During the Junior College (JC) Awards Night 2025, JC alumnus Ryan Vella was awarded for making a significant contribution to society through his achievements, perseverance and commitment in areas of science and the environment.

Ryan has been awarded a one year fellowship at the European Space Agency in Frascati, Italy and later completed a Ph.D in Atmospheric Physics at the University of Mainz. He is currently a Postdoctoral scientist in the Atmospheric Physics group at ETH Zurich. He had the honour to represent the University of Malta at the Prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting which brings together Nobel Prize winners and exceptional researchers from around the world.  He is also deeply passionate about the environment and co-founded Ghaqda Sigar Maltin. Ryan has made Junior College and Malta proud and stands as an inspiring example of where hard work and passion can lead.