Pro-Rector Professor Joseph Cacciottolo and four other academics at the University of Malta were among those who received Malta’s highest honours for the outstanding work in their respective areas on the 47th anniversary of the Republic.
Professor Joseph Cacciottolo, Pro Rector for Academic Affairs at the University of Malta was awarded for his contribution to the academic sector. He helped found the Humanities, Medicine and Science Platform, a cross-disciplinary programme which he led for 10 years.
Professor Lino Bianco, who is a full time resident Academic at the Faculty for the Built Environment was awarded Ä ieħ ir-Repubblika for working towards a better environment and planning practice. He was also awarded the Order of the Madara Horseman (1st Class) by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Dr. Jonathan Joslin was awarded for his ongoing involvement in the medical sector, with special focus on the emergency sector. His full time role is a Consultant Emergency Physician and Specialist in Emergency Medicine but he is also a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University.
Dr Michael Spiteri was recognised for his works and expertise in emergency medicine. Dr Spiteri is a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery as well as an examiner on the European Board of Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Ethel Vento Zahra was recognised for a High Level of Service in the Public Service. She is a senior lecturer at the Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Community Care at the Faculty of Dental Surgery and is also a committee member of Europa Donna Malta, an NGO that advocates for rights related to breast cancer patients, and which aims to provide a support system for those who are affected.
Professor Emeritus Edward Zammit, served at the University for 45 years (1971 – 2016). During this time he was responsible for heading the departments of Public Policy, Tourism Studies, and Social Work at the University of Malta. Prof Zammit has significantly contributed towards the development of social dialogue and fruitful collaboration among the social partners.
UM Council member Reno Calleja was also awarded for his endeavours in promoting Malta internationally, particularly with the People’s Republic of China. He is currently an advisor about Chinese affairs to the Rector of the University of Malta and government representative to the Council of the University of Malta.
These honours were presented by President George Vella during a ceremony in Valletta, following the annual military parade at St George's Square last Tuesday, December 13, Ä ieħ ir-Repubblika.
President George Vella concluded by saying "We have a strong interest in protecting the rights of every human being, no matter the race, no matter the beliefs, no matter the skin colour. We want a society that respects and upholds the rule of law. We have a strong desire to see sustainable economic development around us. We want to see economic wealth distributed fairly and equitably. We want everyone to be treated equally and for everyone to enjoy the same rights and respect. We want to see a future where we seek more unity and less division among us. We want to see a future in which we look forward with greater mutual confidence. This is the Republic of Malta that I wish to see developing over the coming years. These are the challenges we face as a sovereign and responsible people."
