Which UM Academics Featured on This Year’s Republic Day Honour List?

On Saturday, 13 December 2025, Malta’s President, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, paid public tribute to 22 Maltese citizens who have distinguished themselves across a wide range of fields. The honours, conferred during a ceremony held at The Palace in Valletta, included appointments to the National Order of Merit, the Xirka, Ġieħ ir-Repubblika, as well as the Midalja għall-Qlubija and the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika.

Several members of the University of Malta community were among this year’s awardees.

 

UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, who has served in his current role since 2016, was honoured as a Member of the Order. Prof. Vella began his academic career in environmental chemistry in 1971. During his tenure as Pro-Rector between 2006 and 2016, he played a key role in establishing the University’s Doctoral School and strengthening quality assurance in teaching.

Dr Theresa Zammit Lupi, currently Head of Conservation of the Special Collections at the University of Graz, was also appointed a Member of the Order. An alumna of the University of Malta, she trained in Florence and London and previously worked with Heritage Malta. She recently made an important scholarly contribution by identifying a third-century BC Egyptian papyrus.

 

Prof. Alexander E. Felice was awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika posthumously. A pioneering geneticist, he advanced rare disease research in Malta, founded the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, and established the Malta Biobank.

Prof. Joseph Borg, Professor of Genetics and Experimental Haematology, was appointed an Ordinary Member. His work on hereditary blood disorders has led to the identification of new DNA mutations with potential therapeutic impact. He also founded the Maleth Programme, Malta’s first space bioscience initiative, forging links with international agencies including NASA, ESA, JAXA, and SpaceX.

Dr Edwin Lanfranco was a leading botanist and educator. After graduating in London, he joined the University of Malta in 1978 as a lecturer in botany and evolutionary biology. His research on endemic species and habitats helped shape Malta’s first protected flora lists and conservation areas. He was also awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika posthumously.

Dr Lawrence Scerri, an Ordinary Member, has been instrumental in modernising dermatology services in Malta. He served as Clinical Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology for 21 years and played a leading role in public awareness campaigns through the Euromelanoma Task Force. He currently serves as President of the Maltese Association of Dermatology and Venereology.

Dr Stephen Spiteri, awarded the rank of Companion of the National Order of Merit, is a respected military historian specialising in Malta’s fortifications. He lectured at the University’s International Institute for Baroque Studies, served as Research Coordinator at the Restoration Directorate, and co-founded the Sacra Militia Foundation.

Dr Louis Buhagiar, an Ordinary Member, was a key figure in the development of renal services in Malta, establishing the Renal Unit at St Luke’s Hospital and introducing dialysis treatment for patients with advanced kidney disease. As a Senior Lecturer at the University, he trained generations of medical professionals.

Ms Sonia Young, awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika, has been a broadcaster for over 28 years and is a member of Campus 103.7. She is best known for programmes addressing social issues and for co-founding RTK’s New Year’s Day fundraising campaign in support of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

During the ceremony, the President addressed key national challenges, including population pressures and the importance of understanding Malta’s economic realities.

The University of Malta congratulates all members of its community who were honoured, and extends its best wishes to all recipients who were recognised on this significant national occasion.