Performance Evaluation of an Energy Conversion System for Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage Applications
by Luke Aquilina

This PhD thesis presents the development and experimental validation of a grid-connected Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage (HPES) system, designed to address intermittency issues in offshore renewable energy, particularly offshore wind. The system stores energy as compressed air using a liquid-piston driven by hydraulic machinery. The research was funded through the EU Horizon 2020 MUSICA project, under which an Energy Conversion Unit (ECU) integrating the hydraulic pump, turbine, and electrical components was designed, constructed, and tested at the University of Malta. Experimental investigations during charging and discharging cycles highlighted the influence of operating conditions and turbine speed control, while a validated numerical model was developed to support the design and scaling of larger systems.

Year of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Tonio Sant
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Robert N. Farrugia

An Enabling Legal Environment for a sustainable ocean economy in small island developing states
by Angelique Pouponneau

This research examines the role of law in enabling small island developing States to transition to sustainable ocean economies, using Belize, Fiji, and Seychelles as case studies. It investigates whether legal frameworks influence funding and investment decisions for ocean sustainability in SIDS, and identifies which laws and institutional arrangements support the balanced achievement of economic, social, and environmental objectives. By mapping legislation against the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals framework, the research directly links legal environments to the realization of international sustainability commitments. The findings offer practical recommendations for legal and institutional reform to unlock financial flows that support SIDS in sustainably managing their ocean resources for long-term prosperity and planetary health.

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Simone Borg

The role of AI in addressing complex policy challenges: an exploration of the use of AI in tackling wicked problems in Public Policy
by Gian Paul Gauci

This research addresses the conflicting stakeholder perspectives inherent in sustainability-related 'wicked problems,' specifically Climate Change (SDG 13) and Sustainable Land Use (SDG 15). By constructing a simulated 'Artificial Society' populated by agentic AI, the study creates a virtual proxy of real-world social dynamics grounded in stakeholder norms, values, and beliefs. This framework allows for the risk-free testing of policy interventions to simulate long-term consequences and societal reactions before real-life implementation. The goal is to identify robust, well-vetted policy regimes that promote social Cohesion and environmental resilience in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Expected date of completion: 2029

Supervisor: Prof. Mario Thomas Vassallo
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Alexiei Dingli

Graphene oxide on Porous Polyurethane Substrates: Synthesis, Deposition, and Characterisation
Maria Refalo Magro

A large part of this research focused on the development of a safer, more energy-efficient and room-temperature method for graphene oxide (GO) synthesis, aligning with 'Green Chemistry' principles. The method developed during the project minimizes hazardous chemical by-products, toxic fumes, and energy consumption compared to more well-established traditional methods.  This involved substrate pre-treatment using chromic acid etching to enhance hydrophilicity, followed by polydopamine deposition to create an adhesive interlayer. The synthesized graphene oxide is then applied to polyurethane foams to create novel engineered composite membranes aimed at utilisation in water filtration.  The research offers a promising (and scalable) solution for addressing critical environmental challenges, including water scarcity and the high energy intensity of conventional filtration technologies.

Year of completion: 2025

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ Glenn Cassar
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Daniel Vella

Engineering Analysis of a Hybrid Floating Breakwater Integrating Hydro-pneumatic Energy Storage
Charise Cutajar

This PhD thesis presents a novel hybrid floating breakwater concept integrating hydro-pneumatic energy storage, aimed at addressing intermittency challenges in offshore renewable energy systems, particularly floating wind and solar farms. The system is designed to provide wave attenuation for offshore infrastructure while enabling the co-located storage and controlled dispatch of surplus renewable energy. Numerical hydrodynamic and thermodynamic analyses demonstrate the dual functionality of the concept, highlighting its capability to improve wave attenuation and the importance of internal heat transfer processes in system performance. The research further explores alternative storage configurations, including CO₂-based and open-cycle systems, showing their potential to significantly enhance energy storage density for offshore applications

Year of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Tonio Sant

Car Dependence and the Concept of Lazy. Understanding the Impact of Pedestrianisation on Car Dependency Reduction in a European Island
by Karyn Scerri

This thesis is related to sustainability as it encompasses environmental, social, and urban sustainability through transport choices, by examining how short trips can shift from car use to walking. The research touches upon the importance of active travel to improve public health, equity, and quality of life, while supporting more accessible “15–20 minute” urban environments. By integrating community participation into mobility planning, using Malta as a case study, the research advances sustainable urban development strategies that are resilient, inclusive, and context-sensitive.

