are evaluated throughout the year by an adjudication panel and the winners participate in a Prize Tour to the major European Institutions in Brussels & Strasbourg organized by NSTF. The most commendable students are nominated "Ambassadors of the NSTF Mini European Assembly" and are given the opportunity, by the Foundation, to participate in similar even overseas, namely the European Youth Parliament and the Model European Parliament. Throughout the years, the Assembly has served as an information platform for a considerable number of Maltese students to become well versed in European policies and institutions. It helps them formulate ideas for political measures about current affairs and demonstrates the range and variety of practices of intercultural dialogue. The Assembly is a means to assist the students in acquiring knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to enable them to deal with a more open and more complex society. It raises awareness to the importance of developing active European citizenship which is open to the world, respectful of cultural diversity and based on common values held in Europe. The Mini European Assembly also highlights the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity to the enhancement of the way of life in the participating states. Many of these students go on to attain principal and influential roles within society, both locally and overseas, crediting the NSTF Mini European Assembly for preparing them for their significant work later on in life. In December 2007, the NSTF Mini European Assembly was awarded second place in the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) prize for organized Civil Society. This was a great prestige for the Foundation as it meant that its efforts to educate Maltese youth on European issues, equip them with many skills necessary in today's world and instill in them broadminded attitudes has been recognized. NSTF Science Programmes NSTF Malta Student Science Forum The NSTF Malta Student Science Forum is being organized for the 15th Year during this current academic year. Students aged 16–22 meet at five sessions to discuss a different scientific topic at each session. Students team up to prepare presentations on the various topics. Furthermore, a scientist specialized in the field being discussed is invited to aid discussion. This program is held in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Scientists. Participants are evaluated throughout the year by an adjudicating panel and the winners participate in the London International Youth Science Forum as