Heritage Malta and Univeristy of Malta agree to cooperate on cultural heritage research

A new collaboration between the University of Malta and Heritage Malta will see the two entities consolidate their longstanding relations by launching a number of research-related initiatives.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which took place on Wednesday, 30 September at the Msida Campus of the University, marks the start of a longstanding collaboration between the two entities that both vouched to further explore their areas of common interest while respecting each party’s academic and strategic objectives.

The initiatives agreed upon include the sharing of resources, including libraries and equipment. This will grant Heritage Malta employees, as well as University of Malta staff and students, access to a vast collection of knowledge.

“Heritage Malta’s vision is to bring our past into the future,” explained Noel Zammit, the national agency’s CEO. “Research and knowledge are priceless tools to renew our identity, which in turn, strengthen our society.”

Prof. Alfred J. Vella, rector at the University of Malta, said: “Besides stimulating the mutual exchange of research skills and findings with the common aim of preserving Malta’s rich heritage for future generations, this collaboration shall help improve access to historical sites for our students and give them much-needed research support, bringing them closer to achieving their educational goals.”

“This MOU is just a single but important step in the renewal of Heritage Malta’s vision and mission over the past three years,” said Mario Cutajar, executive director of Heritage Malta. “This MOU should contribute to the necessary direction for Heritage Malta museums to be transformed from temples of art and artefacts into centres of information, debate and discussion resulting in a higher level of knowledge in all respects,” Cutajar affirmed.