Without change there is no innovation creativity, or incentive for improvement.SUPPORTER

Newsletter December 2014: Issue 3

A news bulletin for the supporters of the University’s Research Trust

SUPPORTING OUR UNIVERSITY Investing in our SocietyThe Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) has launched another initiative aimed

at making available more funds for research. This new scheme – The Staff Contribution Scheme is a voluntary payroll deduction contribution system in which all members of staff, whether full time or part time, academic or non-academic, can participate. Subscribers to the Scheme can contribute any amount

from their payroll, which is deducted before tax, thus making the contribution cost less to the donor. The scheme will become effective in January 2015 and the RIDT is appealing to all members of staff to subscribe before the end of December 2014.

Calling all University Staff

Continues on page 7

SUPPORTER Issue 31Research, Innovation

& Development Trust

Philanthropy is one of the pillars of university

funding across Europe. According to a report

published by the Ross Group and the Council for

Advancement and Support of Education (CASE),

a staggering £660 million was given to 136 higher

education institutions in cash donations in 2012-

2013 in the UK. This amount excludes pledges

and gifts in kind, and marks a 23% increase on

the previous year. Apart from donations from

organisations (59%), the cash gifts were made

by alumni, university staff, parents of students

and patients at university partner hospitals. The

figures may vary from country to country, but the

trend is similar across most European countries.

Mind-boggling figures some of you may say.

True, but if one ignores the figures and focuses

on the trend, the story becomes more realistic.

Most importantly, we should focus on the fact that

across Europe, individuals and organisations have

understood that higher education and research

matter, and that philanthropy is a strong driver to

sustain causes that matter.

For this reason the RIDT was set up in 2011 – to

attract funds from the community and to establish

university research as a cause that matters. No

small feat, considering that this culture was not

present in our society, for one reason or another.

On the other hand, if other countries could do it,

what was there to prevent us from doing it as well?

Following an encouraging amount of donations

from corporates and NGOs during the past two

years, the RIDT is now appealing to the people

closer to home. The University of Malta Staff

Contribution Scheme is one of the community

initiatives that we are launching, and we

encourage you to consider joining. It is definitely

money well invested. We have some months ago

launched the student caution money scheme, and

there are others in the pipeline. Every contribution

makes a difference, no matter how large or small.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Message froM the ceO

uNIVersItY stuDeNts PlANNING seQuel

FOr rAcING success

Following the participation in the Formula SAE competition in Parma last September, the University of Malta Racing Team held an event on the 27th October at the Aviation Museum in Ta’ Qali to celebrate its success in the competition and to thank all the sponsors and supporters who made this dream come true. The event also served as a platform to introduce the association’s plans for succession and the team’s targets for next year’s racing car.

The RIDT has proudly accepted to collaborate with the Racing Team, and to sponsor the building of the car which will now be used in major RIDT fund-raising activities. Other main sponsors included the Ministry for Education and Employment, OKMalta.com, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Transport Malta, Tek-Moulds and Alarm Tech.

During the event Denis Dalli and Leonard Agius, the association President and Vice President, explained the importance of the continuation of the project through the transfer of knowledge and experience gained to fresh students. The team also explained how the project and its future would not be possible without the active help from all the stakeholders. The team is currently in the process of reaching out to potential partners for the year 2015.

Among those attending were the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. Joe Mizzi, Parliamentary Secretary for research, innovation, youth and sport, Hon. Chris Agius, University Rector, Prof. Juanito Camilleri and various company representatives spanning across different industries. The event was coordinated by iCreateMotion.

UoMR can be contacted by e-mail on uomracing@gmail.com and more information can be found on the team’s Facebook page. (www.facebook.com/UoMRacing)

Wilfred KenelyChief Executive Officer

SUPPORTER Issue 32 Research, Innovation

& Development Trust

Improving the quality of life of kidney patients is the aim of a new research programme at the University of Malta. Following the initial donation of €70,000 by the LifeCycle Foundation in February 2014 through the RIDT, a number of departments, namely the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, the Department of Pathology and the Department of Pediatrics (all within the Faculty of Medicine), has gone into action through the launching of a number of initiatives in line with the objectives of the Research Programme.

One of the first initiatives was to start the process which will enable the University of Malta to join EURenomics, a European organisation which brings together academic institutions and industrial partners with interest in kidney diseases and treatments. EURenomics has access to the around 12,000 patients and their clinical information. Membership in this project will allow the Maltese researchers to share resources, particularly those regarding genetics and other advanced analytical procedures with the other members.

