Brian Bartolo, a researcher at The Foundation for Innovation and Research – Malta (FiR.mt), has received the prestigious 2026 IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) Outstanding Student Scholarship, joining just ten recipients selected worldwide. The international recognition marks an important achievement for Malta’s engineering and research community.

The award was presented during IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Europe (ISGT Europe 2026), held this week in Budapest, Hungary, in October 2026. Brian was one of only two recipients from IEEE Region 8, which covers Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The scholarship is a highly selective international distinction recognising academic excellence in electrical power and energy engineering, contributions to community and societal needs, and leadership in encouraging student engagement within IEEE PES. The recognition is particularly significant for Malta, as it is the first ever recipient of this specific IEEE PES international scholarship.

From Academic Research to International Recognition

Brian was awarded a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (by Research) by the University of Malta in 2026. His thesis, Data Analytics for Photovoltaics Reliability and Operations, focused on the application of data analytics and digital technologies to improve the monitoring, assessment and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems.

His research was undertaken within the Department of Systems and Control Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, under the principal supervision of Prof. Kenneth Scerri and co-supervision of Prof. Dr Inġ. Brian Azzopardi.

The research was supported through FiR.mt, particularly under the European Union’s Horizon Europe-funded PROMISE – Photovoltaics Reliability Operations and Maintenance Innovative Solutions for Energy Alliance project (Grant Agreement 101079469).

Through his research activities at FiR.mt, Brian contributed to the development of digital tools, data acquisition and monitoring approaches, analytical models and performance assessment methodologies addressing practical challenges in the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic installations.

These activities are especially relevant to Malta, where distributed rooftop solar systems play an increasingly important role in the energy transition, and effective performance monitoring is essential to maintaining their long-term contribution.

Advancing Applied Research Through FiR.mt

Brian’s work extends beyond his Master’s research and includes scientific publications, conference presentations and contributions to FiR.mt’s experimental Living Laboratories in Malta.

His research activities have supported the development of data-driven methodologies for understanding PV performance, reliability and interactions with electricity networks.

Among his recent contributions was a study presented at EU PVSEC 2026, examining how measured solar irradiance and utility electricity records can be combined to assess the performance of small-scale PV installations without requiring dedicated monitoring equipment. The methodology demonstrated the potential for more accessible and cost-effective assessment of residential PV systems.

At EuroSun 2026, Brian also presented research investigating the interaction between rooftop photovoltaics and electric vehicle charging in low-voltage electricity networks, exploring how the orientation and arrangement of PV installations can influence network performance.

These activities demonstrate the practical value of combining experimental measurements, analytical modelling and scientific research to support renewable energy deployment and more resilient electricity systems.

Brian has also contributed to FiR.mt’s broader research, digitalisation and international collaboration activities, strengthening links between applied engineering research and practical challenges facing the energy transition.

Commitment to the IEEE Engineering Community

An important dimension of the scholarship is recognition of contributions beyond academic achievement.

Brian has actively supported the IEEE engineering community, including making a substantial contribution to the organisation and delivery of IEEE PES ISGT Europe 2025, hosted in Malta.

His involvement included technical and organisational support, collaboration with the conference organising team and engagement with researchers and engineering professionals from different countries.

Such activities reflect the importance of encouraging emerging researchers not only to undertake scientific work, but also to contribute to professional communities, knowledge exchange and international engineering collaboration.

The IEEE PES scholarship selection process takes into consideration academic performance, research contributions, IEEE engagement, leadership and service to the wider community.

Supporting Research Talent in Malta

For FiR.mt, Brian’s achievement highlights the importance of sustained investment in people, research infrastructure and opportunities for early-career researchers.

As an independent non-profit research organisation, FiR.mt supports the development of research capacity in Malta through internationally funded projects, experimental Living Laboratories, scientific mentorship and collaboration with universities, industry and international research partners.

The collaboration between FiR.mt and the University of Malta, particularly through PROMISE, has enabled research activities that connect postgraduate education with real-world engineering challenges, scientific dissemination and international networking.

Brian’s recognition demonstrates how researchers working within Malta’s relatively small research ecosystem can contribute to international scientific communities and achieve recognition alongside researchers from leading institutions worldwide.

FiR.mt warmly congratulates Brian Bartolo on this significant international achievement, recognising his dedication to research, engineering and professional development.

The Foundation also acknowledges the University of Malta, the academic supervision team, IEEE PES, the PROMISE consortium partners, the FiR.mt research support team and the wider network of collaborators who have contributed to Brian’s research and development.

We look forward to his continued contributions to electrical power and energy research, innovation and the development of engineering expertise in Malta.

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Related announcements

• IEEE PES – Outstanding Student Scholarship and 2026 Recipients
• University of Malta – UM Master’s Graduate Receives International IEEE PES Scholarship
• FiR.mt – Celebrating MSc Achievement

The PROMISE project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101079469.