The annual Elisabeth Mann Borgese (EMB) Bursary of the IOI was established as a means of demonstrating recognition to the host country of the IOI – Malta – for hosting the IOI Headquarters and for providing facilities for staff and offices at the University of Malta’s Msida Campus.
Since its first award in 2010 to today, 15 years later, the Bursary financed through the IOI, constitutes a further recognition and acknowledgement of the role of Prof E Mann Borgese, founder of IOI, and of her considerable achievements.
The 2025/2026 EMB Bursary was awarded to Ms Antonia Scicluna to carry out an investigation on the artisanal fishery targeting Portunus segnis (Blue Swimmer Crab) and other alien crustaceans in Maltese waters and shall form part of a Masters of Science in Biology (mainly by research) with the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta. The EMB Bursary funds shall be utilised to enhance current research work by supporting the purchase of specialised samples and equipment. The 2025/2026 EMB Bursary was awarded to Ms Antonia Scicluna to carry out an investigation on the artisanal fishery targeting Portunus segnis (Blue Swimmer Crab) and other alien crustaceans in Maltese waters and shall form part of a Masters of Science in Biology (mainly by research) with the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta. The EMB Bursary funds shall be utilised to enhance current research work by supporting the purchase of specialised samples and equipment.
The 2024 EMB Bursary awarded to Ms Perla Galatolo to carry out an investigation on the state of Posidonia oceanica meadows in Maltese bays subjected to anthropogenic disturbance and pollution has come to a successful conclusion and the research underpins a Master of Science in Cross-Disciplinary Science [Mainly by Research] with the Faculty of Science at the University of Malta.
The award ceremony for this year’s Bursary was held on the 2nd October at IOI HQ. Present at the Ceremony were Pro-Rector Professor Joseph Cacciattolo, Professor Louis Cassar, representing the EMB Bursary Selection Board, Professor Patrick J Schembri, IOI Managing Director Antonella Vassallo, Ms Antonia Scicluana (EMB2025 awardee) and Perla Galatolo (EMB2024 awardee).