Date of completion: 2025

Supervisor: Prof. Maria Attard

Dimensions Influencing Climate Resilience in Malta’s Prehospital Emergency Medical Service: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Exposure, System Sensitivities, Vulnerability Factors, and Adaptive Strategies
by Brendon Busuttil

A multi-phase study seeking to analyse the dimensions that influence the climate resilience of Malta’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to enhance health security and sustainable adaptation in the face of climate change. The first phase reviews international evidence and extracts best practices from comparable Mediterranean systems. The second phase examines Malta’s EMS exposure and sensitivity to climate stressors by integrating climate, operational, and occupational data to assess workforce safety, service demand and continuity, and system preparedness. The final phase focuses on assessing adaptive capacity through stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and the co-development of a practical assessment tool.

Expected date of completion: 2032

Supervisor: Dr Trevor Abela Fiorentino
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Josef Trapani

The PQ8 Architecture: Deploying Picosatellite Constellations from a Single Launch
by Daniel Cumbo

The PQ8 Architecture introduces a scalable way to deploy eight PocketQube-class satellites within a 1U CubeSat frame, substantially lowering launch costs and making constellation missions more accessible for small institutions. By simplifying launch integration and enabling simultaneous multi-satellite deployment, it improves resource efficiency and reduces the economic and logistical overhead typically associated with pico-satellite missions. Its tailored differential drag control approach supports more sustainable constellation operations by achieving orbital phasing without relying heavily on propulsion, which can reduce system complexity, mass, and long-term operational burden. The design also addresses key sustainability concerns in small-satellite deployment, including prevention of the accumulation of space debris, trackability, and responsible separation dynamics, helping make low-cost constellations more viable and environmentally conscious.

Year of completion: 2025

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Marc A. Azzopardi

A Novel and Seal-Less Active Mould Venting System for Sustainable Injection Moulding
by Sarah Mifsud

The research focuses on developing and experimentally validating a novel seal-less active vacuum venting system for injection moulding that removes trapped air during injection to improve part quality, reduce defects, shorten cycle times, and lower overall energy consumption.

1. Improves energy efficiency in manufacturing: By reducing cycle time, injection pressure and specific energy consumption, the system lowers the overall energy demand of injection moulding, contributing to reduced industrial emissions.
2. Reduces material waste: By minimising defects such as short shots, burn marks and weak weld lines, the research decreases scrap rates and unnecessary polymer waste, supporting more responsible and resource-efficient production.
3. Enhances industrial competitiveness through sustainable innovation: strengthens advanced manufacturing and integrates environmental performance into process optimisation, supporting Malta’s 2050 Vision for a high-value, innovation-driven and sustainable economy.

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Arif Rochman
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Paul Refalo

Design by Analysis rules development for Nuclear Fusion Reactors
by Kevin Degiorgio

The aim of this study is to contribute to the development of computational structural  integrity assessment methodologies for fusion reactor components. The focus is on using the existing design by analysis rules of the RCC-MRx nuclear code. These rules have primarily been written for fission type of reactors so that the PhD work reviews and identifies challenges in using them for fusion reactors and develops methodologies that are more applicable to fusion reactor components.

