Twelve researchers hailing from the University of Malta (UoM) have obtained patents for their research discoveries since January 2020.

During a ceremony honoring the academics, held on 26th April to mark World Intellectual Property Day, UoM Rector Alfred Vella presented them with a patent grant certificate each.

Researchers filed patents in various sectors, such as engineering, science, the built environment, medical and biomedical technologies. In addition, patent protection was obtained globally.

The principal investigators of the patented inventions are as follows:

• Prof. Ing David Zammit Mangion
• Dr Ing. Marc Anthony Azzopardi
• Dr David C. Magri
• Prof. Ing. Philip Farrugia
• Prof. Giuseppe Di Giovanni
• Prof. Ing Jonathan Borg
• Dr Christian Camenzuli
• Prof. Joseph N. Grima
• Prof. Kristian Zarb Adami
• Prof. Spiridione Buhagiar
• Prof. Tonio Sant
• Prof. Vincent M. Buhagiar

Patents serve to protect inventors or licencees by granting exclusive rights over an invention for a period of 20 years. The University of Malta facilitates this process through its Knowledge Transfer Office.

During the ceremony, Rector Vella congratulated the academics, adding that he wishes they serve as an inspiration to other researchers in whichever field, so that next year, even more inventions coming out of the University would be worthy of a patent.