Rotary Club La Valette Malta supports research in ALS at the University of Malta
The Rotary Club La Valette Malta, presented a donation of €10,000 to the RIDT (Research, Innovation & Development Trust) of the University of Malta. This generous donation was garnered through initiatives by the club which involved club members as well as Rotary District 2110 (Sicily & Malta) District Grant Funds. The donation was presented to the Rector of the University of Malta, Prof Alfred Vella by the president of Rotary Club La Valette Malta Prof Clare Vassallo, in the presence of David Dingli (treasurer) and Alex Liberto (Board member) as well as the CEO of RIDT, Wilfred Kenely.
This year, Rotary Club La Valette has focussed on one of the key missions of Rotary International in supporting initiatives aimed at combatting disease. In particular, Rotary has a long history of working to eradicate Polio world-wide. On a local level, Rotary Club La Valette aims at supporting projects that help alleviate the hardships caused by illness.
The funds will be directed towards supporting the ALS Research Programme at the University of Malta, led by Prof Ruben Cauchi, with a specific focus on comprehensive DNA studies involving Maltese patients diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This investment will strengthen Malta’s contribution to Project MinE, the global initiative aimed at uncovering the genetic causes of ALS through large-scale whole-genome sequencing. By expanding local genetic datasets and integrating them into international research efforts, the programme will enhance understanding of ALS within the Maltese population while reinforcing Malta’s role in cutting-edge global ALS research.
In recent years, Prof Ruben Cauchi and his team have achieved significant breakthrough discoveries that have positioned the University of Malta as a recognised contributor to international ALS research. Notably, the team has advanced knowledge on the genetic mechanisms underlying ALS, providing new insights into disease pathways and potential therapeutic targets. These discoveries underscore the importance of continued investment in locally driven research with global impact and highlight Malta’s growing scientific footprint in the fight against ALS.
RIDT is very grateful towards Rotary Club La Valette Malta for their generous support and looks forward to future collaborations on this and other research projects.