New University rector names five pro-rectors
Each have been assigned responsibilities for the running of the university
The rector-elect of Malta University, Frank Bezzina, has announced five pro-rectors who will work with him when he takes office on July 1.
They are Prof. Joseph Cacciottolo, Prof. Ing. Simon Fabri, Prof. Noellie Brockdorff, Prof. Vincent Cassar and Prof. Leonie Baldacchino.
Prof Cacciottolo will be Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, steering academic policy, programme development and teaching and learning, and expanding flexible and lifelong learning opportunities in line with national and European lifelong learning priorities.
Cacciottolo is the current pro-rector for academic affairs and has served in this role since 2016. He is the co-chair of the Humanities, Medicine and Science Platform (HUMS) under the aegis of the Faculty of Arts and was previously the head of the Department of Medicine and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
Prof. Fabri, Pro-Rector Research and Knowledge Transfer will shape and support the University’s research agenda, innovation ecosystem and knowledge transfer activities, promoting excellence, impact, and collaboration with external stakeholders.
Fabri is a professor in the Department of Systems and Control Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. Since 2021, he has occupied the role of Pro-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer.
Prof. Brockdorff, Pro-Rector People, Quality and Communications will oversee staff and student affairs, quality assurance and enhancement, and strategic communications, fostering an inclusive, high-quality academic environment and a coherent institutional voice.
Brockdorff is a professor in the Department of Cognitive Science. She has been head of the Department since 2011 and dean of the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences (MAKS) since 2015.
Prof. Cassar, Pro-Rector Strategic Implementation and Sustainability will drive the implementation of the university’s strategic plan, aligning resources, performance and governance with long-term financial, social and environmental sustainability.
Cassar is a professor in the Department of Business and Enterprise Management in the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA). From 2016 to 2021 he served as deputy dean, FEMA, and Head of Department from 2021 to 2025.
Prof. Baldacchino, Pro-Rector Internationalisation, Enterprise and Outreach will lead the University’s global engagement, partnerships and enterprise initiatives, while strengthening outreach to industry, government and the wider community to enhance UM’s societal impact.
Baldacchino is an associate professor in the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation. She served as director of the Institute from 2013 to 2022.
Professor Bezzina emphasised that while each pro-rector will have a focused mandate, together they shall form a tight-knit leadership team that collaborates across boundaries, meets frequently, shares insights openly, and tackles challenges together.