Some of Malta’s best kept secrets revealed in University publication

The first issue of Research Matters, a bi-annual magazine focused on research carried out at the University of Malta, showcases 13 important projects.

The projects include a ground-breaking insight on the genetic mechanisms regulating and controlling haemoglobin switching, new materials that behave counter-intuitively in life-saving stents, the engineering of intelligent molecules intended for medical diagnostics, the regeneration of dead neurons after brain injury, and new surgical tools to enhance keyhole surgery.

The magazine features projects including the understanding of oceanic and seismic activity around Malta, high frequency radars to detect oil spills and other threats at sea, and studies of trawl fishing samples to understand and monitor the feeding and stock trends around Malta.

The University is involved in the development of systems for solar desalination of water in Mediterranean conditions, and of onboard control systems to improve runway safety during take-off and landing avoiding serious aircraft incidents using electronic systems designs.

Research Matters shows that highly complex studies being conducted at the University of Malta lead to very practical applications and solutions.

But Malta urgently needs to give more importance to research and encourage graduates to remain on the island to contribute to the economy and the community. A Eurobarometer survey last year showed Malta performed below EU average in innovation, with low levels of public and private investment in research and development.

A few months ago, the University established the Research, Innovation and Development Trust with an initial capital of €500,000 invested by the government.

The Trust Fund will help the University attract private donations to be used primarily for research purposes. Individuals and companies are being asked to donate money to the Trust Fund either by earmarking their donations for specific projects, or allowing the board of trustees to manage the funds. Such donations to the fund will be tax deductible.

As it has no assets or reserves of its own, the University is wholly dependent on government contributions to finance its operations. In recent years, the University managed to start decreasing this dependency by generating around 15 per cent of its income, mostly from fees paid by foreign students.

For information about the Trust Fund one may contact contact Wilfred Kenely at wilfred.kenely@um.edu.mt.