NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2015: ISSUE 6
Without change there is no innovation creativity, or iUPPORTER ncentive for improvement.
S
A news bulletin for the supporters of the University’s Research Trust
ALS Malta Foundation in collaboration with RIDT This time last year, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) was one of the hottest topics in the world thanks to the now-infamous Ice Bucket Challenge, which consisted in throwing a bucket of ice-cold water on one’s head and then nominate others to do so, too, whilst giving a charitable donation towards ALS research.
ALS is a neuro-degenerative disease causing the death of the body’s motor neurons. This stops the neurons sending signals to the nerves, which, in turn, will stop them from communicating with the muscles, causing them to atrophy and die, leading the sufferer to death within three to four years’ time.
Earlier this year, this challenge took a totally different meaning for Bjorn Formosa, who was himself diagnosed with this disease. As a reaction to his reality he set up the ALS Malta Foundation, the only national charity in Malta focused on MND (motor neuron disease), Continued on page 4
Research, Innovation & Development Trust
SUPPORTER Issue 6
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Message from
the CEO
As we get closer to the end of yet another year, the RIDT passes the €1million line. We started off very humbly in 2011, raising just around €100,000 during that year. We now look forward to closing this year with a total of €500,000 in donations towards research at the University of Malta. A big thank you goes to our generous supporters, alumni, community members and business and industry contributors. Your donations and support are very much appreciated.
It is extremely gratifying to see that more and more people are responding to our call for support. In this regard we look forward to a number of new initiatives that the RIDT is launching in the coming weeks, in collaboration with individuals and organisations. The 18th edition of the Teatru Unplugged, held at the Manoel Theatre on the 4, 5, 6 December raised funds for RIDT’s breast cancer research campaign. A local company will be financing a PhD. scholarship in solar desalination through a donation to the RIDT, while a Christmas concert by the Amadeus Choir and Orchestra, under the direction of Brian Cefai will also raise funds for cancer research. The concert will be held on the 20th December at the Cathedral, Mdina. During the past months, the RIDT has joined forces with ALS Malta Foundation and KSU, and together we have launched a fund raising campaign in aid of research in ALS (see separate story on page 1) which so far has raised more than €8,000. We will be also launching the Brain Awareness campaign in collaboration with the Richmond Foundation with the aim of bringing to the forefront the wide spectrum of brain disorders and to raise funds for research in these areas. Watch out for exciting events in the coming months, as part of this campaign. Continue to support our campaigns by making your donation online: https://www.ridt.org.mt/ We thank you for your continuous support. Wilfred Kenely Chief Executive Officer
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UNIVERSITY KNIGHTS FC The Futsal challenge for ALS The University’s own Futsal Team – The University Knights FC has come on board in support of ALS research. The club, a daughter organisation of KSU (Kunsill Studenti Universitarji) and a joint initiative with MUSC (Malta University Sports Club) and Mdina Knights Football Club, functions on a completely amateur basis, with players, coaches and committee members from across faculties, with diverse social backgrounds and sportive experiences competing in the Futsal Malta Association National League.
This year the club has taken on board another target – to collaborate with RIDT in raising funds for ALS research. “RIDT favours dynamism and talent – and we believe that we are in a dynamic sport with lots of talented players and personnel” said Gayle Lynn Callus, Sales and Marketing Manager of the club. “Through sports, we are understanding the importance of investing in the future, and nurturing potential players in tomorrow’s game. In order to help University nurture tomorrow’s players in the world, we are collaborating with RIDT to help promote its efforts towards research. Specifically, as a sports team, we feel that we should be on the frontline in helping RIDT’s efforts when it comes to research in ALS Motor-Neuron diseases”. Part of the membership fee for joining the University Knights FC goes directly towards this fund. The Club is also organising a series of friendly matches outside the official FMA fixtures, with all proceeds going towards ALS research. For further information on matches, follow The Mdina knights on facebook https://www.facebook.com/unversityfutsalmdinaknights/?fref=ts… and join the club.
