https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1126 2026-08-16T11:27:10Z 2026-08-16T11:27:10Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148489 2026-08-14T10:58:14Z 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Manifesto for change at the Planning Authority Abstract: The latest public consultation document on planning law is a meaningless exercise for it does not really address the crux of the problem. It continues to be an exercise in patchwork. There is no real in-depth thought behind this consultation. Hence, it is not the purpose of this contribution to waste reader’s time by discussing a futile cosmetic consultation.

2026-08-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148385 2026-08-14T07:49:48Z 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Proposals for a new human rights and equality law Abstract: Although the Equality Bill has been defeated in the House of Representatives, this should not be interpreted simply as a government botched attempt to introduce human rights and equality legislation in Malta. It should be considered as a golden opportunity to adopt a legal framework that suits the people who will have recourse to that law and any institution established thereunder.

2026-08-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148255 2026-07-27T11:18:44Z 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Response to the public consultation on the EDPB guidelines 1/2026 on processing of personal data for scientific research purposes Abstract: We welcome the European Data Protection Board’s preparation of dedicated guidance on the processing of personal data for scientific research purposes. The Guidelines address many long-standing areas of uncertainty and have the potential to provide useful clarification concerning broad consent, further processing, transparency, data subject rights, the allocation of responsibility and safeguards under Article 89(1) GDPR.; Our comments focus primarily on the practical application of the Guidelines within universities, hospitals, research infrastructures and international research consortia. These organisations vary considerably in their financial resources and technical capacity. Measures that are proportionate for a large national research infrastructure may be difficult to implement within a smaller university, regional hospital or investigator-led research group.; We write from an academic perspective, with particular experience in neuroimaging research and research data infrastructures. Several of our examples, therefore, draw on medical imaging, brain MRI, research repositories and secondary use of health-related datasets. These examples are intended to illustrate broader issues that arise across data-intensive scientific research. However, we would recommend a stronger acknowledgement of the diversity of practices across different fields of scientific research, ideally through the active involvement of practising researchers.; The final Guidelines should therefore distinguish more clearly between mandatory legal requirements, recommended good practice, and safeguards that may be appropriate only in particular circumstances. Without that distinction, non-mandatory recommendations may be treated by institutions, ethics committees or supervisory authorities as universal compliance requirements. Additionally, in order to be effective and efficient, they should further avoid duplication of assessment and avoid introducing slippery slopes for the freedom of science.

2026-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148142 2026-07-21T08:36:33Z 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Lowering human rights and equality protection Abstract: Human rights protection in Malta is primarily protected by the courts of constitutional jurisdiction, both under the Constitution of Malta and the European Convention Act, the latter enactment incorporating into Maltese Law the Council of Europe’s European Convention on Human Rights.

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z