in touch issue 8

May 2013 Issue 8

in TOUCH

www.scubed.org.mt

Expanding the circleMeet our Sub-Committees

A vision which became a reality

How it all started

The ‘evolution’ of S-Cubed’s publications

Arrow Malta • HF62 Hal Far Industrial Estate • Hal Far BBG 3000 • +356 22298000 • [email protected] • Watson.com

Science Drives Our Global Mission

Every day the employees of Arrow Malta, now a member of The Watson Group,

are committed to a singular global mission: to develop and distribute trusted

generics and advanced, specialty branded pharmaceuticals, enabling people of

the world to achieve a better quality of life.

PHARMA

PHARMA

Arrow Pharm (Malta) Ltd Proud Sponsor of the Science Students‘ Society

www.scubed.org.mt 3Arrow Malta • HF62 Hal Far Industrial Estate • Hal Far BBG 3000 • +356 22298000 • [email protected] • Watson.com

Science Drives Our Global Mission

Every day the employees of Arrow Malta, now a member of The Watson Group,

are committed to a singular global mission: to develop and distribute trusted

generics and advanced, specialty branded pharmaceuticals, enabling people of

the world to achieve a better quality of life.

PHARMA

PHARMA

Arrow Pharm (Malta) Ltd Proud Sponsor of the Science Students‘ Society

Address: Office number 12, Science Students’ Society, Students’ House, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 2080

E-mail: Telephone: [email protected] +356 9923 4771

Design: Front Cover: Printing Unit, University of Malta J.P. Formosa

recycle

Please recycle this copy after reading it.

S-Cubed Committee 2012-2013:

Michael Buhagiar Marija Cini Timothy Debono Chris Desira Johann Galdies Eman MifsudMartina Mizzi Anna PuloElena Schembri Ryan Sultana

A vision which became a reality

The ‘evolution’ of S-Cubed’s Publications

Ten years on...the future is bright

Members tell their story: the S-Cubed experience

Expanding the circle

The City of Lights

6

8

12

1014

20

Vox Pop18

Getting to know our sub-committees

Our recent trip to Paris in collaboration with the CNRS and French Embassy in Malta

Students share their thoughts

Exciting times ahead for our organisations

What they learnt from being part of the executive

How it all started

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As this scholastic year soon reaches its end, so does the term for the current S-Cubed executive team. This year has been a very important one for

our organisation since it has celebrated its 10th year since its founding back in April 2003. To commemorate this milestone, a formal reception was organised on the 7th April, and all past executive committee members were invited to attend. It was a very touching moment, listening to the excitement and feedback of past executive members who were so happy to see the organisation still going strong from the time they were students, and will hopefully continue to grow in the years to come! Needless to say, we are indebted to you students, members of S-Cubed, because it is your constant support and participation that keeps us going.

In addition to this, several other new and exciting initiatives were introduced this year, one of these being Share!t, a project aimed at providing a platform for students to enhance their public speaking skills and promote discussion and informal learning. This

complements the video tutorials on practical chemistry techniques which have received praise both locally and internationally. This year, we have also launched a new website, and improved our science outreach campaign with primary schools through collaboration with St James Cavalier and the Malta Chamber of Scientists; in addition to top-quality social events such as ‘The Laboratory’ Party.

All in all it has been one busy yet rewarding year. This issue focuses on our beloved organisation, featuring various articles from executive members throughout the years. We also shed some light on previous publications produced by our society, while also getting to know the students who are currently active in different subcommittees within S-Cubed. We do hope you enjoy this special anniversary edition!

The editorial teamMartina MizziJohann GaldiesMichael Buhagiar

Editorial

Martina Mizzi is currently the Public Relations Officer of the Science Students’ Society and is presently in her third year of studies reading for a degree in B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology and Chemistry.

Michael Buhagiar is currently the President of the Science Students’ Society and is in his final year of studies, reading for a degree in B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry with materials.

Johann Galdies is a second year student currently reading for a degree in B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology and Chemistry, and is currently the Education Officer of the Science Students’ Society.