STUDENTS supporting research
In the past months KSU has been working with the Students’ Maintenance Board Office and the Research, Innovation and Development Trust to create a system where students can contribute a minimum part of their stipend in aid of the research activity which takes place at the University of Malta.
EUROPA DONNA MALTA donates €7,000 for breast cancer research
Europa Donna Malta breast cancer support group donated €7,000 towards breast cancer research taking place at the University of Malta.
The presentation was made at the end of the annual ‘Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture’, held at the grand ballroom of the Phoenicia Hotel. Ms Gertrude Abela, President of Europa Donna Malta presented the donation to Wilfred Kenely, CEO of the Research Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta. The funds will further contribute to the on going research in breast cancer within the department of Physiology and Biochemistry of the University. The funds were raised through various activities organised by Europa Donna Malta during the year. On the presentation of the donation, Ms Abela explained that Europa Donna Malta believed that the most effective way of combating breast cancer is through research and that is why the organisation has been supporting this research activity.
From its inception, the two main aims of Europa Donna Malta (Breast Care Support Group) have been to raise awareness about breast cancer and to provide support for women affected by the disease.
The scheme is totally voluntary, and the amount donated is entirely up to the students, starting from a minimum of €1 per month! To take part in the Student Research Contribution Scheme fill in the form which can be accessed through http://www.ksu.org.mt/images/news1415/researchfund.pdf and return to the KSU Office.
Besides offering peer support, Europa Donna Malta also offers patients and their families counselling by a professional counsellor.
SUPPORTER Issue 6
The main speaker for this year’s edition of the Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture was Professor Bettina Borisch from the University of Geneva who spoke about early detection and symptoms of breast cancer.
Why we are proud to be DONORS The non-profit NGO has always been at the forefront in raising breast awareness in Malta and Gozo by holding lectures, talks and seminars for health professionals and the general public as well as by printing a wide range of awareness books and information leaflets which are distributed free of charge.
Research, Innovation & Development Trust
‘We are aware of the dedication of our scientists and researchers and we believe that through their work and through the work of so many others around the world, one day we will stop fearing breast cancer’.
Research, Innovation & Development Trust
SUPPORTER Issue 6
While continuing to pursue these important objectives, Europa Donna Malta recognises that breast cancer research is vital to find the cause of this disease. More awareness over the years has resulted in more early detection and significantly improved outcomes, but the disease still kills far too many women. We are proud to have donated funds to the University of Malta for their very important research into breast cancer and wish them every success in their endeavour. Gertrude Abela President of Europa Donna Malta
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Message from
the CEO
As we get closer to the end of yet another year, the RIDT passes the €1million line. We started off very humbly in 2011, raising just around €100,000 during that year. We now look forward to closing this year with a total of €500,000 in donations towards research at the University of Malta. A big thank you goes to our generous supporters, alumni, community members and business and industry contributors. Your donations and support are very much appreciated.
It is extremely gratifying to see that more and more people are responding to our call for support. In this regard we look forward to a number of new initiatives that the RIDT is launching in the coming weeks, in collaboration with individuals and organisations. The 18th edition of the Teatru Unplugged, held at the Manoel Theatre on the 4, 5, 6 December raised funds for RIDT’s breast cancer research campaign. A local company will be financing a PhD. scholarship in solar desalination through a donation to the RIDT, while a Christmas concert by the Amadeus Choir and Orchestra, under the direction of Brian Cefai will also raise funds for cancer research. The concert will be held on the 20th December at the Cathedral, Mdina. During the past months, the RIDT has joined forces with ALS Malta Foundation and KSU, and together we have launched a fund raising campaign in aid of research in ALS (see separate story on page 1) which so far has raised more than €8,000. We will be also launching the Brain Awareness campaign in collaboration with the Richmond Foundation with the aim of bringing to the forefront the wide spectrum of brain disorders and to raise funds for research in these areas. Watch out for exciting events in the coming months, as part of this campaign. Continue to support our campaigns by making your donation online: https://www.ridt.org.mt/ We thank you for your continuous support. Wilfred Kenely Chief Executive Officer
2
UNIVERSITY KNIGHTS FC The Futsal challenge for ALS The University’s own Futsal Team – The University Knights FC has come on board in support of ALS research. The club, a daughter organisation of KSU (Kunsill Studenti Universitarji) and a joint initiative with MUSC (Malta University Sports Club) and Mdina Knights Football Club, functions on a completely amateur basis, with players, coaches and committee members from across faculties, with diverse social backgrounds and sportive experiences competing in the Futsal Malta Association National League.
