Annual Report 2012
Research, Innovation & Development Trust
University of Malta Università ta’ Malta
The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
“In view of the historical and current context the University of Malta must rapidly build a corporate research portfolio in tandem with the outreach mechanisms to contribute directly to sustainable socio-economic development. It is clear that going forward, the University must be allowed to accrue assets. The setting up of the University of Malta Trust Fund for Research, Development and Innovation and the updating of legislation to allow tax incentives for donors is a crucial step forward.� Prof. Juanito Camilleri, Rector, University of Malta.
Our Aim and Vision ~ RIDT aims to strengthen investment in high-calibre research and development across every faculty and department within the University, and on a national level, and to foster the commercial exploitation of this research.
Annual Report 2012
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Chairman’s Message
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CEO’s Review
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Board of Trustees
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Why RIDT
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Research Infrastructures
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2012 Overview
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Attracting Investment for R&D
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Case Studies
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National Project
26~27
Financial Statements
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RIDT Donors
University of Malta Università ta’ Malta
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
Chairman’s Message
The University of Malta traces its origins to the founding of the Collegium Melitense which was set up through direct papal intervention on 12 November 1592. This college was run by the Jesuits on the lines of their other colleges established elsewhere and known as ‘Collegia Externorum’, catering for nonJesuit students. By a papal bull of Pope Pius IV, dated 29 August 1561, confirmed later by a further bull of Pope Gregory XIII, dated 9 May 1578, the Jesuits were empowered to confer the degrees of Magister Philosophiae and Doctor Divinitatis. However, the foundation deed specified that besides Philosophy and Theology, other subjects such as Grammar and the Humanities should also be taught.
Annual Report 2012
A University of the Future
I would like to say a hearty thank you to everyone who has supported the Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) during 2012. We have seen private companies, public institutions, individuals, alumni and students come forward and donate funds towards the ongoing research activities that our University has embarked on. The University of Malta continues to play an important public function as a key driver of social and economic wellbeing in our country. This function is manifest both in the education of tomorrow’s graduates and also in the various research projects that are carried out across disciplines. I strongly believe that no university can be worthy of its status unless it carries out significant research and innovation. As a University that is committed to continue on this mission, we can only overcome the major challenges ahead of us if we manage to create a sustainable framework of financing. Today, the University generates around 20% of its income from non-government sources and if we are to reach our targets, this income should not only be sustained, but it should be augmented. Research requires a steady flow
of revenue which simply cannot be expected to come just from government funds. In this report we are showcasing a small selection of research projects currently being conducted at the University of Malta. Should you want to know more about the research activity, I invite you to get hold of a copy of our quarterly research magazine THINK. For important projects such as these to go on, and to initiate many others, we require your support.Your donation, large or small, can make this happen. The University of Malta is part of our common heritage, and that of our children. Investment in the University of Malta is an investment in the future of our county.
Professor Juanito Camilleri Chairman – Board of Trustees
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
CEO’s Review
RIDT is housed at The Old University Building in Valletta. The main entrance features a Doric portico, whilst the building is constructed with airy, vaulted corridors on three floors.The Aula Magna, the great hall, was once used as the main examination room of the Old University. It is a venue for international conferences, seminars, concerts, exhibitions and public lectures throughout the year.
Annual Report 2012
Funding research benefits the whole community
The setting up of the Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) in 2011 was an ambitious and bold undertaking, meant to challenge the way the University of Malta engages with the community. Yet it was the most natural step the University could have taken, particularly in the light of a sequence of events that helped reshape the University’s vision and direction. Major investments in research infrastructures, the formation of new faculties and the introduction of new courses, together with a scheme to retain the best brains, contributed to a major increase in the research activity, thus making the University of Malta even more active in the country’s socio-economic development. During its first full year of operation, the RIDT has engaged with the Maltese community to attract support for this research. The conveyed message was simple – University research matters to our wellbeing and we should support it. It is my great pleasure to note that in its first year, the RIDT managed to attract an encouraging number of donors and benefactors coming from different sectors of society – private companies, public institutions, individuals, students, alumni, foundations and organisations.