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Student MembershipJoin for just £12.50*

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Back in 2001, we were a group of 18-year-olds working our way through Freshers’ week. Our own Freshers’ week was quite hectic, there was no official student

support and we had to find our way through the faculty, trying to find the room allocation, getting lost in the back corridors of the chemistry department, working out timetables from all the different notice boards, and so on. It was a good time, we were a small group of 15 students studying biology and chemistry or chemistry and physics and we happened to get along very well from day one, helping each other in all aspects of our academic and social lives. Through this, we built strong friendships which are still there today. Help from 3rd years and 4th years was also appreciated as they somewhat guided us into the system. I used to ponder about the idea of a situation where everyone could be as lucky as we were and have a support system to help them.

So I found myself walking up to the library one day during my second year, to meet up with my friends and continue my practical write up whilst thinking about this. I had just finished from faculty board, where I had asked for any information about any societies for science students and got to know that there was one known as the USSA, but which was no longer functional. I went up the back stairs of library and called my friend Rachel. I told her, ‘I have an idea!’. I had known Rachel for years and she knew that this meant that I had an idea and she would most probably be asked to give as much help as possible. And that was it. We started

discussing the option of creating a society. The question was where to start from?

I approached all the people in my course and four of them decided that they would help me make this idea become a reality. We started working on the framework of the fundamental principles that would help us show what purpose and function this society had to be there for. We managed to obtain a room in the Maths and Physics department where could meet and we used to meet there nearly every day, always coming up with new ideas. At the same time we were approaching different people from the different B.Sc. streams (students taking maths, physics, IT, computer studies or statistics) to try and have more people on board. New people

A vISION which became a ReALITy

Debbie Vella was the founding President of S-Cubed in 2003, and is currently teaching Chemistry at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School.

“I had just finished from faculty board, where I had asked for any information about any societies for science students and got to know that there was one known as the USSA, but which was no longer functional”

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bring with them new ideas, and have different competences which make such a group more complete. Also we thought it would give us the opportunity to hear the voices of all the students from the varied B.Sc. course. This was very important for me. In unity there is strength and I was sure that by having all the different subjects united under what it really is one faculty, the Faculty of Science, would make us a strong faculty, where students are there for each other. Our call was heard and students from other subjects did in fact come to give their contribution. So there we were the nine of us with the same goal, but enriched with different qualities. The first group was made up of Nathalie ellul, Rachel Decelis, Nicholas Barbara, Trevor Giles Chircop Bray, erica Carabott, Duncan Bartolo, Matthew Agius, Joel Azzopardi and myself, Debbie vella.

There were different things that had to be decided upon - from basic things such as a name and logo to other more difficult tasks such as how to attract the attention of our fellow students and help them feel part of this society. The Faculty of Science is a very big faculty, given all the different B.Sc. options offered and up till then the division between the groups was really felt. We agreed that this society

had to be the society where all our fellow students should feel they belonged so we agreed that we wouldn’t decide about anything without first consulting all the people involved.

So we started posting posters all around the faculty. These posters had questions such as ‘Do you know what’s happening?’ ‘Do you want to be part of it?’, questions which at the time we thought would attract attention. At the time Facebook did not exist, and all adverts were quite rudimentary compared to today. We used to go to all the classes to get ideas about names, and we launched a logo competition. We had a good response and at the end of 2002 we called an AGM and the turnout was quite good. By the

end of the scholastic year (June 2002) we had established a name, a logo and the statute. S3 (S-Cubed) was chosen as it involved all of us – Science Students’ Society. We were also appointed as the first official committee and by the beginning of 2003 we started working for the students of the faculty. We were there during Freshers’ week for the first year students, we had a football tournament, a Christmas party and a careers convention. We tried to have an activity every month and our doors were always open for communication with everyone. The society was working well and it gained momentum over the year.

When we went up to 4th year, we gave a handover to other students as we had to focus on our thesis and had to give space for others to take up the ideals of the society.

years later I was reading for my masters and I came across a magazine which was written by S-Cubed. I couldn’t believe my eyes and phoned quickly Rachel and Nathalie to tell them that S-Cubed was going strong. It was a moment of pride, thinking that S-Cubed had survived even after we left. I was even happier when a person I had taught years ago and for whom I have a lot of respect, Michael Buhagiar, told me that he was the current S-Cubed president and that S-Cubed was celebrating its 10th anniversary. I am glad that there is a support system for all science students as it makes it easier for everyone to integrate and feel part of a community and part of University. I think having activities to attend organised by your own faculty’s society is very important and it gives a sense of responsibility and pride to those that make it work.

