Prof. Inġ. Bertram Mallia is the Head of Department of the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (DMME) and Professor within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Malta (UM). He obtained his B.Eng.(Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with First Class Honours from the UM and was awarded a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds (UK), where he conducted research on nanostructured coatings for extreme tribological environments.
Since joining the UM in 2002, Prof. Mallia has developed an internationally recognised research profile in tribocorrosion of surface engineered biomaterials. His work focuses on understanding and controlling the combined effects of mechanical wear and electrochemical degradation in advanced material systems, particularly biomedical implants, coatings and emerging biodegradable metallic biomaterials. His research aims to address challenges in implant reliability, degradation control and device performance.
Prof. Mallia led tribocorrosion research at the UM, including the development of specialised experimental capabilities and contributions to strategic investments in advanced infrastructure. His research has been disseminated through publications in leading international journals and presentations at major international conferences.
An important aspect of his work is interdisciplinary collaboration. He has worked with colleagues across different faculties on projects involving biomedical implants, neural interfacing technologies, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and advanced biomaterials. His collaborations extend internationally through European research networks and Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility.
Prof. Mallia conducted research on advanced biomaterials, implant technologies and functional surface coatings. He engages with industry and supports knowledge transfer through specialised consultancy and analytical services for local industry.
He lectures across programmes within the Faculties of Engineering and Dental Surgery and has supervised doctoral and postgraduate research projects and mentored postdoctoral researchers. He contributes to the governance of the University of Malta through service on Faculty and University boards, and has chaired faculty initiatives in outreach and public engagement.
Prof. Mallia serves on the Editorial Board of Tribology – Materials, Surfaces & Interfaces and represents Malta on the Coal and Steel Committee (COSCO) of the European Commission, which supports the management of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS).
