UM launches new Data Integrity and Stewardship Cluster to revolutionise research data governance

The University of Malta (UM) has officially launched the Data Integrity and Stewardship Cluster (DISC), effective 1 October 2024. This pioneering interdisciplinary initiative, championed by the Faculty of Laws, aims to overcome significant legal, technical and social barriers to processing data for scientific research, particularly within the sensitive fields of health and biomedicine.

The core mission of DISC is to facilitate scientific research in the public interest while steadfastly upholding participants’ fundamental rights and interests, especially data privacy and confidentiality. Embracing the principle of ‘as open as possible, as closed as necessary’, DISC envisions a future of seamless and secure access, use, and sharing of research data, greatly accelerating discovery within a robust legal framework.

Recognising the critical importance and challenges presented by health and biomedical data, DISC’s initial structure is built upon two key pillars: Biomedical Imaging and Genetics, Genomics, and Biobanking. They intersect with four cross-cutting horizontals that explore data privacy law, data sharing in scientific research, technological dimensions, and social implications.

The Cluster leverages UM’s existing strengths, including the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking (CMMB) and the University of Malta Magnetic Resonance Imaging Platform (UMRI), and specific initiatives like DwarnaBio, to advance understanding of the Maltese genome and medical imaging.

DISC is poised to tackle the current legal uncertainties surrounding the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and national data protection laws, which often hinder cross-border data sharing and innovation. The potential impact of DISC's work extends far beyond the University walls. It aims to enhance public health by unlocking the potential of data-driven research, leading to breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Furthermore, DISC will influence health policy and practice, drive economic growth through a thriving bio-health industry, and foster an open science culture by promoting transparency and collaboration. Crucially, the Cluster seeks to build public trust in data-driven research and educate future scientists and the public on data integrity.

The Cluster’s Executive Committee reflects its interdisciplinary mission, bringing together academics from six university faculties and two strategic external partners. Its first Executive Committee comprises:

Internal members:

Dr Mireille M. Sant (Caruana), Faculty of Laws (Chair and Law horizontal lead)
Dr Claude J. Bajada, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (Vice Chair and Pillar 1 lead)
Prof. Nikolai P. Pace, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (Pillar 2 lead)
Dr Panagiotis Alexiou, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Biobanking (Science horizontal lead)
Dr Joel Azzopardi, Faculty of Information & Communication Technology (Technology horizontal lead)
Prof. Gillian Martin, Faculty of Arts (Social horizontal lead)

External members:

Mr Ian Deguara - Information and Data Protection Commissioner
Dr Caroline Jane Magri - Research Support Lead at Mater Dei Hospital

In addition, the DISC Cluster is currently supported by the following Research Support Officers:

Dr Roxanne Meilak Borg, RSO II (Laws) and PhD candidate
Ms Alisa Hewer, RSO I (Social)
Mr Tonio Bezzina, RSO I (Tech)
Ms Kim Tabone, RSO I (Laws)

Through these concerted efforts, DISC is set to significantly advance responsible and ethical data-driven scientific research in Malta and contribute to international initiatives, fostering a new era of discovery and innovation. If you’re eager to help push the boundaries of our research, we’d love to connect. Join the DISC Cluster and contribute your expertise, ideas, and energy to our ongoing projects.

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