The Data Science Platform is a University of Malta (UM) wide collaboration to facilitate the interaction of all university entities and individual academics interested in data science, signal processing and machine learning.

1. The aims of the Platform are the following:

• to promote research related to the development and use of data analysis, data mining, machine learning and signal/image processing techniques in real-world applications, as an interdisciplinary subject
• to promote synergies between faculties, departments, institutes and centres in the teaching of data science topics at the University by scientists at collaborating institutes, including supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations in relevant areas
• to conduct research in several projects requiring data science techniques, and in conjunction with associated universities and research institutes
• to raise public awareness in data science, and related fields through public talks and publications, and
• to promote collaboration with industry and to seek industry participation in research projects.

2. The Platform is guided and overseen by a Board which shall have the following structure:

• The Board is composed of a maximum of seven persons, including the Chair and Co-ordinator.
• Nominations for election to the Board are accepted from among the academic members of staff of the University who have also been active members of the Platform for the past two years without interruption (24 consecutive months). Members of the Platform will select up to seven nominees by secret ballot.  To promote continuity, as long as there are a sufficient number of nominees, a valid vote will select no more than two members that were not on the previous Board.  The newly elected Board will consist of those five nominees who received the most votes and were on the previous Board, and the two remaining nominees who received the most votes.  In case of ties, these will be resolved by a second vote among those nominees with the same count, decided by simple majority.
• The Chair and Co-ordinator shall be appointed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Rector chosen from amongst the members of the Board.
• In an election year, nominations will be accepted in July, and elections will be held in early September.
• The members of the Board shall select two members from amongst themselves as the Chair and Co-ordinator of the Board.
• The appointment of the chair, co-ordinator and members of the Board shall be for two years, and may be renewed.
• The Board shall meet as required, face to face or virtually and may invite external representatives and experts as required.
• The quorum of the meetings of the Board shall be five members.
• The Board will regulate its own procedure, provided that every decision of the Board requires the approval of at least five members of the Board.

3. Membership of the Data Science Platform

• Membership to the Platform is open to academic members of staff with an interest in data science who are willing to contribute towards the objectives of the Platform. Early Stage Researchers are particularly encouraged.
• To attain membership, the applicants require the approval of the Board of the Platform, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

4. The Platform will operate as a cost centre, subject to the University’s financial regulations.