University of Malta academic and medical researcher Prof Pierre Schembri-Wismayer will be contesting the upcoming general election with Momentum, the party announced on Wednesday.

Schembri-Wismayer is set to stand in the forthcoming national elections, joining the party's list of candidates ahead of the 30 May vote.

Prof Schembri-Wismayer, 58, grew up in St Julian's and was educated at St Joseph Sliema, De La Salle College Cottonera, the University of Malta and the University of Glasgow. He currently lives in Zabbar with his family.

He teaches Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Malta within the Medical Faculty, conducts research on cancer, stem cells and biomechanics, and has long been involved in science education and communication.

Schembri-Wismayer was described as being passionate about science outreach, having secured European funding to produce a television series, X-lab, aimed at encouraging children to take an interest in science.

He has also participated in public events such as Science in the City and Teen Science Café, where he engaged with young people in state schools.

Schembri-Wismayer is the lead inventor of the Malta Hip, which is currently being developed by Garland Surgical in the United Kingdom, and the MaltaKnee device, developed together with engineering colleagues.

He has collaborated with multiple departments at the University of Malta and with various European groups.

Following his graduation, he spent two months volunteering as a medic in Kenya. He was also involved with the late Prof John Rizzo Naudi and other colleagues in forming the SHARE foundation, which raises funds for missionaries in Kenya.

Locally, he has been a pro-life supporter in abortion debates and has delivered lectures to expectant couples at Mater Dei Hospital antenatal classes on the potential benefits of storing their child's cord blood stem cells.

Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said the party was honoured that Prof Schembri-Wismayer had joined its team.

"We are honoured that Prof Schembri-Wismayer has opted to join our team of highly motivated, talented and honest candidates and committee members in the forthcoming electoral campaign. His academic prowess, experience and high ethical standards add further lustre and prestige to the history of our young political party," Cassola said.