A career fashioned in Malta
Zooming in on urban design
From research-based interventions in New York to a children’s local council in Malta, international minds look for ways to create better urban design to increase residents’ quality of life. Martina Borg and Daiva Repeckaite tune in to hear their thoughts.
Continue readingInnovators play a different game
South Africa-based entrepreneur Rapelang Rabana says that when it comes to innovation, the skills and experiences we accumulate over our lifetime are better resources than formal qualifications. Words by Daiva Repeckaite.
Continue readingBetter information for smarter decisions
Information alone rarely changes behaviour. Fossil fuel cars are no exception. Dr Thérèse Bajada (Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, University of Malta) searches for an optimal mix of facts and emotions to engage people on their mobility choices.
Continue readingFor the price of a coffee
The global pandemic is a further blow to already struggling local media. Prof. Mary Anne Lauri, media researcher and Editorial Board member at Beacon Media Group, unpacks this trend.
Continue readingSocial networks to support mental health
The COVID-19 situation has taken a toll on people’s wellbeing. The constant flow of information can amplify the stress. Dr Josianne Scerri and Dr Paulann Grech, together with their colleagues and students, carved out a space on social networks where people could practise self-care – and get their facts right. They share their experience here.
Continue readingCoronanomics in Malta
In 2019, 2.8 million tourists came to Malta and spent on average over €800 each. Maltese households spent in total €826.8 million on eating out and takeaways in 2018. In March 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic arrived in Malta. Subsequent containment measures swept most of this spending away. Prof. Joseph Falzon crunches the numbers of the predicted economic impact.
Continue readingUnmute yourselves!
COVID-19 pandemic containment measures pushed lecturing and studying to home environments. Some academics appreciated it more than others – they share their experience with editor Daiva Repeckaite.
Continue readingCOVID-19 Crisis: have we done this before?
Popular wisdom warns that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Will the current COVID-19 pandemic prove the adage true? Cassi Camilleri writes.
Continue readingWhen trust is lost in translation
Social workers are in close contact with people; it’s the nature of their job. But when migrant survivors of domestic violence seek help, they often perceive social workers to be representatives of a more powerful group. Thus, survivors may be wary of trusting social workers, or fear losing their children, being reported to immigration authorities, or blamed for what happened. To engage with a growing number of migrants and minorities today, social workers need cross-cultural competence – the ability to work effectively across cultures.
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