Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1495665
3 Unity SUNDAY 26 MARCH 2023 Welcome to Unity's second edition! AS usually happens in my writing ex- ertions, I found myself abandoning my first draft of the editorial. I had started formulating this commentary as soon as the first article was received in my email inbox. However, as more articles poured in it became evident that my impression of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing's oeuvre was hopelessly near-sighted. Despite being a member of this Faculty for almost 10 years, seven years of which as Head of the Department of Gerontol- ogy & Dementia Studies, I realised that my knowledge on the theoretical and empirical contributions of fellow col- leagues was superficial to say the least. With each received article, I could see the Faculty for Social Wellbeing in- crease in stature, as I appreciated that its resident academics were simply not content to deal with mainstream agen- das in their respective disciplines but also strove to take their fields into un- known territories ranging from sexu- al health to how Oscar-winning films distort the reality of disabilities to hu- man-rights approached to drug policy. Many took on research interests and studies over and above the research work that they were expected to con- tribute in line with their departments' interests. Moreover, and despite at no point be- ing stated throughout any of the arti- cles, I could also witness first-hand the hidden injuries that research practice might possibly have on the Faculty's resident academics, as most subject foci deal with challenging arenas that range from the impact of fatal domestic vio- lence on surviving children, to the nega- tive social realities surrounding slippery medical diagnoses such as fibromyalgia. As psychologists, counsellors, social works and gerontologists, amongst others, will certainly attest, efforts to improve quality of life and wellbeing comes at a personal price. I will be brief as the role of the editor is to orchestrate rather than play any in- strument and will simply end by thank- ing everyone involved in making this second edition of Unity a reality, all the contributors and the production team at MaltaToday, but especially, Charlene Fabri who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to join disparate efforts in one united whole. UNIVERSITIES have been part of the European social land- scape for well over 900 years. They were conceived as exclu- sive, almost monastic teaching institutions wherein academic freedom was much prized and jealously guarded, and where scholars developed knowledge in its breadth and depth. The advancement of knowl- edge is an essential requisite in any civilization. Gradually, and often against formidable politi- cal odds, religious oppression, bigotry and sheer ignorance, discovery and the testing of new ideas became the ethos of suc- cessful universities. Institutions that failed to embrace critical thinking and innovation, with- ered, and fell by the wayside. Research and quick response to change, in turn continue to con- tribute directly and indirectly to the quality, relevance and scope of teaching. The University of Malta has undergone crucial changes both in concept and in operation. This University, in consonance with European universities of repute, has to a large extent moved away from building bas- tions, exceptionality and insu- larity to become a vibrant open community of scholars, teachers and students willing to build bridges. The University of Mal- ta is increasingly more inclusive and diverse; it seeks to be as re- sponsive as possible to today's needs and aspirations both at an individual level and on a nation- al scale. The characteristics of the stu- dent body have also changed significantly over a relatively short period of time; there are more mature students, and the proportion of international stu- dents continues to grow. The size and composition of the cur- rent student body is completely different from what prevailed a mere generation ago; 60% of students are women, postgrad- uate studies have mushroomed and the University welcomes students with different abilities and ways of learning. The num- ber of students pursuing higher studies at doctoral level is on the increase every year and partly as a result, the quality, span, and volume of research are at an all- time high. Wilhelm von Humboldt's 19th Century concept of a Universi- ty, integrating the teaching of arts and sciences with research served its purpose well and is still much discussed. Howev- er, times have changed radi- cally and a modern University that seeks to remain relevant to its milieu needs to also en- gage with society at all levels. It needs to reach out, seek strate- gic partnerships and form an integral part of the community that supports it. Most, but not all, Universities that consider themselves ivory towers, aloof, and cut-off from the realities and concerns of communities at large are now difficult to sustain. The Faculty for Social Wellbe- ing is a young Faculty, now in its eleventh year since its foun- dation. However, over these few years this Faculty has come a long way in many aspects. The nine Departments within the Faculty make up a whole that is greater than the sum of parts. As a team, and individually, De- partments and their academic staff address the concepts and practicalities of the wellbeing of contemporary society in a holistic manner that traverses and integrates disciplines. The relationship between the Fac- ulty and its many stakeholders is a close one; this is both nec- essary and useful, as it ensures relevance and robustness of the educational products that the University offers. In its teaching, research, and engagement with society, the Faculty for Social Wellbeing re- flects the needs, concerns and aspirations of today's society in general, and particularly so the Maltese community in its diver- sity. The Faculty has never shied away from addressing topical is- sues that may lead to heated de- bates at all strata of society, and this reflects the positive attitude of engagement with society by the University as a whole. This engagement with contro- versial and frequently political- ly-charged issues debated at na- tional level is indeed one of the strengths of the Faculty. Very often, individuals and teams from the Faculty are instrumen- tal in putting across rational and scientific approaches to debates and argument at a community level. The Faculty is also a valu- able advocate for social change, at times by highlighting the plight and needs of the disad- vantaged, the dispossessed, the excluded and the vulnerable. The educational experience that the Faculty offers is learn- er-centred and is frequently designed around the capabili- ties and diverse needs of its stu- dents. It is facilitated by contact and support in an environment that fosters reciprocal learning between teachers and students. Above all, the learning expe- rience in all aspects of social wellbeing is geared towards the development of tomorrow's leaders; responsible and socially aware citizens that think criti- cally, and approach practical sit- uations both rationally and with empathy. Welcome to Unity's Second edition! We have come a long way… Prof. Marvin Formosa Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies Editorial email socialwellbeing@um.edu.mt Prof. Joseph Cacciottolo Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs