Quality of education and research

Over the past five years, the quality of education and research at the University of Malta improved by leaps and bounds, reflecting the government’s policies that prioritise education as the foundation on which our country is built. The Prime Minister was right to say this week that investment, research and innovation at the University of Malta both conceived and retained industries in Malta that may otherwise have set up operations elsewhere. Over the past few days, two new labs were inaugurated within the Faculty for Engineering, one specialised in biomedical engineering and the other in control systems.

The number of students attending the University increased from 6,362 in 2000 to 11,341 this year. This week, the University opened its doors to an incredible 3,561 new students. When I graduated in 1990, there were just over 800 students at the University.

The opportunities available have increased with the opening of new courses, which, until a few years ago, could only be specialised in overseas. This year, 697 courses are being offered, 25 more than those offered last year.

The government has also continued to invest in human resources by considerably increasing the number of lecturers over the past few years. Members of academic staff have been awarded scholarships, allowing them to specialise in sectors that are of national importance and this contributes towards sustaining economic activity in our country.

Thanks to EU funds and co-finance by the government, the University is now benefiting from millions of euros worth of investment in modern facilities and increased research. Such investments and scholarships being awarded annually by the government are opening up numerous opportunities for young researchers.

EU membership has also made possible the University’s participation in research projects financed by the EU, thus creating collaboration with universities and other entities across Europe. We have consistently demonstrated our faith in our youths. We all remember the time when others purposely restricted access to the University yet today promise pipe dreams to youth where the Magic Kiosk once stood!

Talking of research, Steve Jobs, Apple’s founder, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer yesterday, immediately comes to mind. His vision and genius provide us with tools we use every day: iPhones and iPads, to name just two. His creative output is testimony to the importance of research and innovation. We need not all be Steve Jobs but innovation can take multiple forms and we do well to invest heavily in R&D – October 6.

Going deep

I have just concluded a short but intense visit to Aberdeen, Scotland, which aimed to renew and strengthen our relations in the sector of deep offshore wind energy installations, that is those that operate in sea that is over 30 metres deep.

Scotland remains a key leader within this rapidly evolving industry, successfully merging technological know-how in the building of oil rigs and the building of wind turbines.

During this visit, we met with researchers, operators and competent authorities who informed us of the recent developments in clean energy generated from deep offshore wind energy installations that have taken place in Scotland. We also discussed our own experiences with the studies being carried out for the building of a wind farm on Sikka l-Bajda that would generate around 95MW of clean energy.

Sikka l-Bajda is between 15 and 30 metres deep, which would, therefore, require what is considered to be a shallow offshore installation. Sikka l-Bajda is the only reef in Malta with a viable size and depth for the building of a wind farm within a reasonable timeframe. Other reefs are too small or too close to land.

It is therefore in our interest to look ahead and consider making use of the wide expanse of sea at our disposal where depth varies between 45 and 70 metres. Moreover, the forthcoming installation of the interconnector with the European grid will facilitate the operation of such wind turbines in Malta whereby energy generated may be more easily fed into the larger grid.

Our delegation also visited two wind turbines that generate around 5MW and are installed in the sea that is 45 metres deep. The turbines were installed in 2006 and form part of the EU-financed Beatrice Project. We also discussed the development of greater collaboration in research between the University of Malta and the University of Aberdeen. I was struck by the collaboration this University boasts with Scottish Development International and industry through the Scottish European Green Energy Centre. Scotland is clearly investing heavily in human resources to remain a key leader in such technologies and increased collaboration will certainly be to our benefit – October 2.

Thank you, Vince

Over the past few days, I had to bid farewell to WasteServ’s CEO, engineer Vince Magri, who has reached retirement age. While many might be unfamiliar with the name, I am certain that all may recognise the radical changes brought about within this sector under his direction. He has been involved in the waste management sector since his transfer from the management of the Marsa Works Division, soon after the 1996 election.

In the few words I delivered during a reception thanking him for his contribution, I noted that this transfer proved to be a providential one. He did not shy away from doing his utmost to ensure that this sector underwent, and continues to undergo, a drastic revolution. The mountain of waste at Magħtab no longer epitomises the sector in Malta. I recently delivered a presentation on the progress of Magħtab’s transformation into a recreational area, whereby works have begun on the next phase of the landfill’s rehabilitation, amounting to €4 million. Unfortunately, the visible effect of such projects takes time to be seen, yet progress continues as planned.

Vince’s role was pivotal within the revolution that has taken place. He, together with the rest of the team at WasteServ, have been instrumental in laying the foundations of an infrastructure on which we can continue to build and also nurturing a new mentality. Vince steered WasteServ into success and did not shy away in the face of campaigns of misinformation, such as in the case of the Sant’Antnin waste treatment plant.

I would like to salute and thank Vince. Since being given responsibility for waste management in 2003, I have truly found a friend and pillar. I hope that his dedication and commitment will continue to guide the management and staff at WasteServ long into the future – October 1.

Increased quality in agriculture

Yesterday, I announced a four-year assistance scheme for farmers through an investment of about €8 million. This assistance forms part of the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme for Malta. Through this programme, Malta is benefiting from a package of over €101 million, whereby €61 million have already been distributed among 8,313 beneficiaries.

Such figures force one to wonder whether the agricultural sector could have benefited in this way had Malta failed to join the EU. How would we have overcome importation challenges had we chosen Partnership? This by no means implies that we have overcome all challenges but such funds have certainly allowed for greater investment allowing farmers to be more sustainable, competitive and able to improve their produce. This is the objective of such assistance, not simply subsidies but investment that makes farming more efficient and profitable while consumers may benefit from an improved product.

Driving through rural areas, one may notice more green houses, wind turbines and photovoltaic panels, cow farms have adequate shading and so many more advances that have taken place thanks to the enthusiasm of farmers who are willing to invest.

The assistance provided for measures to modernise agricultural businesses amount to 50 per cent of the total investment while the remainder is forked out by the farmer. This begs the question: Who would be ready to invest if he didn’t believe he would make progress? The answer is an easy one.

This sector, like many others, is experiencing an exciting period in which challenges are being transformed into opportunities. For example, investments within the dairy sector have led to more milk being produced, with fewer expenses for farmers. A farmer who invested in reservoirs and clean energy is not only making a return on his investment but also saving money. We must continue forging ahead with courage and motivation.

Further information can be found at www.mrra.gov.mt/pa – September 11.

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The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.