Ms Esther Zammit, a graduate in chemistry, was recruited as a research

support officer under the Lifecycle Kidney Research Programme, and has commenced her research duties under the supervision of Dr Valerie Said Conti.

SUPPORTER spoke to Dr Said Conti about the importance of such a research programme. She explained that inherited disorders of the kidney and the urinary tract result in significant morbidity and mortality. ‘The Lifecycle Kidney Research Programme will help us understand the mechanisms of developmental anomalies and their pattern of inheritance. This will place us in a better position to manage these problems clinically and provide counselling for affected families.’

LifeCycle Foundation has for the past 15 years raised funds for the purchase of equipment in an effort to create awareness and to generate support for patients suffering from renal diseases. It has primarily focused its efforts on the purchasing of equipment used by kidney patients and has been a constant supporter of the Renal Unit. In 2014, Lifecycle Foundation decided that it should also contribute towards long-term investment in kidney diseases by financing research at the University of Malta.

The LifecycLe Kidney research PrograMMestarts taking shape

Members of the Lifecycle Foundation in discussion with Pro-rector Prof. Richard Muscat and university research staff.

Lifecycle Foundation president Mr Alan Curry presenting the €70,000 donation to Mr Wilfred Kenely, CEO of RIDT in February 2014.

SUPPORTER Issue 3Research, Innovation & Development Trust

3

scIeNce IN the cItY reseArchers’ NIGht IN VAllettA

For the second time in two years, Evolve Ltd, a subsidiary of Attard & Co. has donated advanced equipment which will continue to facilitate research within the department of Chemistry and that of Physiology and Biochemistry. The company has donated a Leica M620 F20 surgical microscope, a Gas Chromatograph and a Polarimeter. The equipment is estimated to cost around €90,000.

The new Leica M620 F20 surgical microscope, with its high technical specifications, will be of considerable use in the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry for both teaching and research purposes. It is an advanced piece of equipment and a significant upgrade from the old surgical microscope currently being used in the surgical suite annex to the neuro-imaging facility.

Both the Gas Chromatograph and the Polarimeter will be used by the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science.

Evolve Managing Director Mr Christopher Busuttil commented that as a key player in the scientific and healthcare industries, Evolve Ltd are committed to delivering value and assist people in their pursuit of excellence, adding that this donation affirms their commitment to support the University’s departments in their research work and teaching programmes as well as assist young researchers in their careers.

eVOlVe ltD suPPOrts uNIVersItY reseArch

Christopher Busuttil, MD of Evolve Ltd presenting

the Leica M620 F20 surgical microscope to Prof.

Mario Valentino from the department of Physiology

and Biochemistry.Detail of the donated surgical microscope

20,000 people spent the evening of the 27th September in Valletta, admiring what Science in the City had in store for them. Science principles, research projects, the science behind a number of daily activities, science inspired-art, discussions, exhibitions and much more.

This 3rd edition brought together a number of organisations. Led by the University of Malta, the Science in the City family included the Malta Chamber of Scientists, the RIDT, PBS, Valletta Local Council, MCAST, St James Cavalier, MCST, Studio 7, Karl Borg Events and MEUSAC amongst others. The event was financed by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme. It also received support by the Valletta 18 Foundation, the Malta Arts Fund and from a number of corporate sponsors.

Events included the third edition of ‘Science in the House’, an exhibition of ongoing research projects within various departments of the University of Malta. The exhibition is held within the building of the House of Representatives and has the scope of engaging with the highest institution of the country, and with the parliamentarians. The exhibition remained open for the week following Science in the City and was also open for viewing during Notte Bianca.

The Researchers’ Night is a European Union-wide event bringing together the public and researchers every year on the fourth Friday of September. It is becoming one of the EU’s most popular initiatives, aimed at the general public, especially families, young people and those who might not see themselves as science fans.

SUPPORTER Issue 34 Research, Innovation

& Development Trust

Upcoming EVENTSThe Oratory tea-time concerts in aid of RIDT At the Oratory of the Jesuits church, Valletta

Sunday, 28th December 1630hrsChristmas with the consortPerformers: St James ConsortBaroque Christmas works by Ferrandini, Manfredini, Torelli and Corelli.

Sunday, 11th January 1630hrsProgramme to be announced

Christmas on CampusFollow the event schedule and participate – it’s for a good cause!

