The University of Malta’s Dean of Science Awards for outstanding students was started by the Faculty of Science in 1995 and is now an established tradition.   The awardees and their immediate relatives were invited to the ceremony held recently at the Msida campus.

A welcome address by the Dean, Professor Charles V. Sammut, was followed by that of Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, and that of Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Buontempo.  A musical performance by the Stringers Trio, consisting of Michelle K. Paris (Irish Celtic Harp), Glenn Paul Pace (Guitar) and Elaine Mercieca (Keyboard) followed.

All the speakers congratulated the students and Professor Sammut also addressed their relatives saying that the support they offered was crucial for the students' success and that of the Faculty.  He emphasised the importance of scientific research as the source of sustained innovation. The Faculty of Science at present has 51 Research Master and 30 Ph.D. students, which together constitute just over 17 per cent of the student population in the Faculty. The number of scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals, books and conferences is steadily increasing.

The Minister thanked Professor Sammut for the invitation to the event, and praised the students and the Faculty on their achievements. He promised continued support to the development of science education and to finding ways of providing research opportunities for science graduates. However, he said that more effort of strategic importance to the country was needed to popularise science and to help younger students achieve better performance in pre-university education in literacy, mathematics and science.

Following the award presentation, the Dean congratulated the Science Students Society, S-cubed, for their enthusiasm and hard work and presented the Council members with a commemorative plaque on the tenth anniversary of this organisation. He said that S-cubed had become a very important part of the Faculty.

In his concluding address, the Parliamentary Secretary encouraged the students to channel their knowledge and enthusiasm into scientific research. He emphasised the government's commitment in support of research, as evidenced by his specific portfolio. This was a priority for the country, as research promoted competitiveness and created high value job opportunities.

Professor Sammut thanked the Faculty administrative staff, especially Ms Claire Saliba, who coordinated the event. He also thanked the sponsors, Bank of Valletta, Technoline Ltd., Malta Communications Authority, Vodafone and Agenda Ltd.

 

This year’s award winners were:

Year I

Chetcuti Janet (Mathematics & Statistics & Operations Research)

Farrugia Glen (Mathematics & Statistics & Operations Research)

Sultana Maria (Mathematics & Physics)

 

Year II

Brincat Aaron (Biology & Chemistry)

Bugeja Glorianne (Physics & Statistics & Operations Research)

Fenech Kurt (Mathematics & Physics)

 

Year III

Bajada Mark (Chemistry & Physics)

Cassar Sarah (Computer Science & AI & Mathematics)   

Pace Daniel (Mathematics & Statistics & Operations Research)

                                               

Year IV

Farrugia Josianne (Banking & Finance & Statistics & Operations Research)

Magri Byron (Mathematics & Physics)

Micallef Glorianne (Biology & Chemistry)

 

BOV Prize for Science

The BOV Prize for Science was awarded to John Gabarretta, who thanked the Faculty for a highly profitable experience during the three years of his B.Sc. (Hons.) course.