Bright, young Malta !!

ROLCAM · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:10 am Post subject: Bright, young Malta !!

Bright, young Malta

The following is an abstract of a cutting-edge new invention. It is short and to the point:

"Electrostatic Soot Absorber: Air pollution caused by fume emissions is a health hazard. Tiny soot particles formed when materials or fuels burn, have various negative effects. Soot induces irritation and breathing problems.

"It also produces harmful black crust deposits on buildings and historical sites. Plants - the key source of life on earth - are damaged when the black material covers their leaves preventing photosynthesis. Moreover, soot contributes to worldwide concerns such as climate change.

"The purpose of this project is to decrease the emissions of soot in air by designing a simple device based on electric principles. Two oppositely charged plates supplied by high voltage attract smoke particles, preventing air pollution. The device can be dismantled and the soot scraped off and deposited in landfills. The reusable apparatus can be adapted and installed in vehicle exhaust pipes and domestic fireplace chimneys, which are major soot emitters. Such an invention gives the users the opportunity to contribute in the creation of a cleaner and healthier environment."

Sounds good, doesn't it?

Some readers might already be thinking that this project was conceived in some secluded laboratory, somewhere in mainland Europe, or in some university in the United States or Asia.

No it is not. This idea is much closer to home. Indeed, it is home.

The abstract above illustrates the Maltese entry in the European Union Contest for Young Scientists. This is an initiative supported by the European Commission and aimed at promoting cooperation and exchange of ideas among young people interested in science. The 19th edition of this contest has been held some days ago in Valencia.

The three young Maltese scientists who came up with this idea and developed a prototype are Simon Theuma, Antonella Scerri and Rachel Debattista.

This is one great story about the young Maltese and young Malta. Unfortunately, mainstream media are not always interested in reporting "good stories", given their lack of sensationalism. Well, sort of. I, for one, think that having young people come up with useful ideas that make practical, environmental and commercial sense is sensational.

These three young scientists came up with a simple concept to address a problem we face regularly in our country, be it the "mysterious" black soot in Fgura or the blatantly illegal incinerator at St Luke's. This Maltese technology has potential and should be further developed to help solve these and similar problems.

This is where a Venture Capital Fund would fit the bill perfectly. Unfortunately, despite the pledges to this effect during Budget speeches, year in, year out, this much-needed initiative is still nowhere to be seen.

But let us not be discouraged. Facts and experience show that as a people we are innovative and creative. Earning a living in a country devoid of any natural mineral resources, including water, proves it beyond doubt.

Encouraging young Maltese and Gozitans to come up with their ideas and put them into practice helps build a bright future for this nation.

Well done!
_________________
Roland Camilleri

Moderator

Sydney , Australia.