Venue of conference: Connections Conference & Meeting Facilities, Junior College, Msida, Malta.
Organised by the University of Malta Junior College | IX Edition | 09-11 September 2026
The Theme
The 2026 conference shall adopt The Academic's Compass as its central theme. This framework acknowledges the multifaceted, often challenging, roles of today's academic professionals. We will use the four cardinal points to structure our core program components, providing targeted professional development across the academic spectrum:
1. The Ethical Horizon: Integrity, Innovation, and AI in Modern Scholarship
Date: 10 September 2026 | 09:00 h
As we navigate the East Point of the Academic’s Compass, we confront a fundamental question: in an era of automated intelligence and rapid-fire publication, what remains the bedrock of scholarly truth? This panel moves beyond the "box-ticking" exercise of ethics applications to explore the profound philosophical and practical reasons why research must remain ethical to be valid. The discussion will bridge the gap between traditional scientific integrity and the disruptive potential of generative AI.
Panel Objectives:
Panellists:
We are delighted to welcome a distinguished, multidisciplinary panel of experts from the University of Malta to lead our first plenary session. Grounding our discussion in the regulatory and structural landscapes of academic integrity is Prof. Patrick J. Schembri (UM Department of Biology), who currently serves as the Chair of the University Research Ethics Committee. Joining him to address the rapidly evolving technological frontier is Prof. Vanessa Camilleri (UM Department of Artificial Intelligence), a leading specialist in AI Ethics and Human-Computer Interaction. Dr Maria Brown (UM Department of Arts, Open Communities, and Adult Education) will expand the conversation into the sociological sphere, drawing on her extensive background in social impact assessment and community-based research. Finally, providing the philosophical anchor is Prof. Jean-Paul De Lucca (UM Department of Philosophy), an expert in intellectual history and the philosophy of law. Together, these panellists will examine the vital intersection of traditional scientific rigour, ethical data stewardship, and the practical challenges of integrating Generative AI into modern scholarship.
2. The Pedagogy of Care: Navigating the Heart of Education
Date: 11 September 2026 | 09:00 h
Education is increasingly becoming a frontline for social integration, mental health support, and the management of diverse needs. This panel moves beyond simple content delivery to ask: How do we build a framework where academic excellence and pastoral care coexist? By examining the intersections of inclusivity, ethnicity, early development, and language assessment, our experts will chart a course for a more human-centered approach to education.
To develop a panel on Teaching and Caring, we must explore the synergy between the North Point (Pedagogical Innovation) and the South Point (Learning and Professional Growth).
In modern further and higher education, "care" is no longer viewed as separate from "academic instruction". Instead, it is recognised that for effective learning to occur—especially in diverse, international, or foundational settings—the educator must navigate the emotional, social, and cultural well-being of the student. This is often referred to as Caring Pedagogy.
Panel Objectives:
Panellists:
Our second plenary session features an outstanding lineup of local and international educational leaders who will explore how academic instruction and pastoral stewardship coexist in the modern classroom. Representing the International School for Foundation Studies is its School Director, Dr Omar N'Shea, who also chairs the University's Committee on ‘Race’ and Ethnic Affairs (CREA), bringing vital insights into cultural mediation and the unique needs of international student populations. From the Junior College, we welcome Ms Karen Buttigieg (Department of Biology), who chairs the inclusive education sub-committee within the JC Diversity Committee and specialises in adapting curricula for diverse learner abilities. Joining them is Ms Ann Marie Cassar, Director of the MCAST Institute of Community Services, whose extensive background in Early Years Education and Care offers a foundational perspective on embedding inclusive practices into institutional leadership. Rounding out the panel is our international keynote speaker, Prof. Dina Tsagari (Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway), a globally recognised voice in Applied Linguistics whose pioneering work in Language Assessment Literacy addresses how differentiated instruction and assessment can be used as direct tools for learner support and care.
