Jonathan Firbank, Author at THINK Magazine

Water, Malta and a Fraught Future

Water is the last resource. The politics, deprivation and conflict created by water insecurity will define the future. Malta, as one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, will be ahead of the historical and technological curve.

Our Brain Beyond The Sky

The University of Malta’s Boundaries of the Brain laboratory is developing a toolbox that can help study spaceflight’s impact on the brain.

BOB lab brain malta neurology research science Think Magazine university of malta VB Toolbox

Fenkata – Science and Symbolism in Rabbit Stew

Fenkata, Maltese rabbit stew, is a delicious cultural staple. Jonathan Firbank explores the boozy chemistry behind its deliciousness and the dramatic history behind its cultural significance.

chemistry fenkata Knight Knights rabbit science wine

The Voynich Manuscript

The Voynich Manuscript is one of the most enduring historical enigmas, attracting multidisciplinary interest from around the world. Jonathan Firbank speaks with UM’s wing of the Voynich Research Group about the history, mystery, and cutting-edge technology brought together by this unique medieval text.

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Russia’s War Against Its Own Army (Part I)

Russia’s regime is conducting two wars, one to subjugate Ukraine, and another to subjugate its own military. In Part 1 of this article, Jonathan Firbank recounts ways Russia has compromised the morale of its forces and UM strategy expert, Dr Valentina Cassar, explains their broader implications. Part 2 can be found here.

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Russia’s War Against Its Own Army (Part II)

Russia’s regime is conducting two wars, one to subjugate Ukraine, and another to subjugate its own military. In Part 2 of this article, Jonathan Firbank speaks with Dr Valentina Cassar about the Wagner uprising that these two wars incentivized, and about how Russia is managing the risk of this happening again. Part 1 can be found here.

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Is Now the Time for a Wealth Tax?

In the face of ever-worsening wealth inequality, one solution for Malta (or elsewhere) could be a tax on wealth. Jonathan Firbank speaks to Dr Charmaine Portelli about why this idea is flawed, and yet, why this flawed idea might still be necessary for today’s world.

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Campus Sustainability: University of Malta Leads the Way

The University of Malta (UM) has set out to become a sustainability ‘Living Laboratory’. Jonathan Firbank speaks with Prof. Maria Attard about the Committee for Sustainability at the University of Malta, C-SUM, and its role in this interdisciplinary, interdepartmental experiment.

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What’s That Noise?

Malta depends on subterranean groundwater for agriculture, industry, and a large population. A University of Malta initiative, Project SIGMA, is monitoring groundwater sources not by digging for them, but by listening.

aquifers geosciences groundwater Seismic Signals SIGMA sustainability

The Soft Power of Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was an important part of Britain’s ‘soft power’, and her death symbolised and contributed to its decline. James Farrugia is a Maltese diplomat and UM PhD student. He speaks with Jonathan Firbank on the subject, its relevance to Malta, and his professional experience of Queen Elizabeth II’s state visits.

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