As part of the strategy process, the Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella, is hosting a series of University Fora for Industry throughout the academic year. Each forum is dedicated to Malta's economic pillars and aims to disseminate academic knowledge and industry expertise.
The Forum on Transport and Logistics took place on 2 November in partnership with the Foundation for Transport and was led by experts from academia and the industry. The speakers shared insights on activities across the University that promote cutting-edge practices in the field. University students, staff, institutional partners and external stakeholders were invited to participate.
Prof Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Enterprise, moderated the discussion during the forum. Prof Joseph M Cacciottolo, Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs and Prof Ing Simon G Fabri, Pro-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer, University of Malta, engaged in the discussion, focusing on curriculum, training and research.
Dr Jeannette Axisa, Director General of the Foundation for Transport, Malta, defined the future of sustainable transport as the generation of smart connectivity through viable economic activity. The tangible steps mentioned include a mix of infrastructure requirements, AI being part of the business mindset and adopting green technologies. The ultimate aim is to attract technology innovators in transport to Malta, promote new career pathways and enhance the employability of students who would like to work in aviation, maritime and road transport sectors.
Prof Ing Sanjay E Sarma, founder and former Vice President of MIT Open Learning and founder and Director of MIT Auto-ID Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States, explored the subject of leveraging IoT for intelligent transport systems.
Prof Maria Attard, Head of the Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Director of the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, University of Malta, elaborated on technology for more responsive transport and logistics.
Mr Gunnar Schurich, entrepreneur, innovator and founder of RigRacing eSport 4eMotion, Germany, delved into science and emotion for new models of transportation.
Prof Ing David Zammit Mangion, Director of the Institute of Aerospace Technologies, University of Malta, showcased global and national trends in aviation.
The University Fora resonate with the University of Malta's commitment and mission to empower the nation and to bring innovation into all aspects of operations, including management, training and research. The activities reflect the objectives regarding industry impact in the University of Malta Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
Photo: (left to right) Rector, Prof Alfred J Vella, Prof Joseph M Cacciottolo, Prof Tanya Sammut-Bonnici, Prof Ing Simon G Fabri, Dr Jeannette Axisa, Prof Ing Sanjay E Sarma, Prof Ing David Zammit Mangion, Mr Gunnar Schurich, Prof Maria Attard
