Project SIGMA – “Seismic Imaging of Groundwater for Maltese Aquifers”
A Scholarship funded by the Energy & Water Agency R&I Scheme 2020
- Applications are invited for a funded MSc by Research opportunity to work on the project entitled SIGMA financed by the Energy & Water Agency through the R&I Scheme 2020, in which the University of Malta is the sole partner. The project is led by the Department of Geosciences within the Faculty of Science. SIGMA is a geophysical and hydrological investigation on groundwater using unconventional physical measurements to improve continuous monitoring of underground water reservoirs. This will be accomplished by analysing the continuous seismic data (ambient seismic noise) recorded on the Malta Seismic Network during recent years. The M.Sc. project may focus on one of the following aspects:
- the use of horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) to monitor changes is seismic wave speeds
- the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the interpretation of hydrology/seismology data
- developing a web interface to transform the methodology into a tool
- alternative research aspects, falling within the scope of the project.
The chosen topic will depend on the qualifications and skills of the candidate. Further information on the project may be obtained by contacting Dr Sebastiano D’Amico by email.
- The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor degree in Geosciences, Computing, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or related area. Applicants should be eligible to be admitted to the MSc degree of this University in terms of the applicable bye-laws of the Faculty of Science [PDF].
- The selected candidate will be required to register for an M.Sc. by Research degree programme within the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta (preferably on a full-time basis), commencing at the first available opportunity for registration. These studies will be supported by a bursary of EUR 6,000 per annum. Main supervision of the MSc studies will be provided by academics from the Department of Geosciences with other academic staff at the University of Malta, as relevant to the research topic. The Scholarship will be subject to the eligibility of the candidate to enrol in the Master’s programme and the successful candidate will be expected to take up residence in Malta and attend the programme in person.
- International applicants are required to present an internationally recognized English Language proficiency certificate at the required level. Further details are available online. International applicants are also advised to familiarise themselves with information available on the website of the International Office, particularly to the sections concerning visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. International candidates will need to provide assurance that they have the funds available to cover their stay in Malta. The stipend awarded for this scholarship is to be considered as a form of allowance and will not cover all the costs attached to studying and living in Malta.
- The degree has an annual enrolment fee of EUR 400 for local/EU/EEA applicants and total tuition fees of €13400 for non-EU/non-EEA applicants. The University of Malta is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to attract top quality students from countries outside the European Union/EEA. Tuition fee waivers of up to 100% shall be awarded to deserving students. The fee waiver will apply for the normal duration of the programme being followed. If extensions of the period of study are required, these may not necessarily be eligible for a fee waiver. Only applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for the Master by research on a full-time basis are eligible to apply. Getting a fee waiver is not an automatic right for the selected candidate. Further information on fee waiver scholarships is available online.
Candidates should submit their letter of application, a copy of their curriculum vitae, copies of their certificates and contact details (including e-mail address) of two referees.
Applications should be sent to Dr Karen Cacciattolo by email. Applications should be received by not later than 15 June 2022. International candidates are required to present certified translations of their qualifications into English. Late applications will not be considered.
Note: The scholarship awardee will be required to complete an MSc application, which is considered separately.
- The selection procedure will involve:
a. scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed, supported by testimonials and/or certificates;
b. shortlisting; and
c. an interview and / or extended interview.
- For further information, please contact Dr Sebastiano D’Amico by email.