The Malta BioBank/BBMRI.mt and the Research Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta are once again organising a national colloquium on research in rare disease. This year, the event will take place on Thursday 23 February at 2000hrs at the Auditorium of the ICT Faculty at the University of Malta.
The Colloquium is being held with the support of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Prof Godfrey LaFerla and the Director of the Centre of Molecular Medicine and BioBanking, Prof Richard Muscat. The Hon Chris Fearne, Minister for Health and Ms Michelle Muscat, Chairperson of the Marigold Foundation and President of the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support will also be present. The event also enjoys the support of the Malta College of Family Doctors.
The event will provide an opportunity for researchers and experts in various fields to present their research on a number of rare disorders. Some of these initiatives are being funded by the Research Trust (RIDT) of the University. The colloquium seeks to generate more awareness on such rare disorders to the public at large.
Space is limited. If interested in attending kindly contact Mr Malcolm Pace (malcolm.pace@um.edu.mt) by Thursday 16 February. This event is supported by Vivian Corporation representing Pfizer, Shire and BioMarin in Rare Disease Research.
Programme
2000hrs | Introduction: A New Platform for Rare Diseases - Prof Alex Felice
2005hrs | The Role of Family Doctors in Rare Diseases – Prof Pierre Mallia
2010hrs | The National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support – Dr Alistair de Gaetano
2015hrs | The Clinical Biobank of BBMRI.mt – Ms Joanna Vella
2020hrs | Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease – Dr Rosienne Farrugia
2025hrs | BBMRI-ERIC Common Service Ethical, Legal and Social Issues – Dr Gillian Martin
2030hrs | Orphan Medicines for Rare Diseases – Mr Amar Abbas and Ms Sharon Vassallo
2035hrs | The Malta Rare Disease Register: One Year On – Dr Neville Calleja
2040hrs | Zebrafish Animal Models to Study Bone Diseases – Dr Melissa Formosa
2045hrs | ALS/Motor Neuron Disease from Genes to Treatment – Ms Maya Lanfranco
2050hrs | Pseudo Thalassaemia: a New Rare Disorder – Ms Laura Grech
2055hrs | Therapeutics Research into Osteosarcomas: Rare Childhood Tumours – Prof Pierre Schembri Wismayer
2100hrs | Familial Breast Cancer – Prof Christian Scerri
2105hrs | Concluding remarks:
Prof Godfrey LaFerla, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
The Hon Chris Fearne, Minister for Health
Mrs Michelle Muscat, Chairperson of the Marigold Foundation and President of the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support - Malta
2115-2200hrs | Poster presentation accompanied by a reception