New University of Malta Pro-Rector Team Announced

Prof. Frank Bezzina, Rector Elect of the University of Malta, today announced the names of the Pro-Rectors he will be appointing when he takes up office as Rector on the 1 July 2026.

Prof. Joseph Cacciottolo, Pro-Rector Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning

This pro-rectorate steers academic policy, programme development and teaching and learning, and expands flexible and lifelong learning opportunities in line with national and European lifelong learning priorities.

Professor Cacciottolo is the current Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs and has served in this role since 2016. He is the Co-Chair of the Humanities, Medicine and Science Platform (HUMS) under the aegis of the Faculty of Arts and was previously the Head of the Department of Medicine and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

Prof. Ing. Simon Fabri, Pro-Rector Research and Knowledge Transfer

This pro-rectorate shapes and supports the University’s research agenda, innovation ecosystem and knowledge transfer activities, promoting excellence, impact, and collaboration with external stakeholders.

Prof. Fabri is a Professor in the Department of Systems and Control Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. Since 2021, he has occupied the role of Pro-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer.

Prof. Noellie Brockdorff, Pro-Rector People, Quality and Communications

This pro-rectorate will oversee staff and student affairs, quality assurance and enhancement, and strategic communications, fostering an inclusive, high-quality academic environment and a coherent institutional voice.

Prof. Brockdorff is a Professor in the Department of Cognitive Science. She has been Head of the Department since 2011 and Dean of the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences (MAKS) since 2015.

Prof. Vincent Cassar, Pro-Rector Strategic Implementation and Sustainability

This pro-rectorate will drive the implementation of the University’s strategic plan, aligning resources, performance and governance with long-term financial, social and environmental sustainability.

Professor Cassar is a Professor in the Department of Business and Enterprise Management in the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA). From 2016 to 2021 he served as Deputy Dean, FEMA, and Head of Department from 2021 to 2025.

Prof. Leonie Baldacchino, Pro-Rector Internationalisation, Enterprise and Outreach

This pro-rectorate will lead the University’s global engagement, partnerships and enterprise initiatives, while strengthening outreach to industry, government and the wider community to enhance UM’s societal impact.

Prof. Baldacchino is an Associate Professor in the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation. She served as Director of the Institute from 2013 to 2022.

Professor Bezzina emphasised that while each Pro-Rector will have a focused mandate, together they shall form a tight-knit leadership team that collaborates across boundaries, meets frequently, shares insights openly, and tackles challenges together.