Expected date of completion: 2027

Supervisor: Prof. Martin Muscat
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Pierluigi Mollicone

A User-Experience Based Design Support Framework to Develop Smart Sustainable Packaging
by Tamasine Camilleri

Due to the limited information available to designers in early design stages, this poses challenges for designers to make sustainably-conscious decisions. Smart take-away food packaging is adopted as a case study, since packaging loses its value once it is discarded after use, and with the short use-phase of take-away packaging, the resources required to develop the packaging are significantly larger than its use value. Furthermore, smart capabilities require a higher initial investment, in cost, material, and end-of-life processing. For these reasons, a design support framework will be developed to guide designers to strike a balance between various design aspects (such as sustainability) in early design stages.

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Philip Farrugia    
Co-Supervisors: Prof. Paul Refalo / Prof. Marvin Bugeja

Development of Smart and Sustainable Inclusive Workstations for Workers of Different Abilities
by Amberlynn Bonello

The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda advocates that no individual must be ‘left behind’ or siloed from employment. This is reflected in Sustainable Development Goals 4, 8, 10, 11 and 17 which focus on persons with disabilities. The European 2023 Human Rights Report, outlined how currently, employment of persons with disabilities in the EU stands at 51.3%, in contrast to 75.6% for persons without disabilities.
On the other hand, the novel Industry 5.0 manufacturing paradigm aims to bring the operator back in the loop, whilst simultaneously taking into account sustainability and resilience. This broadens the possibility for workers with disability to participate in employment pertaining to the manufacturing shopfloor. 

This PhD focuses on the design and the development of smart, sustainable and and inclusive workstations which help empower persons with disability and assist them when working on the manufacturing shopfloor. This multidisciplinary work brings together multiple stakeholders, from technical and engineering backgrounds, to persons with disabilities, in an iterative participatory approach. In light of this, this PhD taps into a variety of SDGs namely = 4,7,8,9,10,12 and 17.

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Emmanuel Francalanza    
Co-supervisors: Prof. Inġ. Paul Refalo / Dr Maria Victoria Gauci

Fault Monitoring and Control for Sustainable Compressed Air Systems
by Massimo Borg

Compressed air systems are widely used in industry but suffer from significant inefficiencies, with faults such as leaks causing energy losses of around 30%. This research advances sustainability by developing reliable fault detection and diagnosis methods using cost-effective sensing solutions, enabling identification of the fault type, size and location. A complementary fault mitigating control strategy was also formulated to reduce unnecessary compressed air consumption while maintaining production output, achieving reductions in fault-related energy use and production output disparities by up to 100%. These outcomes directly support sustainable industrial development and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Paul Refalo
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Emmanuel Francalanza

Analysis on the long term use of EOG data
Matthew Mifsud

This work aims to enhance the long-term usability of electrooculography (EOG) for eye gaze tracking. EOG captures electrical signals associated with eye movements through electrodes placed around the eyes, which are processed using intelligent algorithms to estimate gaze direction. However, baseline drift remains a major challenge, limiting reliable long-term use. This work addresses this issue to enable stable gaze angle estimation over extended periods, making EOG suitable for human–computer interface applications. The outcomes are particularly relevant for individuals with mobility impairments, supporting greater accessibility by enabling interaction with applications, such as typing, web browsing, and smart environment control, using only gaze.

Expected year of completion: 2030

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Tracey Camilleri
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Kenneth P. Camilleri

Empowering Learners with and without Disabilities through Open Educational Practices in Malta
by Munir Moosa Sadruddin

The study aims to identify the best OER practices in the EU. It further explores the academic and technological challenges faced by disabled and non-disabled persons in Malta. Additionally, the study proposes an OER course and examines its impact on empowering participants. This study aligns with the European Union's Open Education Policies and Frameworks in higher education, addresses the European Union’s Digital Decade policies, and contributes to Horizon Europe’s mission to raise real-time awareness among persons with disabilities. It further supports UNESCO’s mandate to promote inclusive, equitable, and quality education by urging governments to create, adapt, and share free, open-licensed materials for all. It strongly supports SDGs 3, by enhancing students' confidence and collaboration; SDG 4, by offering quality education opportunities for inclusive learners, make educational materials accessible to diverse student groups, and enhance open pedagogy and collaboration; SDG 10, by reducing inequalities in offering accessible education; and SDG 17, by fostering a positive connection between governments and educational institutions to address pressing educational challenges. Additionally, the study supports the National Education Strategy 2024-2030 (Government of Malta, 2023). Malta's National Lifelong Learning Strategy 2020 particularly highlights the embrace of OER as one of the strategies to increase academic participation among persons with disabilities. It further encourages the use of OER to develop accessible courses and to facilitate connections and networking among learning communities in Malta and Gozo, and beyond (Ministry of Education and Employment, 2020).

Expected date of completion: 2028-2029

Supervisor: Prof. Colin Calleja
Co-Supervisors: Prof. Leonard Busuttil / Dr Leigh-Anne Perryman

Ontology-based Multi-user Experience Design Support Framework to Additive Manufacture Smart Wearables for Paediatric Habilitation
by Matthew Bonello

This research develops a design support framework that prioritises users' experience to enhance the compliance and effectiveness of paediatric habilitation wearable devices for children with Cerebral Palsy. Through the strategic application of additive manufacturing, such medical devices go beyond functionality, by providing a personalised and comfortable interaction that promotes the physical well-being of these individuals to reach their full potential, while also supporting their caregivers and paediatric occupational therapists. By employing empathy and users' participatory evaluation during the design and manufacturing of these products, this work ensures that such devices become a tool that empowers the users and fosters more inclusive healthcare, where the technology is adapted to the individual, rather than the individual to the technology.

Expected year of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Philip Farrugia
Co-Supervisor: Dr Nathalie Buhagiar

Making CT Greener: Optimising intravenous contrast use for environmental sustainability
by Sharon Gatt

This research explores how CT imaging can be made more environmentally sustainable by optimising the use of iodinated contrast media used during CT imaging. Healthcare contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, and contrast media used in CT imaging have a measurable environmental footprint due to their complex production and disposal processes. The study will investigate whether lower volumes of contrast can be used while still maintaining high diagnostic image quality. Ultimately, the aim is to develop practical strategies that reduce the carbon footprint of CT imaging while supporting safe and effective patient care.

Expected year of completion: 2032

Supervisor: Dr Jonathan Portelli
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Francis Zarb

Integrating Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Tools for Assistive Technology in Smart and Inclusive Manufacturing
by Nicole Vassallo

Industry 5.0 emphasises advanced technological innovation while prioritising sustainable, human centric and inclusive development, increasing the need for tools that enhance functional capacity and social participation for people with disabilities; hence assistive technologies are now beginning to be implemented in industry. Despite the rapid growth of assistive technologies, sustainability within this sector remains underexplored. This study develops a comprehensive Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework to evaluate the holistic sustainability of assistive technologies in smart and inclusive manufacturing. The framework is operationalised through a decision making tool and applied in a case study of an inclusive manufacturing workstation to identify sustainability hotspots, assess trade offs and synergies, and support the development of a holistically sustainable system.

Expected date of completion: 2028

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Paul Refalo
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Emmanuel Francalanza

Marine and Terrestrial Protected Areas to Foster Climate Change Adaptation in Islands: A Sustainable Livelihoods Approach
by Vincenzo de Cancelis

Islands are extremely vulnerable to climate change, facing escalating pressures such as sea level rise, heatwaves and the increase of extreme weather events. This research examines how marine and terrestrial protected areas can support climate change adaptation and promote sustainable livelihoods in the unique context of islands. This research advances the SDG13 (Climate Action), the SDG14 (Life Below Water) , and the SDG15 (Protection on Land), as it directly address climate adaptation and the conservation of both terrestrial and marine spheres, while also supporting the SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), due to the strong interconnection between nature and human well-being.

