https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1125 2026-07-29T04:28:44Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148255 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 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 https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147977 Title: Regulating AI-powered robotic systems in the EU Authors: Sant, Mireille M. Abstract: This chapter examines the evolving regulation of AI-powered robotic systems within the European Union, focusing on the interplay between technological capability and legal frameworks. It addresses four guiding questions: What constitutes a robotic system? Why is regulation necessary? How are such systems currently regulated? And how should future regulation be approached? [excerpt] 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146794 Title: The Maltese language at risk Abstract: Professor Raymond Mangion’s monograph titled The Legislative and Constitutional Development of the Maltese language in a Historico- Literary Context published last year by Midsea Books is a first of its kind. I am not aware of any book that has ever been hitherto published which introspects the Maltese language from such diverse aspects as the legal, legislative, constitutional, historical, and literary perspectives. In this book, we encounter the chequered history of the Maltese language that has developed progressively, though painfully, over the centuries until it reached its fulfilment when Malta achieved its independence from the UK. The Maltese language has traversed multiple stages since its inceptions centuries ago, not only those of customary law and statutory law, but it was only as recent as 22 September 1964 that it anchored itself for the first time in Malta’s fundamental law – the Constitution of Malta. 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z