The University of Malta (UM), the Farsons Foundation and Simonds Farsons Cisk plc (Farsons) have formally renewed their long-standing collaboration, reaffirming a shared commitment to providing enhanced opportunities for students, strengthening academic–industry links, and expanding knowledge across multiple disciplines.

The two parties have collaborated since 2014. Following a successful period of cooperation, UM and Farsons have now agreed to extend their partnership, building on the strong outcomes already achieved. The renewed agreement which was signed on Monday 16 March 2026, will cover the current academic year and the subsequent two academic years (until 2028).

The collaboration focuses on areas of mutual interest to both academia and industry, including Engineering, Built Heritage, Arts, Economics, Management, Accountancy, Social Wellbeing, Labour Studies and Theology.

Through this partnership, the University and Farsons aim to identify and undertake joint research initiatives with relevant University departments, with the aim of publishing research outcomes through academic journals, dissertations, presentations, patents, and other scholarly outputs.

The agreement also provides for Farsons’ contribution to the development and enhancement of new and existing courses offered by the University of Malta, as well as the identification of experts from Farsons or academia to continue to support the conservation, restoration and interpretation of the historic Farsons brewery. In addition, the two institutions aspire to jointly develop proposals for submission to external funding programmes.

As part of its commitment, Farsons has pledged to sponsor a wide range of academic initiatives, annual prizes, grants and software licences across several faculties. These include, among others, Dean’s Awards, studies related to the development and interpretation of the old brewery, continuing professional development in-house courses drawing on expertise within a number of faculties, and collaborative research projects.

Commenting on the renewed collaboration, the Rector of the University of Malta said: “This renewed agreement reflects the University of Malta’s strong and growing links with industry, which are central to our recently launched strategy. Partnerships such as this one with the Farsons Foundation and Simonds Farsons Cisk help ensure that our teaching and research remain relevant, forward-looking and closely aligned with the needs of society and the economy, while offering our students valuable real-world exposure.”

Mr Louis A. Farrugia, Chairman of The Farsons Foundation and Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, remarked that “Our collaboration with the University of Malta has proven to be highly valuable, and we are pleased to be extending it. Both as a Foundation and as a company with deep roots in Malta, we believe strongly in supporting education, research and skills development, while also sharing knowledge that benefits both industry and the wider community.”

Also present for the signing of this agreement were members of the UM academia, as well as administrators of The Farsons Foundation.