New Deputy Director for Project Support Office at UM

Ms Donia Farrugia was appointed Deputy Director of the Project Support Office (PSO) at the University of Malta in July 2025, building on more than ten years of experience within the office.

She also brings a strong background in financial governance, having previously worked in corporate services specialising in tax and client accounting across multiple jurisdictions, as well as leading complex audit engagements at Grant Thornton. This experience allows her to combine financial rigour with operational clarity in supporting the University’s research activities.

The PSO manages the financial and administrative aspects of externally funded research projects throughout their entire lifecycle. It supports academics in preparing project budgets and ensuring compliance at proposal stage, and manages awarded projects, maintaining compliance and audit readiness from initiation to completion.

The PSO’s management team has recently seen positive changes to strengthen coordination and continuity. Ms Mihaela Neagoe and Ms Antoinette Bonello have been promoted to Senior Managers for Pre-Award and Post-Award, respectively. They are supported by managers Ms Elizabeth Grech, Ms Jessica Busuttil, Ms Natushka Mulvaney, and Ms Stacy Goodlip, who, along with the financial coordinators across both teams, help drive daily operations and support ongoing improvements.

In her role, Donia heads the strategic and operational management of the office, working closely with the team to enhance processes, maintain consistency, and provide a reliable, supportive environment for researchers navigating externally funded projects.