasets
- Actual Population Density App – Mapping how people truly occupy space beyond official census zones
- Gżira Digital Twin Pilot – Demonstrating localised simulations of urban heat and greening effects
- PHASE 2 Sneak Peek – Malta’s homegrown engine for storm surge, sea-level rise, and urban flooding simulations
- DTMT-01 (Digital Twin of Malta) – The nation’s first geospatial simulation platform launched in December 2024
These tools were displayed on tablets and screens for hands-on engagement, drawing in local government officials, students, NGOs, and even school children.
Meet the Climate Superheroes: Reflective Supervision Comes to Life
One of the highlights of RIU’s stand was the public debut of its cartoon-based science communication project: the Reflective Supervision Superheroes. Designed to simplify and humanise the principles of co-leadership, ethics, and climate justice, this new cartoon series was met with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Visitors were introduced to each superhero — each representing a core value of sustainable governance — through animated panels and storyboards. The project reinforces RIU’s commitment to using narrative, creativity, and education as central pillars of citizen empowerment.
A Future-Ready Public Service
The event also allowed RIU to reaffirm its role as a national knowledge broker and EU-facing climate unit, sharing how its tools align with:
- EU Adaptation Strategy and EUCRA
- Digital Europe and Destination Earth initiatives
- Local adaptation planning and youth climate education
The combined display of scientific simulations and accessible visual storytelling exemplified the spirit of innovation RIU brings to Malta’s public sector.
Reflections and Next Steps
The response from the public, particularly younger attendees and educators, confirmed that digital tools must be paired with creative methods to make climate resilience both understandable and actionable.
As the RIU team looks ahead, it will continue:
- Expanding the Reflective Supervision superheroes series across public platforms
- Supporting schools, local councils, and ministries with tailored tools and visual aids
- Collaborating with Xjenza Malta and partners to scale Malta’s leadership in climate communication and digital governance
