Academia
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A Record-Breaking XI Malta Medical School Conference Celebrates Research Excellence and Collaboration
The XI Malta Medical School Conference, held from 4–6 December 2025, marked one of the largest and most dynamic editions in the event’s history. Hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta, the conference brought together 827 participants, including clinicians, researchers, students, healthcare professionals, and international speakers. The three-day gathering highlighted a shared commitment to advancing clinical excellence, biomedical innovation, and evidence-based practice.
A Strong Opening and Growing Momentum
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from the chair of the organising committee, Prof. Simon Attard Montalto. This year’s programme reflected that momentum clearly, featuring a broad and ambitious range of scientific sessions, plenaries, and poster presentations.
A Record Number of Scientific Contributions
The conference attracted a remarkable 588 submissions, demonstrating the depth of active research across medical, surgical, public health, and translational science disciplines. Following peer review:
- More than 267 abstracts were accepted as oral presentations across multiple speciality tracks
- Over 315 posters were showcased across thematic poster sessions
- Attendees and invited speakers spanned from 14 different countries
This balanced structure ensured that both senior academics and early-career investigators had strong visibility within the programme.
Scientific Sessions: A Diverse and Engaged Programme
The 2025 programme featured 41 parallel thematic sessions as well as 5 plenary sessions, covering an exceptionally broad scientific landscape. Key session areas included:
- Innovations in diagnostics, gene therapy, and molecular medicine
- Advances in surgical practice, robotics, and operating theatre efficiency
- Epidemiology, infectious disease, and public health systems
- Cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, paediatrics, and respiratory medicine
- Digital health, artificial intelligence, and health systems performance
- Ethics, patient safety, medical education, and interprofessional practice
Each session was marked by thoughtful discussion, high engagement, and meaningful interaction between presenters and attendees. The presence of international speakers from leading European and global institutions further enriched the programme.
Oral and Poster Presentations Highlight a Vibrant Research Culture
The oral presentation tracks offered a platform for significant clinical insights and emerging scientific findings, reflecting both local research strengths and international collaboration. Talks ranged from population-level health studies and clinical audits to translational breakthroughs and early outcomes of innovative therapeutic approaches.
The poster sessions, distributed across multiple monitors and held at several points during the conference, were a major highlight. They attracted constant footfall from delegates and provided an energetic environment for dialogue, mentorship, and idea exchange. Posters spanned clinical cases, public health studies, laboratory science, regulatory science, sustainability in healthcare, and medical education, demonstrating the breadth of Malta’s expanding research ecosystem.
A Community Moving Forward Together
Beyond the scientific contributions, the conference once again served as a vital meeting point for collaboration and professional connections. The high participation of medical students, trainees, pharmacists, nurses, and early-career researchers highlighted the vitality of the next generation of Malta’s healthcare workforce.
The conference was formally closed by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Prof. Godfrey Laferla, who highlighted the strength and diversity of this year’s contributions and reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to fostering research-driven healthcare and international collaboration.
With its record attendance and wide-ranging scientific excellence, the XI Malta Medical School Conference has set a high benchmark for future editions as the University of Malta community looks ahead to the XII Conference in 2028.
