Three University of Malta academics have been honoured at the inaugural Sustainable Development Action Awards, organised by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness through the Sustainable Development Directorate.
The awards recognised contributions to sustainability and innovation, with academics from the University securing the top three positions in the Research and Innovation Award category.
Taking first place, Professor Ruben Paul Borg from the Department of Construction and Property Management within the Faculty for the Built Environment was recognised for his project, 3D Printing of Low-Carbon Concrete for Sustainable Construction.
The research explores how 3D printing can work hand in hand with sustainable materials to reshape the future of construction. The team is developing a low-impact concrete mix composed of limestone waste, recycled aggregates, and industrial by-products – designed to balance structural strength with environmental performance.
Professor Joseph Borg, from the Department of Applied Biomedical Science within the Faculty of Health Sciences, placed second for his project Space Biology Solutions for Global Health.
His research harnesses the unique conditions of spaceflight and the International Space Station to develop new diagnostics and therapies that can benefit patients on Earth – demonstrating how space research can contribute to global sustainability and health innovation.
In third place, Thérèse Bajada from the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development was recognised for her bilingual children’s book on Sustainable Mobility for Year 6 Students. The project encourages environmental literacy and early behaviour change, inspiring children to adopt greener lifestyles through engaging storytelling and education.
The Sustainable Development Action Awards are expected to become an annual fixture, encouraging further collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors to turn sustainability from a goal to reality.
Other winners of the awards were:
- NWAMI International Malta was presented with the Community Impact Award for its efforts in promoting cultural understanding and social inclusion.
- Erica Micallef Filletti earned the Youth Leadership Award for her active role in environmental and social initiatives.
- HSBC Malta plc received the ESG Positive Impact Award for its corporate commitment to environmental, social, and governance excellence.
- 1st Sliema Scout Group (Bernard’s Own) was recognised with the Environment Award for its continued environmental stewardship and education efforts.
- Agius de Soldanis, Rabat Middle School, Gozo College took home the Sustainable School Award for integrating sustainability into student learning and school culture.
- Marc Galdes won the Sustainability in Journalism Award for his reporting on environmental and social sustainability issues.
- Circular Economy Malta earned the Public Service Sustainability Award for promoting circularity and sustainable practices in the public sector.
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Written By
Nicole Zammit
When she’s not writing articles at work or poetry at home, you’ll find her taking long walks in the countryside, pumping iron at the gym, caring for her farm animals, or spending quality time with family and friends. In short, she’s always on the go, drawing inspiration from the little things around her, and constantly striving to make the ordinary extraordinary.
