The Foundation for Innovation and Research – Malta (FiR.mt) proudly celebrates a remarkable national achievement as Carmel Azzopardi receives the Intergenerational Solidarity Award at Premju Anzjanità Attiva 2026, recognising his exceptional contribution to IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Europe 2025 (ISGT Europe 2025), hosted by the Foundation in Malta.

The award was presented during the Premju Anzjanità Attiva 2026 ceremony, held on 30 October 2026 at The Xara Lodge, Rabat, under the patronage of H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, as part of an initiative of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Active Ageing.

Selected from five nominations in the category, this prestigious national recognition marks another important milestone in the Foundation’s growing impact beyond scientific research and technological innovation.

By hosting IEEE PES ISGT Europe 2025, the largest edition of ISGT Europe to date, welcoming 866 participants from more than 50 countries, FiR.mt created a unique international platform bringing together engineering, education, Maltese culture, community participation and intergenerational collaboration.

At the heart of this achievement was Carmel Azzopardi, aged 74 during the conference, who voluntarily contributed his time, extensive practical experience and community connections to support the preparation and successful delivery of the event.

Working alongside younger researchers, engineers and organising teams, Carmel demonstrated how experience and innovation can complement one another, transforming intergenerational solidarity into meaningful action.

For FiR.mt, this award represents far more than the successful delivery of an international conference. It celebrates the Foundation’s ability to create opportunities where people of different generations can contribute, collaborate and achieve national recognition together.