Prof. Frank Bezzina elected 82nd Rector of the University of Malta

At an extraordinary meeting of the University of Malta Council held on Thursday, 26 March 2026, Prof. Frank Bezzina was unanimously elected the 82nd Rector of the University.

Prof. Bezzina was the only nominee for Rector presented to the Council. He was nominated by 15 Council members, including representatives of Senate and students, members elected by academics, administrative, technical, and industrial staff, and members appointed to represent the general interest of the country. 

He will officially start his five-year term on 1 July 2026 and will be succeeding Prof. Alfred J. Vella, who has held the role since 2016.

During a presentation to Council titled ‘Knowledge for the common good’, Prof. Bezzina outlined his vision of the University of Malta as a strategic national institution, one that does not merely respond to change but actively shapes Malta’s future. This will be achieved by working hand in hand with communities, industry, and public and private institutions without compromising academic autonomy.

His priority is to ensure that the University’s research and teaching are of the highest quality, and are supported by rigorous quality assurance. He explained that this depends on a strong research culture in which fundamental and applied work feed directly into teaching, shape policy, strengthen professional practice, support innovation, and contribute to wider societal progress. 

The Rector-designate emphasised his vision of the University of Malta as a place where learning fosters curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking, each of which are qualities that drive social, economic, and environmental transformation in service of the common good and in response to real societal challenges. 

He added that his vision is for the University to offer a genuinely holistic experience for students and staff, firmly grounded in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

In his presentation to Council, Prof. Bezzina also expressed the need for long-term strategic planning, diversified funding, and sustainable investment, while building on what already works well and having the courage to reform what does not. He noted that this can be achieved through the gradual alignment of structures, policies, and resources with strategic objectives, the removal of unnecessary barriers and bureaucracy, and the support of colleagues to achieve more. 

Prof. Bezzina pledged that as Rector, he will listen carefully, act thoughtfully, and keep the long-term interests of the University and of the country at heart.