Julia Vella, a Doctoral student at the University of Malta, is contributing to cutting-edge research at CERN through her work with the ALICE experiment, focusing on the development of advanced sensor technology with applications in medical imaging.

Explaining her work to WhosWho.mt, Ms Vella says she is developing and testing specialised electronic chips designed for coloured X-ray scanning. Unlike conventional black and white imaging, this approach uses multiple X-ray energy levels to distinguish between different materials. This can make it easier to identify irregularities such as lesions and tumours, potentially enhancing accuracy in medical diagnostics.

The project, she says, represents a relatively new application of CERN-developed technology within healthcare and is expected to open up new possibilities in the field of medical physics. Ms Vella notes that the research is still evolving but describes the coming years as an important period of experimental work and development.

She tells WhosWho.mt that her path into the field began during her undergraduate studies, driven by a longstanding interest in science and a curiosity about how systems work. She first engaged with CERN as a summer student while reading for a Bachelor of Science, with that experience later forming the basis of her final dissertation project in collaboration with the ALICE experiment.

Further opportunities followed after she was invited to speak and moderate at a conference organised by the National Student Travel Foundation in Malta. There, a CERN representative identified her academic background, prior experience and interest in medical imaging following her Master’s degree in Medical Physics. This led to the development of the current doctoral project, supported by both the University of Malta and CERN.

She says that Maltese participation at CERN has grown steadily over the years, with several undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral students contributing to research programmes. Ms Vella also highlights that her University of Malta supervisor, Professor Ing. Gianluca Valentino, previously completed both his PhD and postdoctoral research at CERN.

Reflecting on her experience as a woman in a STEM field, Ms Vella states that she has not encountered prejudice despite working largely in male-dominated environments. She attributes her confidence to the effort she has invested in her academic and professional development, as well as to working in environments that value constructive dialogue and informed contributions.

Julia Vella is also the Maltese Female National Climbing Champion.

She encourages other women pursuing careers in STEM to speak up and engage actively, noting that commitment to the field is ultimately defined by ideas and insight rather than outward characteristics.

“My advice would be to not hesitate in making your voice heard. Those who are genuinely committed to the field are far more concerned with ideas and insight, than with outward characteristics. Matter plays minor roles in the interests of the mind. Ultimately, substance and intellect carry far more weight than the shell that carries it,” she says.

Alongside her academic work, Ms Vella is also the Maltese Female National Climbing Champion.