Prof. Frank Bezzina has been officially elected as the 82nd rector of the University of Malta, pledging to ensure research and teaching “are of the highest quality”.
Bezzina, who has previously served as Acting President of Malta, was the only nominee for the post. He will take on his five-year term on July 1 succeeding Prof. Alfred J. Vella who has held the role since 2016.
He was nominated by 15 University of Malta Council members including representatives of Senate and students, members elected by academics, administrative, technical, and industrial staff, and members appointed to represent the general interest of the country.
During a presentation to the council entitled “Knowledge for the common good”, Prof. Bezzina outlined his vision of the University of Malta as a strategic national institution, one that does not merely respond to change but actively shapes Malta’s future.
He said this will be achieved by working hand in hand with communities, industry, and public and private institutions without compromising academic autonomy.
Bezzina added his priority is to ensure that the University’s research and teaching are of the highest quality, and are supported by rigorous quality assurance.
He explained that this depends on a strong research culture in which fundamental and applied work feed directly into teaching, shape policy, strengthen professional practice, support innovation, and contribute to wider societal progress.
The Rector-designate emphasised his vision of the University of Malta as a place where learning fosters curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking, each of which are qualities that drive social, economic, and environmental transformation in service of the common good and in response to real societal challenges.
He added that his vision is for the University to offer a genuinely holistic experience for students and staff, firmly grounded in equality, diversity, and inclusion.
In his presentation to the council, Bezzina also expressed the need for long-term strategic planning, diversified funding, and sustainable investment, while building on what already works well and having the courage to reform what does not.
He noted that this can be achieved through the gradual alignment of structures, policies, and resources with strategic objectives, the removal of unnecessary barriers and bureaucracy, and the support of colleagues to achieve more.