Expected date of completion: 2027

Supervisor: Prof. Stefano Moncada
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Stefano Malatesta

Intelligent Fault Monitoring and Optimisation for Smart and Sustainable Compressed Air Systems Under Faulty Conditions
by Jasmine Mallia

This thesis proposes an Intelligent Fault Monitoring and Optimisation framework for demand-side CASs. The framework integrates fault monitoring techniques with data-driven behavioural modelling and surrogate-based optimisation, deployed through an industrial-level smart architecture. A human-centric approach enables the implementation of optimised control strategies, ensuring practical applicability within real-world manufacturing environments. The framework aims to mitigate the adverse effects of faults by reducing the increase in air consumption while maintaining productivity, hence enhancing sustainable operation without requiring immediate maintenance intervention.

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Emmanuel Francalanza    
Co-Supervisors: Prof. Inġ. Paul Refalo, Dr Peter Albert Xuereb

Gender perspectives on resilient social capital: A comparison of Maltese and Syrian low-income households in Malta
by Nathalie Grima

"The Rio +20 United Nations conference on sustainable development in 2012, acknowledged that  resilience was a prominent issue in “a new wave of thinking around sustainability in an age of economic and political instability" (Brown, 2014, p. 107). Since then, research in the field of social resilience has contributed to shifting the objective from transforming ‘vulnerable’ people to understanding their own coping capacities and identifying their own needs for transformation.

Using the two theoretical frameworks consisting of the subjective social resilience paradigm and the theory of social capital, this thesis is a comparative case study that explores the social relations within two social groups - a sample of people who identify themselves as Sengleani and another who identify as Syrians. The qualitative and feminist critical methodological approach gives priority to the research participants’ own perception of risk, sense of positionality, and gendered power dynamics in a society where class, gender and ethnicity intersect where relative poverty is concerned.

Expected date of completion: 2027

Supervisor: Prof. JosAnn Cutajar
Co-Supervisor: Dr Boris Popivanov

Genomics of Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in the Maltese population: a high-throughput DNA sequencing and bioinformatic study
by Clayton John Axiak

This thesis relates to sustainability through its contribution to more equitable and informed healthcare for people living with a rare reproductive disorder, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, in Malta. By investigating the genetic basis of the condition in the Maltese population, the research supports earlier and more accurate diagnosis, helps reduce stigma and exclusion associated with delayed puberty and infertility, and strengthens access to reproductive health knowledge and care. The study is particularly relevant in a small-island context, where local genomic data remain limited, and contributes to future precision medicine approaches that are more inclusive of under-represented population cohorts. In this way, the project relates to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Year of completion: 2025

Supervisor: Prof. Rosienne Farrugia

Promoting Individual and Community-Based Grow-Your-Own Food Programmes through Education for Sustainable Development
by Cynthia Caruana

This research addresses the critical intersection of food security and environmental stewardship by exploring how Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can promote degrees of self-sufficiency in a sustainable manner. It examines the socio-economic, cultural and ecological drivers of "Grow-Your-Own" initiatives, aiming to transform individual actions into resilient, community-led sustainability movements. By identifying strategies to overcome barriers to local food production, the study promotes sustainable consumption patterns and the preservation of soil and local ecosystems.

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Dr Ċensu Caruana
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Paolo Rosazza Prin

Economics and citizen science: insights for ecosystem restoration in island marine and terrestrial protected areas
by Justin Whittle

This research explores the human dimensions of Marine Citizen Science in Island Contexts. The aim is to enhance participatory ecosystem restoration and environmental monitoring in vulnerable island marine and coastal areas. Through addressing critical data deficiencies and analyzing behavioral insights for community engagement, the project aims to strengthen sustainable environmental governance and identify leverage points for opportunities to enhance science and societal blue opportunities. This research directly advances SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through its focus on biodiversity conservation, while strongly supporting SDG 16 (Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering inclusive collaboration between citizens, academia and policy.