Research on the WavesWeekly radio slot on Radju Malta 1 (93.7FM) programme ‘NWAR’, featuring University of Malta researchers.Every Tuesday at 1830 hrsHosted by Susan Mulvaney

Graduates give backStudents respond to caution money scheme

Following the announcement of the voluntary ‘Caution Money

Scheme’ launched by the RIDT in collaboration with the KSU, a

number of students have responded by authorising the finance

department of the University to transfer their deposit to their

respective faculties to be used for research. The money would have

been deposited by the students at the beginning of their studies for

the use of labs. The system applies to students studying within the

faculties of Science, ICT and Engineering.

The RIDT is once again appealing to all students who have just

graduated to consider leaving their caution money deposit for

research. In doing so students would be supporting university

research and would be giving something back to their alma mater,

from where they received so much during their years of studying.

Students who decide to respond to our appeal and leave their

caution money for research, should instruct their Faculty Officer or

the Finance Director of the University by sending him an email to this

effect. The RIDT thanks all students for their contribution towards

research and hope that many others will follow their example.

ALIVE Charity Foundation has done it again! Following last year’s

donation towards a 3-year PhD scholarship in breast cancer

research, a second donation of nothing less than €80,000 was

presented to the RIDT on the 3rd of December. The generous

sum was collected by 45 ALIVE cyclists who bravely ventured into

the Malta Airport – ALIVE2014 Cycling Challenge for Cancer – a

gruelling marathon covering almost 1,100 km in seven days across

five countries from Prague to Belgrade.

During the presentation, ALIVE President, Nicky Camilleri spoke

about the vision of his organisation, that of supporting research as

a long-term investment in the well-being of the community. He also

announced that for 2015 ALIVE will be raising funds for research

in cancers which mainly affect children, with the slogan ‘Closer to

our hearts’.

This year’s donation will will benefit mainly a second PhD science

student in breast cancer research under the tutorship of Professor

Christian Scerri and Dr Godfrey Grech at the University of Malta and

in collaboration with Mater Dei Hospital. This will help strengthening

the research team in this area, following the engagement of

Mr Shawn Baldacchino who is the beneficiary of the first PhD

scholarship supported by ALIVE and by Action for Breast

Cancer Foundation.

The donation was presented to

Professor Juanito Camilleri, Rector of

the University of Malta and Chairman

of the Board of Trustees of the RIDT, in

the presence of Mr Markus Klaushofer,

CEO of Malta Airport, main sponsors of

the cycling challenge and

Dr Godfrey Grech from the department

of Pathology of the University of

Malta, and also principal investigator

in the breast cancer research project.

Professor Camilleri spoke about the

immense benefit that this donation

brings to the University of Malta and thanked the officials of ALIVE

and all the participants for their generosity. He described what ALIVE

and others have been doing as ‘simply overwhelming’.

Present for the ceremony were also Action for Breast Cancer

Foundation committee member Betty Lee, Europa Donna Malta

President Gertrude Abela and RIDT CEO Wilfred Kenely. The

presentation took place at the conference hall of the Malta Airport.

ALIVE AND...cycling

SUPPORTER Issue 35Research, Innovation

& Development Trust

Sunday, 16th November saw the start of a new fund-raising initiative

by the RIDT. The splendid baroque setting of the Oratory of the

Jesuits Church in Valletta became the venue of a series of tea-

time concerts aimed at raising funds for research. The first concert

featured the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet, playing

works by Beethoven and by Maltese composer Christopher Muscat.

The first concert was a success, both in terms of attendance and

also as for the musical content, auguring well for the forthcoming

concerts. It has also opened up another beautiful space for people

to visit and to enjoy.

The second concert was held on Sunday, 30th November featuring the

Lumia Flute Quartet who played works by Mozart, Hansen and Ries.

SAH ̄ H̄TEK is a study of the Maltese population that will look into the prevalence of diabetes and which will establish obesity, blood pressure, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity indicators. The study is being conducted by the University of Malta through the Department of Public Health and has the support of a number of sponsors and corporate partners.

The RIDT is proud to be a partner in this important national project which will collect and analyse a wealth of medical data from 4,000 volunteers over a period of two years.

Other sponsors include the Alfred Mizzi Foundation, Atlas Insurance, the Ministry of Energy and Health among others.

