University publicises its research

The University recently launched a bi-annual magazine entitled Research Matters, to share news about the latest research taking place on the campus.

Highly complex studies conducted at University lead to very practical solutions

The first issue deals with 13 research projects, some of which have led to the development of technologies that can lower costs in industry, while others could contribute to saving lives.

A number of the research projects are medical related, and include a groundbreaking 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, including the development of a prototype incorporating scissors, grasper and hook all in one tool.

Other research projects focus on understanding 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 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.

University rector Juanito Camilleri said this is just an initial snapshot of the array of research projects being conducted.

“We want to change the perception that the University is predominantly engaged in teaching. It shows some of the exciting research activity that takes place on our campus, and how this is of benefit to the Maltese community and beyond.”

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

For instance, the creation of a radically innovative ultra high speed, multi-vision 3D camera offers a technology that can be applied, among other uses, to detect driver vigilance and thus avoids collisions and injuries to pedestrians.

Another research project is the development of a mathematical theory that can lead to new cheaper mobile phones, or to the security testing of a credit card number when transmitted over the internet, or even to conduct an operation without surgery.

Yet another research study shows how ICT helps keep a vulnerable language, like Maltese, alive and relevant through digital tools that have been created by the University to appreciate and maintain the value of the Maltese language for future use by empowering its users with highly modern linguistic tools.

In a Eurobarometer survey published last year, Malta emerged as performing below the EU average in innovation, with one of its main weaknesses being low levels of public and private investment in research and development.

This revealed an urgent need for Malta to give more importance to research and to encourage graduates to remain in Malta, contributing to the economy and the community.

Apart from preparing graduates,the purpose of the University is also to carry out research that benefited society.

In order to face this challenge, a few months ago, the University established the Research, Innovation and Development Trust with an initial capital of €500,000 invested by the government. 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.

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

Research Matters is free of charge. To obtain a copy and for more information about the Trust fund e-mail Wilfred Kenely at wilfred.kenely@um.edu.mt.