Expected date of completion: 2027

Supervisor: Prof. Marie Briguglio
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Alan Deidun

Dual Fuel Engine Dynamic Behaviour Improvement Through Control Techniques
by Anthony Theodore Saliba

The use of LNG in dual fuel mode (i.e. small portion of diesel with major quantity of LNG) in diesel engines, reduces the CO2 emissions compared to diesel only operation. This is because LNG has a smaller proportion of Carbon compared to diesel. It is noted that LNG is the liquified form of natural gas. 

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Mario Farrugia
Co-Supervisors: Dr Jean Paul Mollicone, Dr Kenneth Scerri

AI-based GNSS-RTK Platform for Robust Localisation in Challenging Environments
by Steve Zerafa

This research improves the reliability of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning by developing a real-time measurement-domain integrity monitoring framework that detects degradation in satellite observations before navigation solutions fail. By providing early awareness of positioning instability in environments affected by multipath and satellite masking, the approach enhances the robustness and safety of navigation systems used in robotics, transportation, and other outdoor autonomous platforms. More reliable positioning infrastructure supports smarter mobility, precision agriculture, and automated systems, contributing to more efficient and resilient technological infrastructure.

Expected year of completion: 2027

Supervisor: Dr Kenneth Scerri
Co-Supervisor: Dr Brian Azzopardi

Advanced Health Evaluating and Monitoring Tools for Transport Electrical Drives
by Antonis Theofanous

Electric drives are increasingly central to sustainable industrial automation and low-emission transportation, supporting the global shift toward greener mobility. Improving their efficiency and power density reduces energy consumption and fuel use, directly lowering environmental impact. However, sustainability also depends on system reliability, as durable and fail-safe designs minimize waste, downtime, and resource-intensive replacements. While pushing for higher performance, systems must still meet strict standards to ensure safe, long-lasting operation. Ultimately, truly sustainable electrical systems balance efficiency, reliability, and longevity to reduce both emissions and lifecycle impacts.

Year of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ Michael Galea
Co-Supervisors: Prof. Inġ John Licari, Prof. Inġ Maurice Apap

Examining Nurse Career Aspirations within the Healthcare System in Malta
by Yorick Mintoff

This PhD examines factors associated with the career aspirations and intentions of nurses and final-year nursing students in Malta, with particular attention to the transition from student to registered nurse. Using a longitudinal mixed-methods design, it aims to describe how aspirations and intentions are shaped over time by individual, educational and workplace contexts, including supports, perceived barriers and opportunities. The findings are intended to inform workforce planning and retention efforts relevant to sustainable health service delivery and health system resilience. The work aligns primarily with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), with additional relevance to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the education to practice transition.

Expected date of completion: 2030

Supervisors: Dr Anthony Scerri
Co-supervisors: Prof. Josef Trapani / Prof. Dhurata Ivziku / Prof. Anne Marie Thake

Regulating marine plastic pollution from land-based sources: Legal and policy solutions
by Jyothi Thomas

This research analyses the potential of International, European Union, and national legal frameworks in regulating marine plastic pollution from land-based single-use plastics and microplastics, identifies regulatory gaps, and recommends legal and policy measures to fill any shortcomings. While these laws and policies are often built on circularity principles, my work scrutinises the inherent tension between plastic’s chemical nature and the 'circular' aspiration of the law. By identifying regulatory gaps, the research highlights how current 'circular' strategies may inadvertently perpetuate downcycling rather than true sustainability. Ultimately, this study advocates for policy shifts that utilise environmental law principles such as the precautionary approach and preventive measures, to move beyond the limitations of recycling and also meet the fundamental waste reduction targets of SDG 12.4 and 12.5, alongside the marine pollution prevention targets of SDG 14.1.