I would like to thank the Dean at the time, Prof. Alfred vella for the support given to us at the time in terms of space where to work from, and constant advice. I would also like to thank Prof victor Axiak and Prof. Patrick J. Schembri and Prof Richard Muscat for their constant support and constant words of advice. I would also like to thank the other lecturers, secretaries and all the people involved in creating this society. Finally I would like to thank all the members of the original committee and all the committees following that for keeping our dream a reality, a reality which has been and still is of great support to science students.

“I was even happier when a person I had taught years ago and for whom I have a lot of respect, Michael Buhagiar, told me that he was the current S-Cubed president and that S-Cubed was celebrating its 10th anniversary.

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T en years ago I would have never imagined of setting up a science student society that would last for more than a decade. I have always

thought that a society focused primarily on the needs of science students was desirable at university. But, unfortunately, the small number of science students, sparsed by their various specialised subjects, kept a low demand for such a society and also made it difficult to find committed individuals. It was only when I was in my third year B.Sc. that I came across posters along the Faculty of Science corridors urging science students to come together to form a society and that an informal meeting was to take place. I made sure to attend and I also took along Joel Azzopardi. Both of us were new faces to the highly motivated, younger group of students - the brains behind the setting up of the society.

The early days required that all of us familiarise ourselves with what it involves in setting up the society. We discovered that a university science students association has been in existence but laid dormant. Although reviving this association would have meant that it would have fast-tracked many of the paper work required by the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, this association owed large amounts of money to the banks that we would have to settle first. It was unanimously decided that the way forward was setting up a new association. Rapid progress was made in the following weeks: establishing contact with KSU, drafting of the statute, holding a student information meeting, acquiring a society meeting room within the Faculty of Science, and, establishing the first elected committee.

Our first major event was Freshers’ Week in October 2003. This was a very successful week-long event whereby we manned a stand on campus in order to promote the new society and answer student questions, organised an introductory meeting for freshers’ students, and gathered contacts of new students to set up a database. The success of Freshers’ Week was a stimulus not just for us as a committee but also for the new students who then they knew who

to talk to in case they were in some academic difficulty. This also encouraged other students to take an active role in the society.

Forming part of S-Cubed was, in a way, preparing me for the real world. Whether it is in academia, industry, or any other organisation I learnt how to work in a team and how to release the highest potential from a team’s synergy. During my Ph.D. studies at Trinity College Dublin my experience led me to become President of the Digital Arts Society.

I encourage students to participate in student societies in their respective interests - if no organization meets their interest then form a team and create one. My only regret is that S-Cubed was not founded earlier in my course as it would have helped me build stronger friendships. The entire founding committee is very delighted to learn that the strong motivation the society was initiated still lives, and we hope that it will continue to grow for the next decade and more.


Matthew Agius is one of the founding members of S-Cubed, serving the role of Webmaster between 2003-2004. He is currently working as a Research Officer.

“I have always thought that a society focused primarily on the needs of science students was desirable at university”

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I entered Freshers’ Week for the very first time with an air of excitement – there seemed to be a lot going on and I wanted to be part of it. I set out to look for my Faculty’s representing

organisation and, before I knew it, I was whisked into the Science Students’ Society, applying to be part of the executive within weeks of my entry at the University of Malta.

Being a part of the S-Cubed executive for three years radically moulded my University life. It served as a platform to get to know many students from different courses in my Faculty, as well as students across University who were active in other student organisations, both through social events, and by working with these people on projects and discussions.

Being active at University opened a door to the bigger picture and a more holistic University experience. Moreover, it provided me with an opportunity to gain a variety of skills which could not be obtained simply by spending my University days attending lectures and working on assignments. I started finding myself in

constant contact with different people – peers and professionals – and learning important people skills. Some of these people were addressing complaints, and sometimes I was the one forwarding complaints, and I soon learnt that there are effective (and non-effective) ways of receiving and delivering complaints in line with University structures and procedures. I learnt how to take on responsibilities, deliver results and coordinate people’s efforts to reach a common goal. All this while balancing lectures, meeting assignment deadlines and studying for exams, it’s an essential skill to make the time!

Allowing one’s self to learn from colleagues with more experience grants rewarding development. This learning curve was especially possible in S-Cubed, since during my terms I always worked with a team that was committed to our aims and this created the will to work professionally and deliver better quality to our members.

