Prof Kristian Zarb Adami has been appointed the new chairperson of Malta’s national commission for UNESCO.
The appointment was made by culture minister Owen Bonnici. Zarb Adami will join a new panel which includes six experts, two from each of UNESCO’s three main areas of interest, culture, education and science.
The national commission aims to advance UNESCO’s mission to promote peace and security through international cooperation in these three fields.
Zarb Adami is a distinguished scientist known for his contribution to the design of radio telescopes, in particular through his role in the global Square Kilometre Array project, which aims to build the largest radio telescope.
He is the founding director of the Institute for Space Sciences and Astronomy at the University of Malta and holds joint academic positions with the University of Oxford and University of Catania.
Beyond astronomical science, he is also the co-founder of an innovative company in the field of digital care, which uses artificial intelligence – initially developed for astronomy – to identify and monitor degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s at an early stage.
The other members of the national commission are Francis J Sultana, Christopher Briffa, Mirana Agius Silvio, Francesco Debono, Dr Rachel Abela, and Dr Chris Barbara. Luisana D’Amato is secretary general while Matthew Mallia is board secretary.
Commenting on the appointment, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said the commission will strengthen cooperation between governmental and non-governmental entities in education, science and culture.
The commission will also ensure the active participation of Maltese professionals in UNESCO initiatives.