The Office for Professional Academic Development (OPAD) offers a variety of workshops, programmes/courses, and events designed to support and enhance academic practice. Our focus areas include the teaching and learning experience, research and scholarly productivity, service and leadership development, career advancement and wellness.

We invite all academics to explore the workshops offered across our three core streams:

• Learning & Teaching - Enhance your teaching skills, explore innovative pedagogies, and create engaging learning experiences.
• Research & Scholarship - Advance your research practice, publishing success, and scholarly impact.
• Service & Leadership - Develop your leadership skills, contribute to institutional service, and lead with confidence and vision.

OPAD also offers workshops to support academics in achieving a healthy work-life balance and nurturing positive professional relationships.

In addition to university-wide offerings, OPAD facilitates tailored professional development events for specific academic communities. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with Faculties, Institutes, Centres, and Schools to deliver bespoke workshops, subject to available expertise and resources.

As OPAD continues to develop, we are expanding our portfolio of training and services to meet the evolving needs of UM academics. Some OPAD workshops are also open to other categories of UM staff.

Academics are encouraged to consult the current training schedule and register for workshops of interest. If a workshop is not currently scheduled, please register your interest on the waiting list so we may notify you when it is offered again.

We welcome feedback and suggestions on how OPAD can further support the development of UM academics. Please send your suggestions to opad@um.edu.mt.