Expected date of completion: 2026 

Supervisor: Prof. Simone Borg
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Alan Deidun

Daring to take off the Hat. Reinventing Higher Education Pedagogies for the Teaching of Spanish Literature
by Alessia Cilia Portelli

Drawing on feminist new materialism, this thesis conceptualises canon formation as a dynamic institutional process informed by pedagogical practices, interpretative norms and material conditions of knowledge production. It examines the exclusion of women writers from the Spanish literary canon and analyses how higher education curricula reproduce gendered forms of epistemic authority through what is selected, taught and assessed. In doing so, it engages directly with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by advancing critically reflexive pedagogical engagements attentive to the material and institutional conditions of knowledge production, thereby challenging structural inequalities in the production, validation and circulation of aesthetic and cultural values.

Expected date of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Simone Galea
Co-Supervisor: Prof. María Isabel Navas Ocaña

Aerodynamically Designed Passive Vegetation Barriers For Localised Pollutant Control At Pedestrian Level
by Jeremy Sacco

This research aims to investigate the efficacy of road-side barriers in controlling pollutant concentration such that better air quality zones are created in the pedestrian zones. The investigation involves numerical fluid simulations and wind tunnel testing focusing on NOx emissions, to determine the ideal design and material of the barriers to optimise such air quality conditions. As such pedestrian air quality is safeguarded regardless of the adoption trajectory of electric vehicles.

Expected date of completion: 2027

Supervisor: Prof. Daniel Micallef
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Simon Paul Borg

A ‘Prosthesis Life-Cycle Ontology’-Based Service System Framework to Cater for Amputees’ Evolving Needs
by Nicholas Patiniott

The research contributes to SDG 3 by enhancing the quality, accessibility, and personalisation of smart prosthetic systems, improving both the physical and emotional well-being of amputees through a data-driven lifecycle product–service development approach.

Year of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Jonathan C. Borg

Post-Silicon System Level Optimisation of High-Speed Chip-to-Chip Interconnects
by Andre' Micallef

This work proposes a hardware-in-the-loop optimisation framework for high-speed communication links that improves signal integrity across dense multi-lane systems while reducing the energy required to maintain reliable data transfer. By targeting the Pareto-optimal balance between operating margin and power consumption, it supports more sustainable digital infrastructure through lower energy-per-bit and reduced power waste in data centres, AI systems, and edge devices. Its adaptive, post-deployment tuning approach also improves sustainability by extending system usefulness over time, compensating for drift, aging, and environmental variation without repeated retraining or disruptive failures. Overall, the research promotes a more resource-efficient and scalable electronics ecosystem by cutting operational energy demand, reducing unnecessary overdesign, and improving the long-term resilience of high-performance interconnects.

Expected year of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Marc A. Azzopardi
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Inġ. Simon G. Fabri

Addressing environmental and material identity-based conflicts through sustainability communication: an intergenerational study from the Maltese Islands
by Clinton Cassar

The research explores the potential of sustainability communication in addressing environmental and material identity-based conflicts by focusing on individual and intergenerational propensity to engage in pro-environmental behaviour.

Expected date of completion: 2028

Supervisor: Dr Ċensu Caruana
Co-supervisor: Dr Chris Jones

Anodic Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes for Greywater Reclamation
by Clayton Farrugia

This project involved the upscaling of the titania nanotubes synthesis process from lab scale to manufacturing scale. The project also involved testing several greywater treatment prototypes produced by the Microwatts consortium that use titania nanotubes as the active photocatalyst. It is worth noting that Titania nanotubes are also being investigated as anodes for metal-ion batteries and as transducers for hydrogen production.

Year of completion: 2023

Supervisor: Prof. Stephen Abela
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Maurice Grech, Prof. Paul Refalo

Solar Water Treatment of Domestic Grey Water using Photocatalytic Nanomaterials
by Mary Grace Debono

This project involved the deposition of nitrogen-doped columnar titania nanocrystals through the thermochemical conversion of titanium nitride coatings in air. The vacuum evaporation of titanium pentoxide was also investigated as a route to synthesis.  Although both techniques proved successful, the latter exhibited the best combination of performance parameters.

Expected year of completion: 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Stephen Abela
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Maurice Grech, Prof. Paul Refalo