The representative study aims to find the links and correlations between lifestyle and risk factors to establish a risk score that is eventually expected to help lower and prevent Type 2 diabetes in Malta. A risk score for the Maltese population will enable both the health professionals and the general population to pick up early symptoms and risk factors that will predispose them to develop pre-diabetes and later diabetes.

the rIDt suPPOrts NAtIONwIDe stuDY ON DIAbetes

Dr Sarah Cuschieri, SAH ̄ H̄TEK project coordinator during the launch of the 2-year study

fund-raising Tea-TiMe concerTs TaKe off in sTyLe

A smAshING bAshTwo doctoral graduates, Dr Alessio Magro and Dr Jackson Said, who have recently graduated from the Faculty of Science (University of Malta), organised a graduation party for their colleagues, family and friends, in which they placed a donation box with all proceedings going to RIDT. They collected a total of €1000 for research.

FlAmeNcO suPPOrts reseArch

Following a successful dance show held

at the Salesians Theatre in Sliema, Alegria

Dance company donated €800 towards

cancer research via RIDT, which funds

were a contribution from ticket sales.

Dr Christian Zarb Adami, Dr Alessio Magro, Prof. Charles

Sammut, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr Jackson Said during

the graduation party.

SUPPORTER Issue 36 Research, Innovation

& Development Trust

A number of members of staff, unions and student organisations have already pledged to support and champion the scheme.

Prof. Charles Sammut, Dean of the Faculty of Science had this to say about the scheme:

‘I have decided to participate because ultimately the University and society will be the beneficiaries of this scheme.

I also believe that the University is doing its bit in investing in resources, both technical and human. It is now time for us members of staff to give our contribution. I’m sure I will not regret it, and encourage all my colleagues to support this idea, as it is our collective responsibility to enhance the University’s capacity for research.’

The Research Trust of The University of Malta (RIDT) has been established as an independent body that attracts funds which can strengthen investment in high-calibre research and development across every faculty and department.

Over the past two years the RIDT has seen substantial contributions from NGOs such as LifeCycle Malta, ALIVE Charity Foundation, Action for Breast Cancer Foundation, Europa Donna, the Alfred Mizzi Foundation, together with a number of corporates such as

the Malta Freeport Terminal, Evolve Ltd, FIMBank, Bit8 and others. These, together with a growing number of individuals have started to make a difference in how we finance our

research. The community has been engaged and it is responding. The Staff Contribution Scheme, and other fund-raising initiatives announced by

the RIDT intend to provide support for a wider range of research activities, including those which do not necessarily attract immediate public funding.

Professor Juanito Camilleri, Rector of the University of Malta welcomed the initiative and signed up to it claiming that no modern day University can rely exclusively on Government funding..

The scheme is also being endorsed by both unions representing the academic staff – UMASA and MUT, and the UH_M which represents the non-academic staff of the University. The newly elected President of UMASA Dr Brenda Murphy described this scheme as a positive initiative and appealed to the academic staff to pitch in. UMASA will be making a contribution of €1000 towards this scheme. The scheme has also received support from the KSU who, while urging members of staff to participate and contribute towards the fund, appealed to students to participate in the Caution Money Scheme which was announced by the RIDT last July.

Subscription forms and more information can be downloaded from the RIDT website www.ridt.eu. You can also find a subscription form at the back of the printed version of this newsletter.

‘I have decided to participate because

ultimately the University

and society will be the

beneficiaries of this

scheme.’Prof. Charles Sammut

Continued from page 1

Wider Support for Research Activities

SUPPORTER Issue 37Research, Innovation

& Development Trust

The University of Malta Staff Contribution Scheme is extremely valuable to the sustainability of research within all the faculties, institutes and centres of the University. While thanking you for your support we would like you to complete this Form clearly and send it to RIDT, Valletta Campus, University of Malta, St Paul Street, Valletta. Donations shall be deducted as per your request from the 1st of January 2015, or from the first month after the receipt of this completed form.

Yes I want to support the University of Malta and its research activities.

MY CONTACT DETAILS

Mr Ms Prof. Dr Other __________________

First name

Last name

Department

Home address

Contact telephone

Email address

MY CONTRIBUTIONI hereby authorise my employer, the University of Malta to deduct the amount shown below from my pre-tax salary per pay period and donate this on my behalf to the Research, Innovation and Development Trust of the University of Malta to be used for the sustainability of research activity in all areas of research.

Donation Amount €1 €2 €5 €10 Other €

By signing below, I am confirming that I agree that the amount of €______ is deducted from my salary every pay period before tax.

Signature

DateAll donations shall be acknowledged. Your personal information, including the amount that you are pledging as a contribution shall be treated as confidential and shall only be used for administrative purposes.

uNIVersItY OF mAltA stAFF cONtrIbutION scheme INstructION FOrm

✁

SUPPORTER Issue 38 Research, Innovation

& Development Trust