The Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy (ISSA) at the University of Malta recently marked its 10th anniversary, by reflecting on a decade of groundbreaking research, global collaborations and educational excellence in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology.
To celebrate this significant milestone, ISSA, in collaboration with Xjenza Malta, hosted a special networking event on 21 March 2025 at Villa Bighi in Kalkara. The event brought together a diverse group of scientists, academics, industry professionals and space enthusiasts, and offered the opportunity to look back on the achievements of the past decade, and look ahead to future developments in space science.
During the event, recent graduates showcased their research and projects in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. These presentations provided a glimpse into the wide-ranging work undertaken at ISSA, and demonstrated the Institute’s ability to nurture innovation and excellence across its various academic disciplines. The event highlighted the diverse and impactful contributions of ISSA graduates to the global scientific community.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Omar Cutajar, Senior Director of Technical Units at Xjenza Malta, said, “The growth of ISSA over the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable. Its success is a testament to the dedication and passion of its researchers and faculty, as well as the collaborative spirit that drives innovation in space science. As Xjenza Malta, we look forward to continuing to support the Institute’s mission and contributing to the exciting developments that lie ahead.”
Prof. Alessio Magro, Director of ISSA at the University of Malta, also shared his thoughts on the occasion, “ISSA’s journey over the past ten years has been an incredible one. We have not only advanced research and knowledge in space science, but have also fostered an environment where innovation thrives. I am excited about the next phase of our work and the continued impact we will have on both local and international scientific communities.”
Founded in 2014 by Professor Kristian Zarb Adami at the University of Malta, ISSA has rapidly become a leader in interdisciplinary research, blending the fields of science, engineering and ICT. Over the years, the Institute has fostered partnerships with prestigious institutions, such as Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and has developed a range of cutting-edge infrastructure, including supercomputing facilities and advanced theoretical physics research.
For more information, or to learn about upcoming events and programmes, please contact ISSA at issa@um.edu.mt
