Photo: James Moffett/University of Malta

The University of Malta gave a warm welcome to Dr Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, who paid a visit to the Msida Campus on Tuesday 16 May 2023. Accompanied by the Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, alongside Pro-Rector for Research & Knowledge Transfer, Prof. Ing. Simon G. Fabri, Metsola visited a number of labs and venues housed on Campus. Also present for this event were Mr Wilfred Kenely, CEO of the Research Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) and Mr Pierre Cassar, Director of the Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office at UM.

The tour started at mid-day with the President being escorted to the University’s Council Room where a short presentation highlighting the research and other initiatives undertaken at University was given by the Pro-Rector. Together with those present, the tour proceeded by a short walk through Quadrangle and stopping at the Biomedical building where Dr Metsola witnessed the current research being conducted by students in the laboratories. Following a group photo with staff and students, the President was given a tour of the new Metallurgy and Materials building nearby, which includes a number of underground laboratories.

As the visit was drawing to a close, Mr Kevin J. Ellul from the University’s Library, welcomed Dr Metsola at the main entrance. Mr Ellul gave a brief tour of the library which included the various spaces made available for students to make use of. The visit concluded with a quick meeting between KSU and the President of the European Parliament who then proceeded to Plaza Costaguti, where a European Bench which was officially unveiled last Friday, is located.