Looking back, I have very fond memories from my time in S-Cubed. Being part of a team is always a very bonding experience, through all the ups and downs that come along. I feel I have given a lot and I’ve received twice as much and what I’ve gained will be expressed in the situations I will find myself in in the future, including my career.

Marie Claire is a final year student reading for a B.Sc. in Biology and Chemistry. She served as part of the S-Cubed executive during her first three years at University and is currently at the end of her term as KSU Social Policy Commissioner. “Being a part of the S-Cubed executive

for three years radically moulded my University life”

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Back in April 2006 I was asked to join the Science Students’ Society (S-Cubed) executive board. This was the second time that I had been asked to join. I decided to accept the invitation this time round only with the proviso that I would leave if this would not be an interesting experience.

Just after exams the board met to construct a work plan which had to be completed throughout the summer just before Freshers’ Week. One of the key issues

discussed was the publication of a magazine for science students. So far S-Cubed had only printed some leaflets but never a publication since its foundation in 2003. Therefore we decided to kick off what was an ambitious project for us. Back then it was not easy to seek

funding for a publication of an organization with little awareness at all. We worked hard to convince some sponsors and managed to get some good companies on board to support us. We named this publication ‘In Situ’, a Latin term which means ‘in place’ and which is widely used in many different fields of science. In analogy, the magazine had to put science students in place for the coming year; gearing up to what university life in the faculty of science is all about. This magazine included an address from then President of S-Cubed vince Marmara, the Dean of the Faculty of Science then Prof.

Alfred vella and an introduction about the 7 departments of the Faculty (back then CIS and CS&AI departments formed an integral part of the faculty before the faculty of ICT was formed).

The magazine also included an introduction to KSU, how to waste less time during studying, career opportunities in ICT, contributions from NGOs in the field of Natural Sciences, an academic article on astronomy and also the traditional article by the editor Matthew Mifsud on relationships. This publication, the very first one of S-Cubed was distributed in October 2006 and was a great hit even if it was not something out of this world when it comes to design, but let’s say that students gave us positive feedback and we ended up with no more copies to distribute.

The following year 2007, was a difficult period for S-Cubed, most of the executive board decided to move on and we ended up 4 in the executive. Now even more than ever as an executive we had to do our best to attract more students to join the board and thus we had to communicate better. Hence once again we decided to publish a second magazine to distribute to all the Freshers but this time we made it a point to also improve our design and focus more on non science articles. In fact we named the magazine ‘In Situ: not just Science’. Once again this magazine included articles about the organistion and our work, information about the Faculty of Science, an article on research by Prof. Richard Muscat ( Pro-Rector for Research Affairs), some weird facts about science, an article on social responsibilities and the environment, fashion and a diary of a fresher student. We also introduced a competition area and a science

Karl Agius holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology and Chemistry and an M.Sc. in Biology. He is currently reading a Ph.D. in Ecotourism and is the organisor of various national science popularisation events. Karl is also a student representative on the European Students’ Union (ESU) and an Honorary President of S-Cubed.

“We named this publication ‘In Situ’ (just for Science), a Latin term which means ‘in place’ and which is widely used in different fields of science”

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comic designed by one of our students.

Following this a subcommittee was formed and a series of A5 newsletter magazine were printed with the title still being ‘In Situ’. However due to lack of funds these had to be printed in black and white and photocopied. The articles issued in such newsletters can still be seen online at http://preview5.awardspace.com/insitu.org/index.htm. One particular edition featured a survey on BIO 3060 Field Biology, outlining the heavy workload of the study unit for just 4 eCTS. This article had ended up on the Agenda on the Faculty Board of Science. Back then I used to serve as a student representative on this board and remember clearly the heated discussions. This survey was very effective and in fact the Biology Department had taken the issue very seriously. Truly our publications had become effective.

The following year in October 2008 S-Cubed went one further step and printed the first A4 magazine in full colour with the title ‘Modern Scientist’. One could clearly observe the change of pace which S-Cubed had made when it came to its publications. As an organization we continued to attract even more sponsors and took the publication to a further quality leap introducing more diverse articles for the interest of all science students.

Following this publication S-Cubed printed 3 newsletters (A4, 2 pages) in full colour with the name ‘In Touch’. The newsletters were issued in November 2008, December 2008 and February 2009. The aim of these newsletters was mainly to communicate our work with students and to promote our events.