This year the club has taken on board another target – to collaborate with RIDT in raising funds for ALS research. “RIDT favours dynamism and talent – and we believe that we are in a dynamic sport with lots of talented players and personnel” said Gayle Lynn Callus, Sales and Marketing Manager of the club. “Through sports, we are understanding the importance of investing in the future, and nurturing potential players in tomorrow’s game. In order to help University nurture tomorrow’s players in the world, we are collaborating with RIDT to help promote its efforts towards research. Specifically, as a sports team, we feel that we should be on the frontline in helping RIDT’s efforts when it comes to research in ALS Motor-Neuron diseases”. Part of the membership fee for joining the University Knights FC goes directly towards this fund. The Club is also organising a series of friendly matches outside the official FMA fixtures, with all proceeds going towards ALS research. For further information on matches, follow The Mdina knights on facebook https://www.facebook.com/unversityfutsalmdinaknights/?fref=ts… and join the club.
STUDENTS supporting research
In the past months KSU has been working with the Students’ Maintenance Board Office and the Research, Innovation and Development Trust to create a system where students can contribute a minimum part of their stipend in aid of the research activity which takes place at the University of Malta.
EUROPA DONNA MALTA donates €7,000 for breast cancer research
Europa Donna Malta breast cancer support group donated €7,000 towards breast cancer research taking place at the University of Malta.
The presentation was made at the end of the annual ‘Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture’, held at the grand ballroom of the Phoenicia Hotel. Ms Gertrude Abela, President of Europa Donna Malta presented the donation to Wilfred Kenely, CEO of the Research Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta. The funds will further contribute to the on going research in breast cancer within the department of Physiology and Biochemistry of the University. The funds were raised through various activities organised by Europa Donna Malta during the year. On the presentation of the donation, Ms Abela explained that Europa Donna Malta believed that the most effective way of combating breast cancer is through research and that is why the organisation has been supporting this research activity.
From its inception, the two main aims of Europa Donna Malta (Breast Care Support Group) have been to raise awareness about breast cancer and to provide support for women affected by the disease.
The scheme is totally voluntary, and the amount donated is entirely up to the students, starting from a minimum of €1 per month! To take part in the Student Research Contribution Scheme fill in the form which can be accessed through http://www.ksu.org.mt/images/news1415/researchfund.pdf and return to the KSU Office.
Besides offering peer support, Europa Donna Malta also offers patients and their families counselling by a professional counsellor.
SUPPORTER Issue 6
The main speaker for this year’s edition of the Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture was Professor Bettina Borisch from the University of Geneva who spoke about early detection and symptoms of breast cancer.
Why we are proud to be DONORS The non-profit NGO has always been at the forefront in raising breast awareness in Malta and Gozo by holding lectures, talks and seminars for health professionals and the general public as well as by printing a wide range of awareness books and information leaflets which are distributed free of charge.
Research, Innovation & Development Trust
‘We are aware of the dedication of our scientists and researchers and we believe that through their work and through the work of so many others around the world, one day we will stop fearing breast cancer’.
