From left: Rector Prof Alfred J Vella, Prof Ing Simon G Fabri, Prof Tanya, Sammut-Bonnici, Mr Kevin J Ellul, Prof Patrick J Schembri, Dr Karen Cacciattolo, Dr Ing Anton Bartolo, Prof Vicki Ann Cremona, Dr Rebecca Dalli Gonzi, Dr Ing Emmanuel Francalanza and Dr Jean Paul Ebejer

The fourth Strategic Implementation Forum took place on 16 March, focusing on Research and Knowledge Transfer and hosting speakers from the university community and its stakeholders.p

As part of the Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025 the University is developing a ‘culture of implementation’ throughout its 115 faculty departments, 34 institutes and centres, and 11 administrative directorates. Effective implementation requires the motivation and mobilisation of 3,180 full-time and part-time staff to engage in elements of the strategy and translate them into actions at different levels.

Professor Alfred J Vella, Rector of the University of Malta is hosting a series of Strategic Implementation Fora from February to May 2022. The entire University community of students, staff and stakeholders are invited to register and actively participate throughout the process. Each forum is dedicated to one of the University's Strategic Themes, showcasing examples of successful implementation across University entities and sharing knowledge through working groups.

Professor Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Enterprise, provided a recap of the University's 8 Strategic Themes: learning and teaching, research and knowledge transfer, societal factors and impact, enterprise and industry impact, national impact, international outlook, sustainability, services and administrative support. These priority areas are guiding academic, administrative, technical and industrial staff in aligning daily activities with decision-making and the allocation of resources.

Professor Ing Simon G Fabri, Pro-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer outlined the Main Commitments 2020-2025: Research and Knowledge Transfer and how the University strives to engage in world-class research with local, regional, European and global significance, by endeavouring to strengthen the quality of its research output through high-calibre academics and the provision of enhanced research infrastructure.

Prof Patrick J Schembri, Chair, University Research Ethics Committee (UREC), focused on the Strategic Commitment “Undertake responsible research ensuring integrity and ethics” showcasing the operations of UREC and the Committee’s plans for the future.

Dr Karen Cacciattolo, Manager, Office for Human Resources Management and Development, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Design a human resource strategy that valorises and supports researchers” explaining how the University is adopting and implementing the principles of HRS4R.

Mr Kevin J Ellul, Administrative Director, Library Services, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Improve communication and dissemination of research output” focusing on Open Access and Open Data principles and practices at the University.

Dr Ing Anton Bartolo, Administrative Director, Corporate Research and Knowledge Transfer Office, focused on the Strategic Commitment “Expand Corporate Research and Knowledge Transfer” illustrating the operations of the Corporate Research and Knowledge Transfer Office and its plans for the future.

Following the keynote speeches, Working Groups were organised to discuss current and future activities that reflect elements of the “Strategic Theme: Research and Knowledge Transfer”. The Working Groups were led by:
- Prof Vicki Ann Cremona, Acting Head of Department of Music Studies, School of Performing Arts
- Dr Rebecca Dalli Gonzi, Senior Lecturer, Faculty for the Built Environment
- Dr Jean-Paul Ebejer, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking
- Dr Ing Emmanuel Francalanza, Head of Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

The University reasserts its commitment to the 8 Strategic Themes as a roadmap for our academic and administrative community, where staff and students strive for higher standards and diligent implementation.

The new Summary - UM Strategic Plan 2020-2025 synthesises the stakeholders’ drive for continuous development which guides staff and students to collectively achieve the goals and vision of the University of Malta.