Improving science and health communication for the Maltese Islands

Society faces many challenges worldwide. Decades of science popularisation or health campaigns have not managed to significantly increase science literacy or produce enough Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates with the right skills; ineffective alternative medicines are now a multi-billion dollar industry while unhealthy diets coupled with a sedentary lifestyle are leading to an increase in obesity, diabetes, cancer and other problems. This commentary gives a generic overview of science and health communication, outlining some of the latest ideas designed to introduce the concepts of dialogue, public engagement, and responsible research and innovation into these fields for more effective approaches. It also suggests that communication campaigns need to be evaluated to assess their effectiveness, and discusses how research funding applications can be improved by involving communication practitioners. In addition, it recommends that Malta needs to create a coordinated public engagement strategy to maximise resources.peer-reviewe

Warpage issues in large area mould embedding technologies

The need for higher communications speed, heterogeneous integration and further miniaturisation have increased demand in developing new 3D integrated packaging technologies which include wafer-level moulding and chip-to-wafer interconnections . Wafer-level moulding refers to the embedding of multiple chips or heterogeneous systems on the wafer scale. This can be achieved through a relatively new technology consisting of thermal compression moulding of granular or liquid epoxy moulding compounds. Experimental measurements from compression moulding on 8” blank wafers have shown an unexpected tendency to warp into a cylindrical-shape following cooling from the moulding temperature to room temperature. Wafer warpage occurs primarily as a result of a mismatch between the coefficient of thermal expansion of the resin compound and the Si wafer. This paper will delve into possible causes of such asymmetric warpage related to mould, dimensional and material characteristics using finite element (FE) software (ANSYS Mechanical). The FE model of the resin on wafer deposition will be validated against the measurement results and will be used to deduce appropriate guidelines for low warpage wafer encapsulation.peer-reviewe

STEM escape rooms for public engagement

Escape rooms are a relatively new cultural phenomenon, attracting a wide range of audiences to test their puzzle-solving skills. While this format has been trialled in an educational context, there has been little exploration of it as a tool for engagement. We ran a STEM-based escape room, open to the public, over five days at a science centre in Malta. This was an exploratory exercise to determine whether escape rooms could be successful in an informal science engagement context. Over seventy players attempted the game and completed our evaluation. Our results suggest that escape rooms can be used in engagement contexts as they provide a positive experience that encourages future interactions with science. They may also draw audiences not normally interested in science and help them engage with scientific content in a more accessible manner. Interestingly, players were able to persist in engaging with content they found difficult while still finding it enjoyable, which has implications for the science communication of complex topics. Finally, players perceived that they were able to learn science through the escape room, which may increase their self-efficacy.peer-reviewe

Designing an evaluation strategy for a large-scale science and arts festival using Science in the City, Malta as a case study

In this work, we analyse and present a stepby-step guide on how to set up a valuable and informative mixed method evaluation strategy of large-scale science festivals and events. A literature analysis helped identify the best technique to set up a multi-approach methodology (multiple-choice questionnaire and silent observers). Questionnaire data was to be collected using systematic sampling. The approach was applied to a local case study to develop best practice. Its implementation was analysed and assessed to provide festival organisers with useful recommendations to enhance the evaluation strategy, and improve festival quality and researcher engagement in subsequent editions. Combining a mixed-method approach to collect both qualitative and quantitative data helped gather a good and comprehensive overview of the festival. It set a baseline for future editions to improve upon. All the evaluation efforts carried out in this work were very dependent on volunteers, therefore an effective and appropriate volunteer recruitment, training and retainment strategy was essential. This work has developed a baseline assessment of the festival establishing a professional evaluation strategy with limited funds and experience. It is a step-by-step guide for large science festival organisers who want to set up effective evaluation of their efforts.peer-reviewe

