We are pleased to introduce the Award Winners of the National STEM Awards 2021. Here is some information about their achievements.
The first woman full professor appointed in the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta, Irene Sciriha is an academic-researcher in the Department of Mathematics. She was the first Maltese woman to be awarded the degrees of M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Mathematics, from the Maltese University and from Reading University, UK, respectively. Prof. Sciriha’s main areas of research are in spectral graph theory, combinatorics and linear algebra with applications to quantum mechanics, nanotechnology, computer science and networks. Her original notion of ‘nut’ graph has triggered the interest of international groups of physicists, mathematicians, chemists and computer engineers.
A regular speaker and moderator during international conferences, Prof. Sciriha has at times also delivered courses in various notable Universities overseas. Besides heading the UM funded research project Graph Spectra and Electrical Conductivity in Nano-Structures, training undergraduate and postgraduate students in research, which emergent work has been noticed, read and cited by peers, Prof. Sciriha is a member, previously chair, of the Science FREC (ethics) and also serves on the University Editorial Board. A member of the Maltese Institute PhD Committee, she serves on other senate/Council appointed committees, including the Students’ Charter Committee. Other appointments of import held in the past include acting as liaison between national government and the European Commission (EC) in the role of a representative for Malta on the Helsinki Group (Woman Scientists). Closely related is her position as an evaluator of EC projects along with short listing Marie Curie Scholars. Prof. Sciriha has been chairperson of the Gender Issues Committee (UM), president of the European Women in Mathematics Association, and vice-chairman of the Scientific Committee for Women in Mathematics of the European Mathematical Society. She also served two terms as the elected academic representative on council at the University of Malta.
Moreover, Prof Sciriha reviews publications for the American Mathematical Society, and is on the editorial board of renowned peer reviewed international professional journals related to her field of study, with her research being cited in books, monographs, several papers and web sites associated with spectral graph theory and its applications.
With reference to her career, she expresses the joy of showing students the challenging and exciting facets of mathematics and related sciences. Mathematically-inclined students who display an aptitude for research are given the opportunity to publish papers with her and encouraged to do the same on their own. A related fulfilment of her exciting journey in mapping her theories to applications, was the awarding of The Turner Prize for the best 2020 PhD thesis, to Dr Martha Borg, – whom Prof. Sciriha co-advised with supervisor Prof. Patrick W. Fowler, FRS.
Grateful to all those who believed in her aptitudes and potential, inspiring her to pursue her line of study she declares her commitment to offer the same to her students. Prof. Irene Sciriha was chosen by The European Platform of Science, EPWS, as the Scientist for the month of February 2020. And in conjunction to this prestigious award we present our very own National STEM Award for her various, valid lifetime contributions to STEM.
Prof. Sciriha comes in first place for the Lifetime Award for Contribution to STEM Award.
Describing himself as an average Maltese citizen at heart, Prof. Borg affirms a strong belief in the power of resilience and perseverance. More than excelling at the school desk, which he does not shy away from disclosing during his STEM activities and seminars, it is the power to master the resources and opportunity given at a moment in time that matters the most to him. Along with the hope of being able to give back what was given to him in terms of opportunity.
Notable examples of such giving back include the large number of students who joined him as staff working in laboratories related to human genetics and molecular biology, with some even maintained under his research group wing, and others working either on Campus, in the hospital blood bank, or at the molecular diagnostics at Mater Dei Hospital. A veritable worthy mention currently in the works, is a large and ambitious STEM-based project called Maleth. Unique for Malta, it engages all primary and secondary school students in the country in linking biomedical science and DNA with space biology. This will see a Maltese first biomedical laboratory science project taking place on board the International Space Station as well as involving Maltese children, groups and schools to participate and be part of the mission.
The pinnacle of his work refers to his influential discovery concerning – a Maltese family with Hereditary Persistence of Foetal Haemoglobin (HPFH) and the subsequent ripple effect in the science community and beyond. Prof. Borg tells how he sought to document this very discovery and its related impact on clinical research by means of an intensive engagement with both radio and TV. Carried out most especially during his M.Sc and PhD time, as well as during his post-doctoral work, this engagement further extended to Science in the City, Science in the House, and Science in the Citadel (GOZO), with the central aim being to widely disseminate the work of his research group. Prof. Borg’s discovery is also part of the current Secondary School curriculum under ‘famous Maltese scientists’ and serves to transmit passion and perseverance to the young and upcoming next generation of Maltese scientists.
Hilde Stenuit (ICE Cubes business development – Space Applications Services) notes his capability for creating collaborations between institutions and organisations that focus on life sciences, and the pride with which he organises seminars, workshops and symposia to “be able to disseminate his passion for science to a wider audience”. The collaboration now created between multiple partners in the fields of life sciences and space biology “is an excellent example of synergistic interactions” that are highly commendable, and just as deserving of credit, his relentless enthusiasm which “keeps the momentum of his projects alive during the inevitable difficult phases when progress seems slow.”
Prof. Joseph Borg comes in first place for the STEM Ambassador Award.
She thoroughly enjoys carrying out simple demonstrations, activities that aid to visually explain certain concepts. Delightful examples would be: understanding the size of the universe through building a scale model by means of toilet paper, the egg challenge, the rotating bucket challenge, elephant toothpaste, dry ice experiments, and many other just as wonderful activities. Through her lessons students are intentionally exposed to different approaches, namely: – investigative learning – discussion – hands on activities – informative learning – creative work – digital literacy.
Ms. Camilleri’s passion for Physics and Maths has had an impact on her students and her colleagues alike. Collaborative teaching has experienced an expansion, along with an ensuing dissolution of the idea that one needs to know everything and instead and closely associated, that it is well fine to ask and know that help is at hand.
Her transmission of knowledge through the medium of experiments, examples, and hands-on attempts has served to simplify these subjects, decreasing their seeming insurmountable quality, and instead enhancing their relatable, grounding aspect.
This gradual increased connection in being able to witness by means of application has made it
possible for her students to perceive the subjects differently. A curiosity is thus instilled towards what surrounds them, and to engage with it in a manner that reflects a more fluid and delighted participation.
Ms. Sabrina Camilleri comes in first place for the Best Secondary School Teacher Award for Contribution to STEM.
Dr. Marie Briguglio demonstrates an aptitude for conducting research that takes elegant textbook theory to empirical application. Her areas of investigation relate to both national and international priorities with a focus on estimating scientific models of wellbeing, environmental behaviour, cultural participation and market failure, rooted in economics. Some of the challenges she directs her attention to are waste management cooperation, uptake of renewable energy and environmental pressures, status and responses.
Owing to her deep and continuing interest in the domains of environment, culture and wellbeing she has undertaken numerous collaborative research projects with policy making entities and civil society.
Dr. Briguglio seeks to engage and involve stakeholders, the community and citizens, throughout the research process. Her openness to innovative approaches to connect with all kinds of communities, have led her to consult children, CEOs, artists and numerous households, and to hold talks at venues with a range from various universities to parliament, from bars to the Vatican, and from work-places to public spaces. Her peer-reviewed research published in international scholarly journals has received extensive coverage by the print, audio-visual and social media both locally and internationally.
Her management of the research process also seeks to make room for her collaborators to engage publicly.
Prof. Liam Delaney (Head of LSE Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science) points out to
how Marie Briguglio has “regularly led highly interdisciplinary and cross-sectional teams in mission-driven projects” and how Dr. Briguglio’s ability in “effectively bring[ing] together people from across academia, policy, and the wider public sphere” is a leader-in-research quality that would facilitate “the development of scalable approaches to many of the challenges of the 21st century.”
The impression expressed by Mr. Adrian Debattista (Head of Strategy at the Arts Council Malta) relates to her “the innovative methodological approach”. Her research involves “practical and policy-oriented application of the science in Behavioural Economics, and the continuous involvement of all stakeholders concerned”. As a result, “the research she led for our projects has largely impacted the way we recommend and implement policy for our funding programmes and strategic initiatives leading towards a more direct shift towards focusing on the links between wellbeing and culture – an area for which we have considered her as an authority for the past years through her research with the Council and also outside of the Council.”
As succinctly put by Ms. Alexandra Attard (Deputy Director Externally Funded Projects UM), Dr. Briguglio is an aptly positioned, strong asset for the Maltese community. Her extensive engagement throughout all the stages encompassing research is an inspiration to others.
