Michelle Muscat tours University of Malta rare disease research labs

The Prime Minister’s wife and chairperson of the Marigold Foundation, Michelle Muscat visited the research laboratories of the University of Malta where she met researchers who are investigating rare diseases such as familial breast cancer, rare blood, brain and kidney disorders.

Muscat was welcomed by the University Pro-Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Richard Muscat, who gave an overview of the University’s continuous efforts to invest and excel in a number of areas of research.

Muscat also referred to the setting up of the University’s Centre for molecular medicine and biobanking which will bring together a cluster of laboratories and researchers under one roof. The CEO of the University’s own Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT), Wilfred Kenely, explained the task for the RIDT to engage with the community and raise funds for research.

Michelle Muscat highlighted the importance for all organisations working together to enhance research for the benefit of all the society. "The Marigold Foundation is joining forces with other organisations to help raise awareness about the challenges faced by society and providing further support to these organisations through fundraising initiatives," she said.

Mrs Muscat had the opportunity to meet researchers who are collecting valuable bio-data including DNA samples that are stored in the University’s BioBank, an array of freezers with temperatures of around -90 degrees, and which provide information about genetic disorders.

The BioBank is an essential resource for research in conditions like rare blood diseases such as thalassemia, and cancer. BioBanks worldwide have become essential tools for the global improvement of services and invaluable research on various conditions, including rare diseases. Various rare diseases are found in Malta such as muscular dystrophy, retinoblastoma, cystic fibrosis, haemoglobinopathies, and familial Mediterranean fever amongst others. 

Research is conducted using state-of-the-art equipment that has been procured by the University of Malta in the past years, mainly through the funding provided under the European Union structural funds.

The research on Rare Disease at the University of Malta is funded by the Research Programmes of the European Commission, the National Research Fund and community funding raised through the RIDT. The Malta BioBank at the University is a founder member of EUROBIOBANK and the BioBanking and BioMolecular Resources Research Infrastructure of the EU.