Embedding RRI in a higher education institution : lessons learned from Malta

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) has recently gained recognition as a guiding principle for research to be more inclusive of societal needs. In response, the University of Malta led an internal qualitative study to assess attitudes and perceptions towards RRI. This approach paved the way for cultural and institutional changes that may not have developed otherwise. Academics, non-academic staff and students were interviewed alongside an online questionnaire totaling 29 face-to-face interviews and 226 survey responses. Thematic coding analysis revealed the core theme of fragmentation. Sub-themes stemming from fragmentation include challenges around collaboration, communication, politics, knowledge systems thinking and varied ideas of responsibility in research. While most respondents are in favor of RRI practice, several barriers affect an individual’s capacity to practice this approach, including lack of time and resources, and lack of recognition of public engagement (PE) efforts in the university’s current policies and governance structure. This research allowed for the development of a targeted Action Plan and set of initiatives to successfully begin implementing a culture of RRI best practice, including the establishment of the Committee for Engaged Research and fostering an internal network of individuals who are exemplary in RRI best practice. The thorough and targeted process has produced more significant and tangible results than moving directly into implementation, while also reducing the risk of future problems emerging from rushed initiatives. The authors conclude that such an approach is imperative for successful RRI implementation within institutions, especially when considering cultural/local context.peer-reviewe

Invadolysin, a conserved lipid-droplet-associated metalloproteinase, is required for mitochondrial function in Drosophila

Mitochondria are the main producers of ATP, the principal energy source of the cell, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), important signaling molecules. Mitochondrial morphogenesis and function depend on a hierarchical network of mechanisms in which proteases appear to be center stage. The invadolysin gene encodes an essential conserved metalloproteinase of the M8 family that is necessary for mitosis and cell migration during Drosophila development. We previously demonstrated that invadolysin is found associated with lipid droplets in cells. Here, we present data demonstrating that invadolysin interacts physically with three mitochondrial ATP synthase subunits. Our studies have focused on the genetic phenotypes of invadolysin and bellwether, the Drosophila homolog of ATP synthase a, mutants. The invadolysin mutation presents defects in mitochondrial physiology similar to those observed in bellwether mutants. The invadolysin and bellwether mutants have parallel phenotypes that affect lipid storage and mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, which result in a reduction in ATP production and an accumulation of ROS. As a consequence, invadolysin mutant larvae show lower energetic status and higher oxidative stress. Our data demonstrate an essential role for invadolysin in mitochondrial function that is crucial for normal development and survival.peer-reviewe

Citizens’ participation in informal science activities in Malta

Science has a complex history in the Maltese Islands, sketched by who defines it, how it is conducted, and who engages with it. Citizens’ science capital is a theoretical lens that explores uneven patterns in science participation (Archer et al., 2015). It delves into what influences individuals’ perceived self-efficacy and how they engage with science and scientific research if and when they do. This paper will focus on three factors affecting Maltese residents’ science capital: whether they attend science activities, which entities they visit, and their relationship with institutions that conduct Public Engagement with Science (PES). While the conceptual approach to theorising science capital was designed as a tool for use with school students, this analysis will extend the concept to citizens’ participation in science activities in Malta in 2019/2020. A questionnaire was distributed to Maltese residents to determine their engagement with science and science activities. The specific results on residents’ interest in science and their tendency to attend science activities will be presented in this paper. Most of the respondents expressed their interest in science (n = 461, 80.2%), with only a small sample of 69 respondents (12.0%) stating otherwise. The highest percentage of the respondents attending science activities were from the 18–24 age group (65.2%). The 55–64 age group had the lowest percentage (29.4%), followed by the 65+ group (32.7%). Results also show that 36.6% of the respondents had never visited Esplora, the Interactive Science Centre, and a further 7.7% were unaware of it. Activities can be more inclusive if entities conducting PES include citizens in the design of the activities. A national PES strategy might act towards a better-coordinated approach among stakeholders conducting PES.peer-reviewe

Investigating diversity in European audiences for public engagement with research : Who attends European Researchers' Night in Ireland, the UK and Malta?