In October 2009, just before Freshers Week we printed our second A4 magazine in full colour, the name of the magazine was ‘In Touch with future scientists’. This magazine is still being printed by S-Cubed till today and has reached its 8th issue.

And just to continue the sentence with which I started off this article, I ended up spending most of my years at University in S-Cubed, apart from being involved in such publications, I served as Secretary between April 06 and April 07, and President between May 07 and November 09. Truly this was an exciting experience from which I have learnt a lot. When I was President, S-Cubed had celebrated its 5th Anniversary and this year S-Cubed is celebrating its 10th

Anniversary. Time passed, S-Cubed continued to gain results in science student representation. I thank all those who have served in this organization and also the current executive for all their dedication and commitment but mostly the founding committee, 10 years later their cause still has an aim and is still relevant.

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Expanding the Circle:

Science Communication Subcommittee:Left to right: John Paul Mizzi, Rebecca Camilleri & Julian Chircop ( absent: William Hicklin).

One of the principle aims of S-Cubed has always

been to promote unity amongst science students by

encouraging all those who are willing to participate

as much as possible in the society’s activities and

projects. Although it is evident that not everybody

can be an exec member, this does not mean that

there is no room for more active participation by the

rest of the science student body. The most effective

way in which this can be achieved is through the

setting up and running of sub-committees, and so

this year we have endeavoured to organise new

activities with the help of non-executive members.

Meet our sub-committees!

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Meet our sub-committees!

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As we set foot on dry land I look around and see everyone shedding scarves and jackets and staring blankly in thin air as if they are all day dreaming. I

cannot blame their bewilderment. It has been an amazing week and home is very different from the city of lights. The memories are still fresh and I can still see the iconic tower flashing in the night sky and hear the accordion being played on the metro. There are no simple words to describe our feelings and there are even less appropriate adjectives to give praise to the beautiful Paris.

We landed at Orly airport early in the morning and then headed to the Latin district in central Paris. The coach made way through characteristic straight Parisian streets until we arrived at Oops!

hostel, a small but very well kept cosy place. After settling in we snatched a map, dressed up against the frigid cold and left to explore our surroundings. Not far up ahead, the street comes to a large square known as Place d’Italie where we found restaurants, cafeterias and a metro station. Some of us took initiative and had their first experience in the metro. I would describe this underground world as a different city for itself, with all the bustling going on, the sound of shutting doors and the common performances of musicians going on and off every line. Our first day came to an end in a local bar where we had the chance to get to know each other better as well as making some new friends from Paris.

Next day we had the chance to see the city more closely. With the help of two guides we

Ryan Sultana is currently the International Officer of S-Cubed and is reading for a degree in B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biology and Chemistry.

“With the help of two guides we went to landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Louvre palace and its gardens and various bridges of both Napoleon and Louis XIV”


went to landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Louvre palace and its gardens and various bridges of both Napoleon and Louis XIv. The bubbly re-enactments of historical episodes by our tour guide Billy made the trip around Paris one to remember. Later, we visited Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a very large scientific museum in which we could learn about different scientific phenomena and innovations; like new sustainable building materials. We also had an outer-planetary journey in a planetarium that took us around the world and as far away as the beginning of our universe.

On Monday we left for Orsay and we visited the Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures (LPN). Here we learnt about new methods of creating nano-scale electronic wafers (chips) and about quantum dots in microcavities formed in these semiconductors. Later we visited the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHeS) which is a very serene and welcoming environment for mathematicians, physicists and other scientists who are invited to this sanctuary to have a quiet place in which to work and come up with what might be revolutionary ideas in science. IHeS has hosted a large number of field medalists since it was founded in 1958. Afterwards, we divided into two groups and each group went to either SOLeIL Synchrotron or Institut d’Imagerie Biomédicale. I had the chance to go around SOLeIL and we were shown how electrons are accelerated within the facility so that different waves of light are used for different experiments carried out in situ.

Next up was École Normale Supérieure on Tuesday, a highly esteemed campus in France and around the world. We were given presentations about different research being carried out in the science departments as well as a brief history on the school itself. A short walk away from here was Institut Curie. First we were briefed on the history of the institute and how it all started thanks to the discoveries of radioactivity by Marie Curie. Then the

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different sections of the institute were addressed, mainly the hospitals and the research facilities used to learn and further our knowledge on cancer and related diseases. We were also given a tour around the labs and explained how research works as well as being shown how fruit flies are grown, used and examined for the study of stem cells and cancer. The Marie Curie museum was our last stop. The desk on which she sat, the clothes which she wore and the books given to her for winning two Nobel Prizes were only some of the objects of interest on site. It was also fascinating to see the way in which people thought about radioactivity in the 40’s and how this was used as a marketing strategy to sell beauty products.