Dr. Marie Briguglio comes in first place for the Engaged Researcher Award.
Prof. Joseph Borg has been described by former students and work colleagues, as having the ability to transmit his passion on “various scientific topics especially all things related to DNA, genetics and cell biology”. And in conjunction, “all of his work and passion” having the admirable quality and possibility of being “carried over into other research areas that Joseph pioneers”. Besides his distinguishing academic abilities, he “graces his scientific work and networking with a warm and generous personality.”
He has also been commended for his continuous driving force, which especially came through in his role as the central scientist during a collaboration with Erasmus MC – Rotterdam, University of Patras – Greece, and the University of Malta. As well as instigating the connection between the three institutes, the project – involving the analysis of a unique Maltese family with Hereditary Persistence of Foetal Haemoglobin (HPFH) – displayed and highlighted his ability to perform multi-disciplinary research at an international competitive level.
Prof. Borg personally believes that when it comes to knowledge development the greatest impact of his research work lies in the ability and possibility to translate it into applied and clinical use. This refers to both its diagnostic manner and its potential towards the development of innovative medicines that can cure a disease. A clear instance would be the pioneering and seminal findings from his research in relation to Maltese families with very rare genetic mutations in the human KLF1 gene. This research served to identify a unique model with the subsequent prospect of designing the next set of experiments that can lead to related drug design and production. Furthermore, the work conducted and the discoveries made thus far also facilitated the introduction of certain new and improved work practices at the Molecular Genetics and Thalassaemia Clinic at our National Hospital. Such as prompting respective authorities to introduce new testing regimens and protocols for the identification of the said rare blood conditions.
Prof. Borg conveys his research by means of reaching out in as wide a manner as possible to students, kids, and the general public at large, – through the mediums of radio shows, TV appearances and live seminars. He has organised and co-organised a large number of seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences in the fields of science, life science and medical sciences that have now become part of his yearly portfolio. As President of the Malta Association of Biomedical Scientists, together with his executive committee members, he delegates and supports a large number of initiatives, including the formation of special sub-committees to deal with events and outreach activities, along with handling conferences and registrations. In his own words, he has found this way to be one of the best ways in reaching out, first to his team and members of the association and in turn, they reach out to a much bigger audience and pool of people.
Prof. Joseph Borg comes in first place for the Young Researcher Award.
Dr. Alexandra Bonnici is Head of Department of the Department of Systems and Control Engineering and the first female Head of Department in the Faculty’s history. She assesses her contribution to STEM as following a twofold way, addressing both academic and outreach aspects in STEM.
The academic aspect of her contribution lies within the field of computer vision, where she applies and develops computer vision algorithms for various applications. What particularly engages her interest are the application areas of sketched-drawing interpretation and music analysis. Besides the published aspect of her research work which make her knowledge accessible to the scientific community at large, she has also dedicated her energy and time to create setups and platforms where others may share their knowledge.
One of her most memorable attainments was her successful bid to host the 17th International Symposium on Document Engineering (DocEng) in Malta. The DocEng community acknowledged the exemplary work carried out, thereby electing her as a Steering Committee member during the symposium and entrusting her again with the role of “Program Chair” in 2021. Dr Bonnici is also an active researcher on the 4NSEEK Forensic Against Sexual Exploitation of Children, a co-investigator on the TRAKE Eye-Design project, and an associate editor of the journal Xjenza published by the Malta Chamber of Scientists.
As an active academic member of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Bonnici uses her position to promote the Engineering profession to all school children and to increase students’ opportunities to follow an engineering career. To this end and in support and representation of her contribution to STEM outreach and accessibility, stand her efforts and contribution to the Engineering Technology Clubs and the Certificate in Engineering Sciences. The former is a drive within the Faculty to create engaging and interactive workshops to introduce young children to the various facets of Engineering, while the latter is a drive within the Faculty to offer a pre-degree level course that provides students an alternative entry path to the University of Malta’s Engineering degree course. The Clubs have also been pivotal in supporting her resolution to alter certain pre-conceived societal ideas that the Engineering profession is solely limited to mechanical or electrical repairs along with breaking the stereotype that Engineering is a man’s career. Her approach is irrespective of the student’s gender and she hopes that by the time the students enroll in the Engineering course, each of them will simply appreciate each other’s contribution.
