Food Science, Nutrition & Dietetics at UM

Faculty Representation at a Leading European Health Conference

From 12–15th May, Dr Petra Jones (Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics) and Dr Georgette Spiteri (Department of Midwifery), together with MSc (by Research) students Ms Nina Zahra and Ms Heather Galea, represented the Faculty of Health Sciences at the 33rd European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The team delivered four research presentations, sharing their work with an international audience and gaining valuable insights from leading researchers in the fields of obesity, nutrition and health. This experience also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between departments. By working across disciplines, we strengthen our research capacity, enhance learning opportunities, and contribute to addressing complex health challenges through innovative and collaborative approaches.
Beyond the scientific programme, participants enjoyed experiencing Istanbul’s rich food culture, from its vibrant spice markets to its Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Participation was funded through the ESF+ 02.230 project “Bridging the Gap: Capacity Building and Training to Combat Obesity in Malta” within the framework of the European Structural Funds 2021–2027, which supports research capacity building and training.

And our Sustainability Infographic Campaign moves forward!
With Dr Claire Copperstone and Prof Suzanne Piscopo as part of the Sustainability Champions Initiatives.

This infographic campaign forms part of the UM Sustainability Champion initiatives initiated by Prof Suzanne Piscopo and Dr Claire Copperstone.

Our Department was delighted to participate in the Primary Science Fair held on Tuesday 5th and Thursday 7th May 2026 at MICAS, Floriana. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our passion for food science, nutrition and dietetics and engage with so many enthusiastic young students.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the organisers (Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes) for hosting such a successful and inspiring event. It was truly rewarding to welcome primary school students, witness their curiosity, and see their excitement towards science and discovery.
Events like these play an important role in encouraging future generations to explore science, innovation, and learning.
Thank you to everyone who visited our stand - we greatly enjoyed the experience and look forward to participating again in the future!

📢Don’t miss out on the next ECHOES Platform webinar

Registration and attendance are completely free, and all participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Secure your spot today 👉 Login on the ECHOES platform — www.echoesplatform.eu and register on the WEBINAR section

It has been a truly amazing and enriching experience at UCC, made possible through an Erasmus staff exchange opportunity.
Dr Claire Copperstone had the opportunity to share some of the research work being carried out, deliver lectures in the areas of public health nutrition, food sustainability and food security and also connect with a great team of nutrition and food academics.
Thank you especially to Dr Alice Lucey and Dr Miriam Clegg for their kindness, hospitality and their sharing of experiences particularly on nutritionist registration and their ongoing research work.
....The Take-Home Message?
We have a duty and responsibility as academics to remain learning and disseminating information through these international trips.
Collaboration and learning from other institutions is the only way forward to further improve and always move ahead in the development of our nutrition profession and maintain the quality of nutritional science delivery to our students.

Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony 2026 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

Two PhDs in Food Science, one MSc. by Research in Food Science and Nutrition and five Postgraduate Diplomas in Dietetics 👏

Well done to all graduates, academics and administrative staff involved in these successful journeys 🎉

And another reason to celebrate today! Well done to our Masters by Research graduate Dajana Reci!!! Well done and so proud of you!

Well done to all our PG Dietetics students; we’re so proud of your success! 👏🎓
Your hard work, commitment, and resilience have truly paid off. 💙✨