European Researchers’ Night is an annual pan-European synchronized event devoted to public engagement with research. It was first held in 2005 and now occurs in over 400 cities across Europe, with the aim of bringing researchers closer to the general public. To investigate social inclusion in these events, we conducted survey research across three national contexts (Ireland, Malta and the UK) and events in seven cities between 2016 and 2019 (n = 1590). The results from this exploratory descriptive study confirmed one hypothesis, namely that event attendees had substantially higher levels of university qualification than the national publics. This is in line with wider patterns of unequal participation in public engagement with research activities based on socio-economic status. However, we also found mixed evidence on the prevalence of ethnic minority representation among event attendees compared to the general population, thus failing to uphold the second hypothesis that predicted an over-representation of white majority participants. This second finding diverges from existing research findings about ethnic diversity amongst science communication audiences, raising the possibility that some public engagement events are over-performing on this dimension of social inclusion. Overall, the findings demonstrate that European Researchers’ Night has potential for addressing the critical goal of enhancing the diversity of audiences for public engagement with research, even as it falls short on the key metric of socio-economic diversity.peer-reviewe

Mechanism of sternotomy dehiscence

Research funded by the University of Malta.OBJECTIVES Biomechanical modelling of the forces acting on a median sternotomy can explain the mechanism of sternotomy dehiscence, leading to improved closure techniques. METHODS Chest wall forces on 40 kPa coughing were measured using a novel finite element analysis (FEA) ellipsoid chest model, based on average measurements of eight adult male thoracic computerized tomography (CT) scans, with Pearson's correlation coefficient used to assess the anatomical accuracy. Another FEA model was constructed representing the barrel chest of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Six, seven and eight trans-sternal and figure-of-eight closures were tested against both FEA models. RESULTS Comparison between chest wall measurements from CT data and the normal ellipsoid FEA model showed an accurate fit (P < 0.001, correlation coefficients: coronal r = 0.998, sagittal r = 0.991). Coughing caused rotational moments of 92 Nm, pivoting at the suprasternal notch for the normal FEA model, rising to 118 Nm in the COPD model (t-test, P < 0.001). The threshold for dehiscence was 84 Nm with a six-sternal-wire closure, 107 Nm with seven wires, 127 Nm with eight wires and 71 Nm for three figure-of-eights. CONCLUSIONS The normal rib cage closely fits the ellipsoid FEA model. Lateral chest wall forces were significantly higher in the barrel-shaped chest. Rotational moments generated by forces acting on a six-sternal-wire closure at the suprasternal notch were sufficient to cause lateral distraction pivoting at the top of the manubrium. The six-sternal-wire closure may be successfully enhanced by the addition of one or two extra wires at the lower end of the sternotomy, depending on chest wall shape.peer-reviewe

How does moving public engagement with research online change audience diversity? Comparing inclusion indicators for 2019 & 2020 European Researchers' night events

Taking place annually in more than 400 cities, European Researchers’ Night is a pan- European synchronized event that aims to bring researchers closer to the public. In this paper audience profiles are compared from events in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, face-to-face events reached an estimated 1.6 million attendees, while in 2020, events shifted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reached an estimated 2.3 million attendees. Focusing on social inclusion metrics, survey data is analyzed across two national contexts (Ireland and Malta) in 2019 (n = 656) and 2020 (n = 506). The results from this exploratory, descriptive study shed light on how moving public engagement with research online shifted audience profiles. Based on prior research about the digital divide in access and use of online media, hypotheses were proposed that online European Researchers’ Night events would attract audiences with higher educational attainment levels and greater self-reported, subjective economic well-being. While changes were observed from 2019 to 2020, results for each hypothesis show a mixed picture. The first hypothesis was upheld for the highest education levels but failed for the lowest levels suggesting that the pivot to online events simultaneously attracted participants with no formal education and those with postgraduate qualifications, while attracting less of those with undergraduate or lower levels of education. The second hypothesis was not upheld, with online European Researchers’ Night events attracting audiences with slightly higher levels of economic well-being compared to face-to-face events. The findings of this study indicate that European Researchers’ Night events present a clear opportunity to measure the effects of the digital divide in relation to public engagement with research across Europe.peer-reviewe