It is a known fact that research is one vital activity that any university worth its salt must invest in. It is another known fact that for this research to be sustained there has to be a steady flow of revenue from the community. This will provide the required funds that will support projects in areas from which the same community will benefit – medicine, energy and environment, engineering, ICT, heritage, art, economics . . . This report gives credit to all those donors who came forward with their contributions during 2012. Our appeal for 2013 is to take this funding to a new level by attracting even more individuals and organisations to support this good cause. By supporting research, we are fostering the next generation of researchers while we build a society that appreciates and supports their sterling work.
Wilfred Kenely Chief Executive Officer
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
The RIDT is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed in terms of a Trust Deed signed on the 18th April 2011. As specified in Legal Notice 186 of 2010 Education Act (Cap. 327) the Board of Trustees is composed of not less than 3 and not more than 7 members, one of which is the Rector of the University of Malta ex officio, together with at least 2 of the following: the President of the Council of the University of Malta ex officio; the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta ex officio; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance ex officio; 2 other persons appointed by the Prime Minister from amongst the members of the Council of the University of Malta.
Professor Juanito Camilleri Rector of the University of Malta – ex officio
Ms Bernie Mizzi President of the Council of the University of Malta – ex officio
Professor Josef Bonnici Governor of the Central Bank of Malta – ex officio
Mr Alfred Camilleri Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance – ex officio
Mr Winston V. Zahra appointed by the Prime Minister
Mr Anthony J. Tabone appointed by the Prime Minister
Annual Report 2012
Why RIDT: Involving philanthropy for research
Since its inception, the University of Malta has churned out some of the best minds which shaped the quality of life we enjoy today. Along the years however, and more significantly in the recent past, our Alma Mater has been investing resources into research to continue improving on what has been achieved by its thinkers, scientists and academics. This necessity gave birth to the Research, Innovation and Development Trust, to identify fundraising possibilities from philanthropic sources – private companies, foundations, individuals, alumni – and hence engage them in the call for action to increase research at the University of Malta and give it the status it deserves in engaging in projects that make a difference to human wellbeing. For its status to be recognised, the University of Malta has to keep up with excellence in world-class research that is quoted and referred to in spheres of authority. This also benefits partnering industries to crack the codes needed for the innovation of their business.
These research priorities require funding, and not only from the government. As a report by a European Commission expert group on Engaging Philanthropy for University Research says, “philanthropy or ‘giving’ is a potentially important source, but it is not nearly as well developed in Europe as elsewhere ... It is often said that whereas there is a culture of giving in Europe, it is not generally so for education or research.” Excellence in research requires diversified funding streams and these will only come about when potential donors become aware of the quality of research they can support and how does this impact on our wellbeing. Their funding goes a long way, from focused research in their field of interest, to the wider community context, like understanding the genetics of medical disorders, deeper understanding in humanities and quicker leaps into technology. This is our appeal to society – that funding does not merely go into shelved academia, but into research that continues to innovate them and facilitate humanity’s evolution into a better life.
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
The Library of the University of Malta has grown over the years through continuous investment and through donations of private collections. It does, however require a much stronger and constant funding to be able to continue giving the required support to researchers.
The IT Services building spans over 4,000 square metres of floor space and incorporates state-of-the-art IT facilities for University students and staff. The building houses video-conference facilities that can link up to 12 different sites concurrently.
Annual Report 2012
Research Infrastructures
The University of Malta has, over many long and eventful years, produced Malta’s intellectual driving force. In an increasingly inter-connected, and fiercely competitive world however, one cannot rest on one’s laurels – innovation, and the research which fuels it, are the only viable way forward. Robust ‘research infrastructures’ are required to facilitate such research and innovation and the University is blessed with invaluable assets in this regard, such as the University’s extensive library, and a strong information technology backbone. The Library of the University of Malta The Library of the University of Malta supports the University’s teaching and research programmes by providing adequate scholarly information resources, emerging technologies and user support services. As a customer-oriented and service-driven organisation, the Library is actively committed to teach users how to identify, locate, evaluate, use and synthesise information as the pivotal element of a knowledge-based society which is an asset for the prosperity of Malta’s intellectual and economic growth. A University that is growing its postgraduate degree portfolio requires a high level of annual investment, mainly to acquire new and ongoing journals and publications, both printed and in electronic format. The Library of the University of Malta has grown over the years through continuous investment and through donations of private collections. It does, however require a much stronger and constant funding to be able to continue giving the required support to researchers. The library of the University of Malta is also conducting a digitisation programme which is widening the access to important collections of manuscripts, while keeping the originals safe and protected. IT Services The IT Services building houses videoconference facilities that can link up to 12 different sites concurrently, the University’s Main Data Centre;
Open access learning spaces that have proved very popular with students for both individual research and collaborative work; Computer-equipped training rooms available for all University departments for lectures and seminars, and an IT helpdesk servicing all University students and staff. The design of the building incorporates energy-saving measures, including solar water heating and a Building Management System which monitors, controls and shutdowns unnecessary use of equipment and systems, such as lighting and air conditioning units. The project also included the installation of 7km of single-mode optical fibre cable interconnecting the Data Centre with over forty main University buildings on campus. The University Campus Network is in turn connected to GÉANT, the pan-European research and education backbone, via a 2.5Gbps link, supporting real-time, high-bandwidth applications. Albert the supercomputer Equipped with the latest modelling software in environmental, distinct element, protein, urban, climate, financial and fluid dynamic modelling, Albert is a supercomputer cluster that crunches mega-complex algorithms and computations. The supercomputer provides a system for the development of multicore programming and grid computing systems, electromagnetic modelling and computer-aided design. With 64 processing nodes and 768 processor cores, Albert is equipped with 20 terabytes (20,000 gigabytes) of disk storage and 2 terabytes of main memory and runs on a 64-bit Scientific Linux operating system. This allows the running of very large applications, at speeds which permit the availability of results in a time-frame which is much shorter than any normal computer can provide. It is also vital for the University’s collaborative research with other universities and research centres around the world. Albert was installed in 2011 and was financed through the European Regional Development Fund.
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
2012 Overview
SUMMER 2012 • ISSUE 2
THINK SUMMER 2012 • ISSUE 2
I D E A S
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M A LTA
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R E S E A RC H
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P E O P L E
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U N I V E R S I TY
21ST CENTURY WOMEN Juggling research and motherhood
THE TANGLED BRAIN
Treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
RESEARCHERS MEET ART
UNDERWATER ROBOTS Exploring a 4,000 year old temple
Transforming Valletta this September
LOOKING UP TO THE SKIES The largest telescope ever built
DIGITAL EDITION
Annual Report 2012
RIDT’s Community Involvement in 2012
RIDT participates in Science in the City RIDT participated in Science in the City, the first science and art festival to be held in Malta supported by the EU FP7 Programme and the Malta Arts Fund. “This activity gave us an opportunity to promote the newly set up RIDT, through which the University of Malta is seeking additional funds
Launch of new website to receive donations RIDT set up a new website in June inviting individuals and corporations to support the University’s research activities by giving donations through its portal www.ridt.eu. The donation portal provides a platform for the public to keep updated on developments within the Trust and the University’s research activities.
to expand its research studies. For this purpose, Science in the City highlighted the value and usefulness of science and research,” said Wilfred
Kenely, Chief Executive of the University’s RIDT. Children, young people and all the family could meet scientists from the University of Malta as well as artists inspired by science, and participate in science-related activities in a fun and relaxed environment. “Very few Maltese know what type of interesting and worthwhile research is being carried out in Malta and how this research can actually improve the quality of our lives and that of future generations. This series of activities was an
The power of positive thinking RIDT collaborated with Leading Talks to bring to Malta Leo Bormans, defined as a ‘man on a mission’ to promote happiness and a good quality of life. Leo Bormans challenges the myths about happiness and positivity. A Belgian journalist, inspirator, writer and motivational speaker, he is the chief editor and author of the international bestseller “The World Book of Happiness” – a collection of 100-odd short essays about happiness. The book has been translated in various languages and has been sent by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy to all leaders of the world as a special New Year’s gift in 2012.
opportunity to meet scientists and researchers and get to know what they are up to in their labs,” said
Prof. Alex Felice, Project Coordinator of the festival. The RIDT was present with an audio-visual presentation at the Exchange Buildings in Republic Street, Valletta, where people had the opportunity to get to know more about the objectives of the Trust and how they can support it.
Quarterly magazine The University of Malta established the Research, Innovation and Development Trust in 2011 with an initial capital investment by government of €500,000. To capture a snapshot of the array of research projects being conducted at Malta’s Alma Mater, and how these benefit the Maltese community and beyond, the University of Malta launched a quarterly magazine, “Think” focusing on sharing news about the latest developments in research activity on campus.
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
Annual Report 2012
Attracting Investment for R&D
Students say it with music In April 2012, Batera Duo, composed of saxophonist Philip Attard and pianist Christine Zerafa, came up with the idea of raising funds for the Research Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta by organising a sax-piano recital. Both musicians are themselves students of the University of Malta.They played a rare saxophone piece of Maltese origin, the Sonata op. 109, composed by Maltese composer Joseph Vella, and other works by Darius Milhaud, Roberto Molinelli, Astor Piazzolla, and Pedro Iturralde. Concert in honour of Karmenu Vassallo’s fiery poems Inspired by Karmenu Vassallo’s fiery poems, composer Dominic Galea, set to music a selection of 10 of the poet’s works in a CD titled ‘Nirien’ and which was launched during a concert in aid of RIDT. These songs were interpreted by leading singers Claudette Pace, Ludwig Galea, Corazon, Joseph Aquilina and Doreen Galea. The concert took place on 18 May 2012, the 25th anniversary of the poet’s passing away. The event also included a video feature about the author and an exhibition of documents, both prepared and coordinated by Marcel Zammit Marmara`. Affectionately known as il-Poeta tan-Nirien, Karmenu Vassallo (19131987) was one of the mainstays of Maltese literature. He has written many literary works in Maltese, Italian and English. His poetry portrays his lifelong experiences, in particular his
Central Bank of Malta supports Chair in Economics The University of Malta, through RIDT, received a donation from the Central Bank of Malta to establish a Chair in Economics at the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy. The agreement is for four years and may be renewed thereafter. Governor Prof. Josef Bonnici said: “Just as the Central Bank of Malta endeavours to sustain financial stability and provide independent advice on economic policy, we should also contribute to improve further the quality of the human resources provided by our academic institutions. The University of Malta, through this Chair in Economics, will continue to contribute towards our country’s development by preparing specialised human resources in the economics’ field, which are currently in high demand.’’ Pint of beer contributes towards research Martin Polidano, Brewer & Process Block Manager at Farsons, gave a Malta Café Scientifique talk on ‘The Science of Beer’ at the 2012 edition of Evening on Campus. The Farsons Foundation sponsored the event providing complimentary beer to go with the evening’s theme. Ticket proceeds were also donated to RIDT. Mr Polidano weaved historical facts into a journey through the science behind beer, revealing who invented brewing, and who can lay claim to pouring the first pint.
love for Sig˙g˙iewi.
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
Annual Report 2012
Attracting Investment for R&D
Malta Freeport Terminals funds University research Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd and the University of Malta have agreed to discuss specific advanced research to be carried out by the University in areas of interest for the Freeport. A technical working group was set up to specify the comprehensive research required by the Freeport. In return, Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd will be supporting RIDT over a five-year period starting 1 January 2013. Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd CEO Uwe Malezki said: “Our Company has a corporate social responsibility programme whose main objective is to support the Maltese society in various spheres. Within this scenario, Malta Freeport is looking forward to assist the University of Malta in furthering its research and innovation initiatives”. Evolve Ltd donates instruments to Chemistry Department Evolve Ltd, a subsidiary of Attard & Co, donated three pieces of instruments to facilitate research studies and strengthen the academic programmes at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Malta through the RIDT. The instruments include a Gas Chromatograph, a Particle Sizer and a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR). Company director Christopher Busuttil said: “Our donation is in line with Evolve Ltd’s values of demonstrating leadership in social responsibility and also assisting people in their pursuit of excellence.”
KSU donates €1,000 to the RIDT The University of Malta students’ body, the KSU donated the sum of €1,000 towards the RIDT in a symbolic gesture that represents the students’ endorsement of the need for financial support towards University research. KSU President Mario Cachia said ‘we believe that the Research Trust of the University of Malta should be supported by all sectors of society, including the same students that study at the University. Students’ contributions might not be as significant as those coming from industry, but they are nonetheless important.’ Anonymous donor offers IMLI postgraduate sponsorship to RIDT An anonymous benefactor has donated funds to help a postgraduate student undertake a 3-year Ph.D. study scholarship in the Law of the Sea. The scholarship will be awarded by the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), following receipt of applications from eligible IMLI and the Law and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) graduates, and also from the University’s academic staff. Under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, IMLI is a world recognised centre for the training of law graduates in international maritime law.
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The Innovation && DDevelopment evelopment T Trust rust he University niversity of of Malta alta Reasearch esearch,, Innovation
Apart from a strong academic orientation, the University of Malta is an increasingly important centre for worldclass research projects, across a wide range of disciplines. In addition, the University also collaborates with other major seats of learning, educational centres and institutes in a number of significant projects.
Our research improves your quality of life
Annual Report 2012
Area of Research 1~ MEDICINE
Research spans a truly impressive array of areas and applications. In the field of medicine, research is carried out in areas as diverse such as how diets are proving invaluable to combat age-related disease to why human brains have been steadily increasing in size. In the field of ICT, there are valuable studies into how critical systems can become more reliable. In the area of engineering, teams are examining computer to brain interfaces and delving deep into Malta’s past to map the water systems beneath Neolithic temples. On a grander scale, in an attempt to solve the puzzles of the universe, the University is also involved in world’s largest telescope project. Cutting-edge studies such as these are the basis for the continuous development that results in a better quality of life for every member of our society.
Eating our way to a healthy old age; what our bodies can teach us about curing diseases Med diet to stave off age-related conditions A team of scientists at the University of Malta, led by Dr Neville Vassallo is working on developing new treatments to cure Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease through a healthy Mediterranean diet. By partnering with the Institute of Cellular Pharmacology, the experts got access to technology that can produce high quality vegetable extracts, like prickly pear, pomegranate, the marine alga Padina pavonica and black tea. These are providing exciting new directions in medicinal discovery, although to translate into therapy they still need further testing in animal models. The goal is to preserve the function of the human brain into old age, so that memories and movements do not get lost with dying nerves. The Malta BioBank & Genome Project The Malta BioBank is the first national archive of DNA, blood and urine samples. The tissue data is coupled to a health and lifestyle questionnaire with the aim of improving patients’ healthcare. Bio-Banks have become essential tools in health research. The project, developed through a collaboration between the University of Malta and the Department of Health, has
the potential to find new cures for diseases specific to Malta such as thalassaemia and diabetes. The BioBanking facility forms part of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in the Biomedical Sciences building at the University of Malta. It houses seven new state-of-the-art ultra-low temperature freezers that can reach minus 85°C, colder than Antarctica, to ensure safe and long term storage of valuable samples. It also has a secure data storage system to keep patients’ details protected. The project is led by Prof. Alex Felice with the assistance of post-graduate students Alexandra Fiott and Joanna Vella. The Malta BioBank is a founding member of EuroBioBank and the research consortium RDCONNECT (RD = rare genetic disease). It is also a member of the Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure of the EU designated as the BBMRI-Malta node. Both biobanks form Europe-wide networks for rare and complex diseases that provide unique access to European collections, data and resources.
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
Our research improves your quality of life
Annual Report 2012
Can we make critical systems even more reliable? How ICT facilitates research to improve life quality In Information and Communications Technology (ICT), research is needed to provide the key ingredients that drive innovation and creativity. Technological progress needs support from a healthy and active research community. Successful organisations tend to find their competitive edge through an ability to innovate, brought about by their ability to invest and carry out research. Malta is starting to recognise the competitive niche that research can enable the country to occupy, even on a global scale. The economy of numbers is definitely not favourable. But the country can effectively compete in term of research capability, flexibility, ingenuity and creativity.On these attributes, Malta is on equal standing with far larger countries. Research in ICT has become as important as research in healthcare.
online casinos. Software development needs rigorous testing during which a system’s behaviour is checked. Before the system is deployed and used, it is tested against various user inputs and situations.This allows developers to discover errors in their code and fix them before the system is used. A complimentary technique to testing is runtime verification, where the software continues checking for errors even when the system is being used. If anything goes wrong while the programme is running, the code monitoring the system notices the error and raises an alarm. A research team from the University of Malta, led by Prof. Gordon Pace is working on this runtime monitoring using LARVA as a tool to monitor Javabased systems used all over the internet and on Android smartphones. It has been used in projects with various industrial partners, and applied to real-life software, from checking financial transactions to detecting intruders on file-transfers servers.
Running foolproof computers that never let you down Runtime monitoring is a technique that continuously tests computer systems to ensure they work correctly. This approach is being used in areas from astronomy to
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
Our research improves your quality of life
Annual Report 2012
Moving matter with our mind, and delving deep with high-tech wizardry Controlling objects with your thoughts The concept of brain to computer interface is attracting ecomonic interest from companies ranging from healthcare providers to game developers.The technology offers a new way to navigate the web, play games, and give new ability to the elderly and the disabled. Brain signals are translated into commands using computer sofware.These commands perform specific actions depending on the setup, for example, to move a wheelchair. A research team led by Prof. Kenneth Camilleri at the University of Malta is studying brain to computer interface devices to be able to map brain patterns which in turn will give commands to translate thoughts into action. The next step would be for research funds to be funneled towards developing the technology. Working together with the elderly and disabled, they could make a site-specific prototype for companies to turn into products. Researchers could also reengineer the product for local needs. Some form of assistive technology centre would help the Health, Elderly and Communicty Care Department within Government to achieve its goal to treat more people at home and maintain their dignity. To fulfil these roles this centre would need to create a practical team of clinicians, engineers and care workers – that needs some funding infrastructure on the ground. University cannot drive this alone... there is a missing link locally between the research and the commercial aspect. That structure which makes such collaborations feasible does not exist, a situation which needs to change.
Mapping the underwater world beneath Tas-Silg˙ A team of American and Maltese scientists has recently mapped the water system underneath the Neolithic temple site at Tas-Silg˙. No picks and shovels were involved; instead high-tech wizardry let the team create a 3D picture of this underground world. Robotics in Malta has historically focused on making land machines more intelligent and less dependent on humans. The Faculty of Engineering is industry focused, and till now there is no industrial demand for underwater robots. Robots might be able to do so much more than divers, but the initial capital investment has been off-putting for companies. By collaborating with the Americans, Maltese researchers might finally have a good reason to invest in underwater robotics. The application for robots, and the researchers that accompany them, are endless. The “technology starts in the lab, developing the algorithms, making them perform better,” says Prof. Simon Fabri. “But if it stops there I’m not happy, I would like to see them applied to real-life situations.” Roboticists can collaborate with health practitioners using robotics for rehabilitation, or aiding physiotherapy, cleaning, or transporting goods around a large building. “In Malta, we rarely get this opportunity,” normally industry buys its technology from abroad and does not research it. “University could help specialise the robot for them and improve on it,” he says.
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The Innovation && DDevelopment evelopment T Trust rust he University niversity of of Malta alta Reasearch esearch,, Innovation
Our research improves your quality of life
Annual Report 2012
Knowing our planet and beyond
Largest telescope to solve the riddle of our origin Most human beings question where they come from. The query might seem straight forward but is challenging to answer, while the outcome could help the human race. To tackle this age-old concern, humans have been developing techniques and instruments that allow them to look further and deeper into the night sky. Exactly when the first stars formed has been a bone of contention among scholars for the past 60 years. By building the largest telescope the world has ever seen, we shall actually be able to see these stars and resolve the debate. Enter the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the world’s largest telescope 50 times more sensitive than anything ever assembled. SKA will be built over the next eight years by 12 countries, including Malta, and over 50 institutions. Malta is represented in this project through the involvement of Dr Kris Zarb Adami from the University of Malta and Oxford University.
active region, around 200km south of the AfricaEurasia boundary segment that passes through Sicily. To monitor activity the Seismic Monitoring and Research Unit was set up in the Physics Department of the University of Malta. The unit, headed by Dr Pauline Galea, participates in a global network of seismologists. The unit’s permanent broadband digital seismograph at Wied Dalam (B’Bugia) is networked in real-time to the Virtual European Broadband Seismic Network (VEBSN). This consists of over 500 such stations in Europe, which in a matter of minutes can collect and process data in order to locate and analyse an earthquake that occurs anywhere in Europe. By studying the waveforms of these earthquakes it is possible to understand the dynamics of these motions. These studies help us understand earthquakes and the damage they cause.
Watching our earth move The Mediterranean is one of the world’s most seismically active regions, being caught between the slowly northward moving African continent and the Eurasian continent. Large earthquakes have in the past devastated cities and left thousands of victims. The Maltese Islands lie right in the middle of this
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust
Annual Report 2012
National Community Project
RIDT collaborates with the Faculty of Dental Surgery to boost dental care in the community The RIDT and the University of Malta’s Faculty of Dental Surgery have announced the setting up of a Mobile Dental Clinic. The aim of this project is to allow the Faculty’s members and dental students to reach out to the Maltese population creating an awareness and providing oral health advice and dental care. At the same time, the mobile clinic team will be conducting an epidemiological study that will provide the necessary data related to the oral health status of the Maltese population. The mobile clinic will visit all localities across Malta and Gozo. A special intention of this project is to be able to visit all sectors of society, from the underprivileged communities, to the institutionalised, all schools including special needs schools, orphanages, home-bound elderly and all those who would otherwise depend on a third party to be able to access dental care.
In this way the team shall identify and research the oral health gap that exists between people from different social classes. The objective is to reduce any barriers to dental care that exist and thereby reach out to those people who need care most. This outreach project shall enable the project researchers to reduce such social inequalities. All patients examined that are seen to be in need of dental care shall be referred to the appropriate clinics within the University Teaching Clinic. It shall also be an opportunity for all the students of the Faculty of Dental Surgery to be exposed to the range of treatment needs of a population. The total cost of the unit will amount to around â‚Ź120,000 which will be covered by donations from the community. The RIDT has received very encouraging support for this project from the local industry, and appeals for more donations which will enable it to launch the dental clinic in the second quarter of 2013.