Overall, our visit to Paris was and will remain a trip to remember. I learnt a lot about research in a foreign country as well as having the chance to experience the beauty of this magnificent city. Without a doubt, all of the site visits

could not have been possible without the help of Dr Arnaud Lalo and Mr. edouard Michel from the CNRS Office for the Mediterranean in Malta and the French embassy in Malta. This event was also supported by the University of

Malta Degree Plus Scheme. I would also like to thank the people who worked in organizing this trip for their hard work and dedication, especially for those who could not make it to Paris with the rest.

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KIrsTy GoodlIp B.Sc. Chemistry ( single hons) 1st year

1. Enjoyable 2. They are quite versatile, interesting and always fun to

attend.3. I heard of S-Cubed during freshers week at university.

4. Regarding events I would suggest something like

jamming sessions, hikes and something like picnics

near beaches during which games could be carried

out to get to know each other more (like the ones

during ‘On the trail’).

MarIa aTTardB.Sc. Biology &Chemistry 1st year

1. Awesome !

2. I think that the Science Gathering is a great

experience that should be shared by many more

students.3. I believe it was Fresher’s Week when Michael

and Ryan came into our Chemistry class and

explained how the organisation works .

4. Some sort of debate, maybe regarding ethics, or

lab practice may be something that more people

could be interested in.

ThoMas BaJada B.Sc. Biology & Chemistry 1st year

1. Awesome (simple).2. Science Gathering .3. Freshers’ Week.4. S-Cubed organizes various events which are all

original, being those educative, adventurous and simply FUN. More events such as Share It ! and other gatherings help the organisation and its members grow stronger. Well Done !

ChrIsTopher Zerafa

B.Sc. Maths and Physics, 4th year

1. Cool2. Trick question! Parties are awesome,

with the Annual Science seminar

basically being a party spread over

a weekend with some talks thrown

in. However, the Annual Science

Gathering is a personal best .

3. 2nd year, when a friend suggested

going to the Science Gathering

4. To keep the current momentum

of activities going.

annaBelle VassalloB.Sc. Maths and Statistics and Operations Research 2nd year.

1. Scientists2. They are a great way to get to know

other science students, make friends and enjoy these years at University.

3. About two years ago, when I first started my course at University, from a friend.

4. I think that trying to introduce students to job opportunties

associated with their studies would be a good thing.

1. Describe S-Cubed in one word.

2. Which was the best S-Cubed event that you attended?

3. When and how did you first hear about S-Cubed?

4. What would you like to see more from our organisation?


Kelly BrIffa B.Sc. Biology & Chemistry 3rd year.1. Creative.2. The trips abroad are my most memorable

experiences.3. I was introduced to the group during Freshers’ week in my first year. 4. Daytime activities.

MarK Galea B.Sc. Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics, 2nd year 1. The bridge between Faculty of Science departments.2. Science Gathering3. A friend invited me to join him, attend a meeting about a visit to CERN, organised by S-Cubed.

4. Visits to institutions with a science background.

MarIya GreCh MusCaT B.Sc. Maths and Physics, 4th year 1. Awesome

2. Weekend Seminar (never joined them when they go abroad, but I guess they’re pretty fun aswell!)3. First year from classmates4. I think they’re doing a

pretty good job, though it would be better if more students are

involved in their events.

donaTella BonGaIlas B.Sc. Biology and Chemistry 1st year.

1. Fun!!!2. All the events I have attended so far were good but I

think the best one was The Annual Science Gathering.3. I first heard about S-Cubed when I was visiting the

stands back in October during Fresher’s week.4. I wouldn’t mind if the activities are more frequent as I

have enjoyed every one of them; both the educational ones such as Share !T and others such as The Laboratory: End of Exams Party.