She considers herself lucky to work among peers of a generally positive attitude. However, she has also encountered difficult instances that required resilience and unwavering determination to step up to new challenges.
In the words of Prof. Simske, a self-declared consummate teacher and researcher: “If Alexandra were a STEM-related Holiday gift, she would be exactly what you wanted as she is the complete package. From teaching and mentoring to research to community outreach and service, there is not a part of computer science, analytics, and information engineering that has not benefitted from her time, talent, and tenacity… She inspires next-generation STEM researchers by example.”
Dr. Alexandra Bonnici comes in first place for the Women in STEM Award.
For more than 85 years, Baxter has been at the critical intersection of saving and sustaining lives. Every day millions of people around the world are connected with through Baxter’s products and therapies, which can be found in hospitals and clinics – from the ER to the OR, from the pharmacy to the ICU – together with the ongoing advancement of patients’ care in their homes.
In relation and in support of reaching out in an effective a manner as possible, the organisation actively seeks to employ engineers, scientists and technologists to support the multiple functions in the company, from product design all the way across to product at customer level. STEM occupations are supported with training opportunities, on-the-job experiences and flexible hours – all of which permits these STEM professionals to proceed with their pursuit of expanded professional development.
The HR function in Malta further assists through its earnest look out for exhibitions and fairs to support the promotion of STEM careers with students at various levels of education. Development activities and offshore experiences within STEM have also been a cause for sponsorship and promotion. Its range of operations from Research & Development through to Facility Management, are an affirmation to its engagement with the STEM pillars.
Together with the above, Baxter implements a range of Policies which reflect its support towards an embracement of the realms of equality, health & safety, human well-being and the environment, with a commitment to ethics and compliance – in any activity related to Baxter and its patients. Locally such policies are implemented through the leadership team as well as in action. This has also been recognised on a national level leading to Baxter becoming the recipient of several awards and certifications in respect of addressing a work-life balance, applying measures which are family friendly, as well as the promotion of equality.
Highly scored Indices reflect this honouring of attention to the values of: corporate equality, lgbtq equality, disability inclusion, diversity best practices, executive women acknowledgement, and as a responsible, corporate sustainability supporter.
Noteworthy examples one could refer to are the attainment of:
– A perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index – and the distinction of being named a 2021 Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality ; a 90% score on the 2020 Disability Index compiled by Disability:IN ; Named among the Top 75 Companies for Executive Women by Working Mother Media, Premju Nazzjonali Haddiem tas-Sena (2019), Best Company in Malta that Promotes work life balance (2019), and Best Company in Malta that Promotes family friendly measures (2020). Besides such distinguished recognitions Baxter obtained the Equality Mark and the HR Quality Mark for the year 2021.
Baxter’s Maltese division has been in operation since 1989.
Baxter comes in first place for the Best STEM Employer Award.
Wild for Orchids and Akustika are two distinct projects, with a unique theme specific to the project but with a unified vision displayed in implementing the citizen science method. They are the first citizen science projects for either species (orchids and bats) in Malta. The team behind these two wonderful projects is Green House, an interdisciplinary, nonprofit and voluntary research organisation that applies holistic and creative methods in its undertaking to safeguard the Maltese environment.
Wild for Orchids engages and encourages active participation in the protection of the beautiful orchid species Malta is home to. The survey aspect of Wild for Orchids acts as an ongoing monitoring system that maps out species distribution and enables the observation of changes in population dynamics. Orchid species encountered are identified and fed into a database. This database can then be used towards applying the necessary conservation efforts to interrupt the path to extinction. Through this project this lovely plant acts as a call out to people from varying backgrounds, who with their attendance, participation, and involvement experience a sense of ownership towards their surrounding environment. Volunteers are able to enjoy communication and socializing among peers with common interests, and a deepened love for the plant was able to follow suit.
