The University of Malta spearheaded and organised an event for young students to encourage students to further their studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. Students visited various STEM faculties during the two-day Unconventional Science Careers (USC) open days engaging in various laboratory visits, demonstrations, games and much more.
The second edition of the USC took place over two days, namely on Thursday 30 November and 1 December 2023, and saw around 1,000 secondary school age visit various buildings across the University’s Msida Campus, namely the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty for the Built Environment, the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, the Faculty for Media & Knowledge Sciences, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of ICT, and the Faculty of Engineering to meet with and ask questions to a number academic staff members , research support officers and students. This also offered the children an opportunity to see the experts in their element.
Numerous staff members from the various participating faculties as well as students from student organisations came together to give a helping hand with the touring, demonstrations and ensuring the safety of the young visitors.
Visiting students were also handed some seeds, which were generously provided by the Argotti Botanic Gardens & Resource Centre, to symbolise growth and potential.
Ms Danielle Martine Farrugia, the University’s Senior Executive for Science engagement, had this to say about the USC: “We often talk about the value of STEM Education, which is really and truly part of preparing children to be critical citizens in society . Through USC, students have the opportunity to engage with scientists and researchers and interact with them in an informal environment through hands-on activities. This might empower the children to speak up and pursue their interests in STEM-related fields even more. We want them to see there is no limit to what they can achieve - and that careers across all disciplines can benefit from creativity and innovation. Based on the high take-up of these open days we will be organising more events similar to this one in the near future, so stay tuned for more!â€
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The Unconventional Science Careers event is a materialisation of the University of Malta’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025, which vouches to ongoingly monitor skills gaps, involve enterprise and industry associations, and embed industry knowledge in its learning.
Throughout 2023, UM also signed a number of MoU’s with key industry stakeholders in order to join efforts to promote STEM in Malta, with an example being .
Revisit some highlights from the USC 2023 below:
