Fostering Research and Innovation: ARM CEO, Dr Frank Fabri, Visits UM Geosciences Facilities

The CEO of Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM), Dr Frank Fabri, visited the University of Malta’s Department of Geosciences on Wednesday, 10 December, for a didactic tour of the Department’s facilities and research infrastructure. The visit, held between 11:00 and 12:00, provided an opportunity for ARM representatives to gain first-hand insight into the Department’s scientific capabilities and ongoing collaborations.

Dr Fabri was accompanied by other ARM officials and was welcomed by UM Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Prof. Valerie Sollars, who led the tour together with the Head of the Department of Geosciences, Prof. Sebastiano D’Amico.

During the visit, the delegation toured the facilities operated by the Department’s three research groups:

• the Oceanography Malta Research Group (OMRG),
  
  
• the Seismology Monitoring Research Group, and
  
  
• the Atmospheric Monitoring and Research Group.
  
  

These units play a central role in national and regional scientific monitoring, research, and data analysis across marine, atmospheric, and geophysical domains.

The visit also coincides with ARM’s launch of VisionARM 2050, the agency’s long-term strategic framework aimed at transforming Malta’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors through innovation, research, and sustainable resource management. 

The Department of Geosciences is one of the agency’s key partners, with both entities collaborating extensively to support evidence-based policymaking.

“The Department of Geosciences works closely with a large number of local stakeholders, including ARM, in servicing the country with top-notch research for informed policy-making,” noted Prof. Alan Deidun, who expressed gratitude to all academic and administrative staff who contributed to the visit. “Thanks to ARM for their support over the past months, especially with respect to our Masters students dissertations.’ 

The visit further strengthens the long-standing relationship between ARM and the University, reinforcing the mutual commitment to scientific excellence, sustainability, and knowledge-driven national strategy.