Research, Innovation & Development Trust
SUPPORTER Issue 6
While continuing to pursue these important objectives, Europa Donna Malta recognises that breast cancer research is vital to find the cause of this disease. More awareness over the years has resulted in more early detection and significantly improved outcomes, but the disease still kills far too many women. We are proud to have donated funds to the University of Malta for their very important research into breast cancer and wish them every success in their endeavour. Gertrude Abela President of Europa Donna Malta
3
Latest NEWS CHECK OUT OUR BLOG https://researchtrustmalta.wordpress.com/
THINK MAGAZINE Issue 14 of Think, the research magazine of the University of Malta is out. Read it online – www.um.edu.mt/think
ALS Malta Foundation in collaboration with RIDT /cont. care, research and campaigning, focusing on three main aims: to raise awareness of the disease locally, to improve the quality of life of ALS sufferers, and to ameliorate ALS/MND research at the University of Malta. RIDT is working with the ALS Malta Foundation in planning a series of events with the aim of raising funds and boosting MND research which is already happening at the University of Malta. Dr Ruben Cauchi, Senior Lecturer and Head of the MND Research Laboratory at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, currently is researching the function of RNA (Ribonucleic acid)-binding proteins that on mutation cause a degenerative MND. “While there is no cure for these fatal disorders, the research activity over the past two decades has been intense,” Dr Cauchi says. “Our research at the University of Malta is building on my previous work at the University of Oxford, where I investigated the function of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) gene, which is missing in children who suffer from MNDs.” As ALS is a rare disease, the research team comes across many particular challenges and for this reason relies heavily on funding resources. “The partnership between the University of Malta Research Trust (RIDT) and the ALS Malta Foundation, with the aim of raising funds for MND research, is a breath of fresh air for our research team since, in recent years, we have been struggling to fund our MND research programme. Unfortunately, given that MNDs are not common, they haven’t been given their due importance, but our aim now is to use these precious funds to enthuse Masters and PhD students to join our fight against one of the most catastrophic of human disorders. Furthermore, we will probably be in a better position to pursue collaborative ventures with premier European research institutes,” Dr Cauchi concludes. The ALS Malta Foundation, along with the RIDT, are working on raising funds to help raise awareness, better the lives of ALS sufferers, and improve ALS/MND research at the University of Malta. Donations may be made online at http://www.alsmalta.org/donate, or by sending an SMS to 5061 9271 to donate €11.65 or to 5061 8170 to donate €4.66. Monthly recurring donations starting from as low as €1 (per month) can also be set at www.alsmalta.org
For more information on the Research, Innovation and Development Trust, please contact us Tel: +356 2340 8201 Email: info@ridt.org.mt STAY CONNECTED WITH
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TEATRU UNPLUGGED SUPPORTS RIDT Held annually since 1998, this unique and fastmoving concert consists of 6 short acts of diverse musical genres namely pop, rock and jazz adding a different flavour to the baroque setting of the Manoel Theatre. This year’s edition helped raise funds towards breast cancer research through the RIDT.
RIDT LUNCHTIME CONCERTS AT TAL-PILAR The RIDT lunchtime concert series started again in December with a seasonal concert featuring St James Consort who played popular works from the Baroque period and traditional carols. Entrance was by donation of €10. All proceeds went towards research being carried out by the University of Malta.
A PRELUDE TO CHRISTMAS St Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina The Amadeus Chamber Choir under the direction of Brian Cefai again held its annual appointment for the festive season. The concert featured a variety of traditional carols, Christmas movie themes and sacred music. Proceeds went towards cancer research.
CARMINE LAURI IN VIVALDI’S THE FOUR SEASONS Sunday, 27 March 2016 @ 19:30hrs St Publius Church Floriana Booking is open for the fund raising concert featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Carmine Lauri in Vivaldi’s THE FOUR SEASONS. Proceeds in aid of brain research by the University of Malta. Tickets may be bought from St James Cavalier on 2122 3200 or http://ow.ly/VESsk
For more information visit www.ridt.eu Research, Innovation & Development Trust
SUPPORTER Issue 6