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The University of Malta Research, Innovation & Development Trust Management Accounts December 2012 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Up to Notes 2012 31/12/2011 Total € € € Income 1 Donations 4,141 3,067 7,208 Government - 800,000 800,000 Investment Interest 3,176 - 3,176 Bank Interest 810 2,938 3,748 8,127 806,005 814,132 Expenditure Salaries 49,542 15,419 64,961 National Insurance 1,842 528 2,370 Advertising 3,446 189 3,635 Marketing 67,063 - 67,063 Communications 987 176 1,163 Hospitality 264 - 264 Stationery 107 - 107 Transport 308 - 308 Conference - 996 996 123,559 17,308 140,867 Net (115,432) 788,697 673,265 Income/(Deficit) BALANCE SHEET As at As at Notes 31/12/2012 31/12/2011 Assets Non-current assets Investments 2 103,750 Fixed assets 3 4,509 Donated equipment (in use by beneficiaries) 4 70,000 178,259
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Current assets Accrued income - Bank balance 737,828 806,005 737,828 806,005 Total assets
916,087
806,005
Reserves and liabilities Specific endowments 97,000 Reserves 673,265 788,697 770,265 788,697 Current liabilities Accruals 4,991 Creditors - Owed to University 140,831 17,308 145,822 17,308 Total reserves and liabilities
916,087
806,005
Annual Report 2012
NOTES TO THE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS 1. Donations Donations received are categorised as follows: Up to 2012 31/12/2011 € € Personal – general 4,141 3,067 Institutional – specific 27,000 Equipment in kind 70,000 97,000
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2. Investments As at As at 31/12/2012 31/12/2011 Notes € € Government Bonds 4.25% 2017 103,750 Market value as at 31/12/2012 was of €107,710 3. Fixed assets Furniture and fittings € Assets acquired during the period 4,509 Assets as at 31/12/2012 4,509 4. Donated equipment (in use by beneficiaries) Donations by Attard & Co Group
Professor Juanito Camilleri Chairman – Board of Trustees
70,000
Wilfred Kenely Chief Executive Officer
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University of Malta’s
future by supporting its research activity
RIDT Donors 2012 The RIDT is grateful towards the Government of Malta for having contributed the sum of â‚Ź500,000 as seed capital. The same gratitude goes to the Maltese public for the contributions collected during public events in 2012. During the same time, the following organisations and individuals came forward and donated funds or equipment towards the objectives of the RIDT:
Organisations Evolve Ltd Evolve Laboratory Services Ltd Latina Pictures Ltd Central Bank of Malta Riverdream Ltd Associated News Group Ltd Kunsill Studenti Universitarji Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd If you share our objectives, please consider what you or your organisation can do to help us to achieve them... u You can donate financially through the RIDT website. There you can choose whether your contribution goes to the current priorities of the RIDT, or to a faculty, institute or centre of your choice. u You can get in touch with the Trust via telephone or e-mail address shown below. u Has the University of Malta helped you arrive at where you are today? Why not consider leaving a contribution to the RIDT in your will? Talk to us for more details. u The RIDT is grateful for all contributions received, whether they are in cash or in kind. You can be part of us. Start by letting us know your priorities and the areas you need to improve and gain deeper insight. The rest we can map out together.
Visit our website and join our Linkedin Group.
Individuals Prof. Mary Durfee Mr Peter Griffiths Prof. David Attard Ms Christine Zerafa Mr Philip Attard Mrs Janatha Stubbs
Mr José L. Ribera Dr Nicholas Sammut Prof. Juanito Camilleri Dr John Betts Mr Joseph Bonello Ms Lucienne Gatt
Research, Innovation & Development Trust University of Malta Valletta Campus St Paul’s Street, Valletta, Malta. Tel: 2340 8201
info@ridt.org.mt
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ridt.eu