Akustika aims to improve local knowledge of bat species within the Maltese community by using scientific evidence. Bats are a particularly interesting species, who display highly specialised evolutionary adaptations, as well as being important bioindicators of ecological status. Akustika is designed to set the first steps towards gaining an overview of what bat species are present, their distribution and status through long-term monitoring systems. Regular public and private bat walks, talks, stakeholder workshops, kid’s workshops and social media campaigns enhanced the sensitising of the general public to these species along with raising awareness about the team’s work and local conservation efforts. It is augured that this further serves as encouragement to all, to consider bats in large-scale land development, urban planning, site designation and holistic environmental conservation.
A concluding note on the method common to the heart of either project:
This way of conducting science, therefore inviting the direct involvement of non-scientists in scientific research provides the opportunity to survey a wider area than usually covered by the researching individual. The same or similar resources available to the latter are made use of and there happens a further opening-up of the scope and subsequent impact of the research. New ideas and collaborations can come through, and the data gathering process increases exponentially when the right tools are given to participants. Clear examples of the value of citizen science are the contribution to the expansion of existing and ongoing research through provision of logistical support, help with the data collection, data validation and development of outreach materials to name a few.
Both projects have been enjoying a successful run – ongoing for 5 and 3 years respectively.
Wild for Orchids and Akustika come in first place for the Best STEM Community Project Award.
Science in the City is Malta’s national science and arts festival. It centres on how important science and research are in everyday life and in active responsible citizenship, in a world which is undergoing monumental changes especially to its environment and health.
After all a shared responsibility is needed by citizens and stakeholders alike, to develop better critical and creative thinking skills, to ensure all involved can make reflected intentional change a possibility in our society, towards altering the effects we are having on ourselves and our planet. These values apply to every domain, from the arts and sciences to ethics, politics, health and the environment.
During the event itself, researchers and performers take centre stage, filling Valletta or online spaces with the wonders of science that have contributed to the understanding and shaping of our society. Visitors from all over enjoy the opportunity of engaging with scientists, researchers, artists and performers through street arts, labs, music, dance, arts installations, performances, games, shows, talks, interactive experiments, stand-up comedy, science cafes, meet the researcher set-ups and a host of other activities. Online visitors take part in webinars, quizzes, do-it-at-home experiments, performances, online escape rooms, and other hybrid and digital arts and science events.
Science in the City provides a platform for various groups from diverse specific sectors to meet and engage with each other, researchers and artists collaborate and get creative, and visitors are invited to connect with these collaborators.
It is also a space for all stakeholders to meet, discuss and engage with R&I. An approach such as responsible research and innovation brings industry, government, citizens, NGOs and researchers to work together to align research with the values, needs and expectations of society.
The close collaboration with citizens, NGOs, the private sector, governmental organisations and bodies coming to fruition through the festival, serves to give an experience of a holistic and unique quality, one which explores research in a vast selection of scientific fields that cover every aspect of daily life.
The festival acts as a living testimony that researchers can come from all kinds of backgrounds with equally valid, exciting and rewarding careers.
Science in the City comes in first place for the Best STEAM Project Award (Panel Award).
Moveo Dance Company’s Diversely Typical, created and devised by Diane Portelli, is a contemporary dance performance that shines a light on neurodiversity. Aimed at children between 9 and 15, Diversely Typical has been choreographed to highlight every behavioural nuance of certain neurological disorders. Via the medium of dance the natural variation in human genes known as neurodiversity and which results in conditions such as Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) among others, is thus explored and represented.
Tolerance is promoted along with an urging of the embracement of the concept of neurodiversity, rather than the belief that neuro-atypical people need to be ‘cured’.
Research for this project was carried out in collaboration with The Malta Chamber of Scientists and ADHD Malta. Contacting and being in connection with both organisations served to make certain that the ensuing piece was developed in a way that conveys in a thorough manner the struggles people with neurodiverse brains experience on a daily basis.
To enhance immersion into what it is like to live with such conditions, chosen dancers were exposed to a series of simulations of sound and sensory overload, isolation and other elements, thus enabling them to thoroughly bring to life this special world.
The performance included a workshop with students, where theme and struggles were explored and hope and understanding encouraged through discussion, and further enhanced through the accompanying physical engagement workshop.
Viewers expressed feeling moved by the piece with a subsequent compulsion to spread compassion and further understanding on the matter!
Diversely Typical (MOVEO) comes in first place for the Best STEAM Project (People’s Choice Award).
