Updated | Research at UoM must not be bolstered at the expense of stipends-Pulse

Updated with SDM reaction.

"Investment in the research facilities of the University of Malta is crucial for the institutions development. However, it should not be enhanced at the expense of stipends," a spokesperson for the student organisation Pulse said.

Pulse was reacting to John Betts' call for stipends to be abolished and channelled into a research fund for the University of Malta. Betts is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

"There is a general consensus that research is a fundamental area which the University of Malta needs to have greater resources to invest in. Research is crucial for the University's sustainability, quality of education and competitiveness," Pulse said.

"Stipends are vital to sustain the increasing number of students furthering their studies to tertiary level education. Moreover stipends assist students in coping with their financial requirements throughout the year."

Pulse believe that a distinction has to be drawn between the budgeted allocated to the University and the funds dedicated to stipends stemming from the Ministry of Education.

The student organisation called for more private sector involvement in University research and a reining in of non-Maltese residents studying at the University of Malta for free.

The Christian Democratic organisation SDM reiterated its stand on stipends being a social necessity.

“Stipends should not be seen as an expense, rather they are an investment. Educational reform is important, but stipends should not be touched. Past mistakes that have been made with stipends should remain just that, buried in the past”, an SDM spokesperson said.

“The SDM welcomes both the PL’s and the PN’s proposals to introduce a pro-rata COLA adjustment for stipends.”