The University of Malta is expanding its research activities from curiosity-driven studies to result-driven breakthroughs thanks to a cultural shift and generosity of the Maltese through their contribution to the Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT), according to rector Juanito Camilleri.
Through RIDT, the University is seeking to generate additional research funding from a variety of sources, including corporates, NGOs and individuals. For this purpose, apart from generating awareness about the excellent research being carried out, the trust is promoting a culture of giving to university research, as this is another good cause that deserves philanthropic support.
These suggestions are outlined by the trust in its 2013 Annual Report, which features a comprehensive overview of activities and showcases how after three years of laying the groundwork of community-supported research initiatives, RIDT is contributing towards a knowledge-based Maltese society.
Camilleri said: “We received donations from a range of sectors of our society – foundations, corporates, individuals, academics and students. This is indeed a strong indication that the culture change we required is beginning to happen. We thank all those who have made a contribution, large or small, for believing in our mission and supporting it.
“Our fundraising work at RIDT is driven by Malta’s vision to become a knowledge-based economy, with research and innovation fuelling tomorrow’s economy. Our priorities are compatible with today’s opportunities and challenges and thus the research projects and programmes we fund aim at addressing our society’s needs in a variety of domains,” said RIDT’s CEO Wilfred Kenely.
As the report notes, in the previous year, two NGOs joined hands to raise funds for breast cancer research and donated €55,000 to help fund a PhD level research in this area of study. This prompted others to follow suit and in Christmas 2013, students and staff of the University decided to raise funds for a number of charities, incl-uding cancer research, via RIDT.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Engineering initiated a research programme financed by the Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd through RIDT. Similar initiatives have taken off following donation agreements with a number of corporates coming from various sectors, including banking, IT and electronics.
Research is a crucial element for a competitive economy. It is also one of the driving forces of a modern-day university. Investment in research and development is no longer an option for European countries.
Donations can be made on www.ridt.eu. For more information, call 2340 8201 or e-mail wilfred.kenely@ridt.org.mt.