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University Maritime Platform Scales Up Multi-Disciplinary Impact in 2026

Photo caption from left to right:
Ms Ruth Zammit, Prof. Ing. Simon Fabri, Prof. Ing. Robert N. Farrugia (UMP Vice-Chair), Ms Elda Belja, Dr Lisa Pace, Prof. Simone Borg, Prof. Adriana Vella (UMP Chair), Ing. Elisa Vella, Prof. Joel Azzopardi, Dr Therese Bajada and Ms Miriam Camilleri (both behind on screen due to online participation).

The University Maritime Platform (UMP) continues to cement its position as a prominent interdisciplinary hub, spearheading solutions for the complex challenges facing the marine and maritime industries. As a university-wide initiative, the UMP is dedicated to fostering high-level collaboration, research, and education to drive sustainable development within this versatile, diverse and rapidly evolving sector.

Strategic Leadership and Expansion:

Entering 2026, the Platform has significantly bolstered its multidisciplinary foundation by welcoming new members with expertise ranging from applied science and engineering to maritime policy and socio-economics.

Led by Chair Prof. Adriana Vella (Faculty of Science) and Vice-Chair Prof. Ing. Robert N. Farrugia, the UMP serves as a critical focal point for:
• Influencing national and international maritime policy and marine conservation.
• Bridging the gap between transdisciplinary research and market innovation.
• Fostering global collaborative networks for a sustainable maritime future.

A Framework for Action:

The University Maritime Platform strategic goals are driven by six dedicated Action Groups: Research, Education, Industrial Liaison, Funding, Outreach, and Consultation. Each designed to streamline engagement and strengthen collaboration between industry, research and government stakeholders.

Driving the Blue Economy:

By drawing on a diverse talent pool from various departments, faculties, and directorates within the University of Malta, the UMP is uniquely positioned to address emerging needs in technological innovation and environmental sustainability.

"The UMP remains a vital bridge between academia, industry, and policy," says Prof. Adriana Vella. "Our multidisciplinary approach ensures we are not just observers of the maritime industry’s evolution, but active contributors to Malta’s and the Mediterranean’s blue economy."

As the maritime sector undergoes a digital and green transition, the UMP continues to deliver impactful initiatives that ensure Malta remains at the forefront of global maritime excellence.

Through its committee and members, drawn from diverse academic departments, faculties and directorates within the University of Malta, the Platform continues to consolidate its strategic role by delivering impactful initiatives that bridge academia, industry and policy. The multidisciplinary expertise within UMP ensures that it remains well positioned to respond to emerging needs in sustainability, technological innovation, and the evolving maritime industry, contributing meaningfully to Malta’s and the wider region’s blue economy.

Get to know the UMP Committee Members:

Prof. Adriana Vella (Chair), Biology, Faculty of Science
Prof. Inġ. Robert N. Farrugia (Vice-Chair), Institute for Sustainable Energy
Prof. Inġ. Simon Fabri, Pro-Rector, Rectorate Research & Knowledge Transfer
Prof. Joel Azzopardi, Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ & Communication Technology
Dr Therese Bajada, Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Prof. Simone Borg, Environmental & Resources Law, Faculty of Laws
Prof. Luciano Mule’ Stagno, Institute for Sustainable Energy
Dr Lisa Pace, The Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking & Innovation
Inġ. Elisa Vella, Corporate Research & Knowledge Transfer Office
Ms Elda Belja, External Member from the
Ms Miriam Camilleri, External Member from the
Ms Angie Mifsud, Research Support ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ Directorate
Ms Ruth Zammit, Office of the Pro Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer

Membership to University Maritime Platform is open all year round to academic members of staff with a marine and maritime interest and who are willing to contribute towards the objectives of the platform.

For more information:

Contact the University Maritime Platform by email.
Visit the UMP website.
Follow our new .
Follow us on .

Stay tuned as interviews with new UMP committee members are released during the year. After last year’s conference success, the UMP shall shortly be promoting new activities encouraging further dialogue and opportunities for engagement.