The University Student Council (KSU), the University of Malta, its chaplaincy and a number of student organisations who teamed up for the Christmas on Campus campaign, presented €4,000 to the University’s Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT), in aid of cancer research projects.

Pierre Schembri-Wismayer, head of the Anatomy Department within the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, said the two projects will benefit from these funds.

The first revolved around the use of natural products to cause differentiation in different types of cancer cells causing the malignant cells to die more naturally.

“This research mainly focuses on leukaemias and sarcomas and may possibly extend to brain tumours. The second project we are undertaking is based on a combination of immune and vaccine therapies related to breast and colon cancer,” he said.

University rector Juanito Camilleri praised the students and the organising team, saying it was a pleasure to see a concerted effort to raise funds for charity as well as the University’s research projects.

“We encourage all our faculty members to be actively engaged in research and to contribute towards innovation in our society,” Prof. Camilleri said.

KSU president Thomas Bugeja said he understood the University’s needs for financial support to continue developing its ambitions. “We shall endeavour to continue raising funds for good causes to ensure that the University continues to be a success story,” he added.

Christmas on Campus this year raised €12,000, the largest sum ever, which was equally divided among L-Istrina, Dar tal-Providenza and the RIDT.

For more information, visit www.ridt.org.eu. Donations can also be made online or by calling 2340 8201.