Xjenza Malta, in collaboration with the University of Malta through the Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy (ISSA), commemorated the bicentenary of the death of Professor Giuseppe Piazzi during a special event held on 24th July 2026 at the Esplora Planetarium Hall, Villa Bighi, Kalkara.The event marked 200 years since the passing of Giuseppe Piazzi, the renowned astronomer, educator and visionary best known for discovering the dwarf planet Ceres in 1801. Born in Ponte in Valtellina and educated in Sicily, Piazzi maintained close ties with Malta throughout his life and played an important role in advancing scientific knowledge and higher education across the region. His legacy continued to inspire generations of scientists and educators, while highlighting the enduring importance of curiosity, research and international scientific collaboration.Organised jointly by Xjenza Malta and the University of Malta, the event reflected the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening Malta‘s scientific culture, promoting public engagement with science and supporting excellence in astronomy, space sciences and STEM education. Hosted at the Esplora Planetarium Hall within Villa Bighi, the commemorative event also highlighted Xjenza Malta‘s continued investment in science communication and outreach, while showcasing Malta‘s growing contribution to space-related research and international collaboration.The invited audience included representatives from academia, the research community, government entities, the education sector, the diplomatic corps and stakeholders from Malta‘s growing space ecosystem. The commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect on Piazzi‘s remarkable achievements while considering the opportunities and ambitions that continue to shape Malta‘s role in astronomy and space sciences.“Professor Giuseppe Piazzi‘s legacy reminds us that scientific discovery begins with curiosity and vision. This commemoration honoured his remarkable contribution to science while reaffirming Malta‘s commitment to space science, research, international collaboration, while inspiring future generations to pursue STEM,” Chief Executive Officer of Xjenza Malta Silvio Scerri said, closing the commemorative event.“The history of Piazzi reminds us that science, like diplomacy, is made of people. The human factor shapes the world around us and it is also thanks to the lives of men and women such as Piazzi that peoples have come to know one another. Between Italy and Malta there is a long-standing and concrete collaboration. Our commitment is to foster this dialogue, through agreements between our research centres and our universities and above all through the human factor,” Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of Italy to Malta Santo Purello said.The event formed part of Xjenza Malta’s broader efforts to strengthen Malta’s participation in the international space sector, promote scientific literacy and encourage collaboration between academia, government and industry. By commemorating one of astronomy’s most influential figures, Xjenza Malta and the University of Malta reaffirmed their commitment to advancing research, innovation and scientific excellence while reinforcing Malta’s position within the global scientific community.The event formed part of Xjenza Malta‘s broader efforts to strengthen Malta‘s participation in the international space sector, promote scientific literacy and encourage collaboration between academia, government and industry. By commemorating one of astronomy‘s most influential figures, Xjenza Malta and the University of Malta reaffirmed their commitment to advancing research, innovation and scientific excellence, while reinforcing Malta‘s position within the global scientific community.Tag someone you know is interested•