1. Describe S-Cubed in one word.

2. Which was the best S-Cubed event that you attended?

3. When and how did you first hear about S-Cubed?

4. What would you like to see more from our organisation?

www.scubed.org.mt20

If you had asked Debbie vella ten years ago, then founding president of S-Cubed, the question “Where do you think S-Cubed will be in ten years’ time?”, little would she have

imagined that the organization which started out as an idea by a small group of students would develop into what it is now; one of the leading and most active student organizations on campus. Undoubtedly this would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all the executive members who contributed throughout this past decade and who never stopped believing in the fundamental aim of the organization – which still is to promote unity amongst all students of the Faculty of Science.

As my time in S-Cubed draws to a close, I look back with a sense of pride at what we have managed to achieve and the direction which the organisation has set upon in recent years. Throughout this article I would like to share my thoughts on the latter and how I believe the organization is tackling the major challenges it is facing.

Our organization has recognised the importance of extending our reach beyond the doors of University to address the ever growing need for more students to pursue a career in Science. For the past two years, we have visited other scholastic institutions to promote our organization and a career in Science. yet this year we have ambitiously embarked on a Science Outreach campaign together with the Malta Chamber of Science and St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, targeted at primary school

Michael Buhagiar is currently the President of the Science Students’ Society and is in his final year of studies, reading for a degree in B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry with materials.

Ten years on...the future is bright

“Our organization has recognized the importance of extending our reach beyond the doors of University to address the ever growing need for more students to pursue a career in Science”

www.scubed.org.mt22

degree plus: add value to your degree

students, with the intention of sparking an interest in science from an early age through fun science demonstrations and interactive displays. Despite these students being a long way off from choosing to study Science at tertiary level, we believe that if we really want people to take interest in Science, we must work our way back and target students before they have decided what path they intend to take. The results of this bold initiative will not be realized in the near future; however our organization is committed to focusing on the bigger picture.

One other challenge we have sought to overcome is the division within our own Faculty. Since our Faculty incorporates a large number of students from different backgrounds and different courses, it is not easy instilling a sense of belonging between all the organization’s members. As has been done in previous years, but most particularly this year we have done our best to branch out and create subcommittees in an effort to encourage students to participate and be active within their society. Social activities such as the Annual Science Gathering have been strengthened and greater emphasis has been made on improving direct communication between the executive and members in the classrooms and on a more personal level. We are by no means there but I believe that we are taking the right approach.

In addition, we have always recognized the importance of educational development beyond the lecture room

and this year in particular we launched two initiatives, the “Share !T” series and the “video Tutorials” which gave the students themselves an opportunity to learn and teach others through their work, incorporating the very creative use of multimedia in the process. I can’t wait to see these initiatives develop further in years to come.

I also look forward to a day when S-Cubed will grow and extend its activity further beyond University and involve itself more in national and international issues through collaborations on eU projects, voicing opinions over national issues and being the main voice for all science students in Malta, working hand in hand with other local and foreign scientific institutions.

Finally, I would like to sign off by thanking all the executive members with whom I have had the pleasure of working with throughout these past two years, for their hard work and friendship and I wish them all the best in their endeavours while at the same time I sincerely hope that S-Cubed will continue growing and improving for many years to come.

“Since our Faculty incorporates a large number of students from different backgrounds and different courses, it is not easy instilling a sense of belonging between all the organization’s members”

Our present day outlook on education recognises the fact that youth development does not necessarily have to

be restricted to academic effort; rather many of us acknowledge the need for extracurricular and social activities to be integrated as much as possible with university student life. This concept is fully embraced by the University of Malta, and without this mentality student organisations such as S-Cubed would not even exist.

Apart from the various student organisations found on campus, university science students may also

develop extracurricular skills with the help of the DegreePlus, a programme of the University of Malta sponsored by Bank of valletta. The aim of this initiative is to give students the opportunity to enhance existing as well as develop new skills in different interests they might have.

University is the place where students mature into the adults needed by our society. As with the rest of the student population, science students in particular have much to gain through the various DegreePlus programmes. Some of the DegreePlus courses on offer, which may be of special interest

to science students, include courses on Fire Safety, First Aid, Health and Safety, Cv and Interviewing Skills, Presentation and Public Skills, english for Professional Communication, a multitude of Sports and Outdoor Activities, as well as languages such as Maltese Proficiency classes, French, Spanish, German, which will definitely aid and encourage more students to go on erasmus study programmes abroad.

At the end of their course, the students are presented with a certificate marking their achievement as well as being officially recognised on their results transcript.


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