The first Farsons Dissertation Award for Masters dissertations in conservation and cultural heritage has been awarded to Ms Janice Borg, for her dissertation titled ‘Further Studies of the Use of Linseed Oil on Building Materials, with particular reference to Globigerina Limestone’.

The Farsons Dissertation Award was set up in February 2014, as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, the Farsons Foundation and the University of Malta. The MoU allows for the support of a number of awards, the exchange of technical assistance, and it also serves to further strengthen the collaboration between the parties. The Award is funded by Farsons for three years.

All Masters dissertations completed with the Department of Conservation and Built Heritage are eligible to be considered for the next Award. Final result of the dissertations is to be published between 1 December 2014 and 30 November 2015. Selection will take place on the basis of scope and originality of research; choice and correct use of research tools; coherence and clarity; applicability and relevance to cultural heritage and society; and academic excellence.

The presentation of the first Award took place on 25th February 2015 following a public lecture at the Aula Magna of the Valletta Campus delivered by Professor Ing. Robert Ghirlando, a member of the Faculty of Engineering, and Director of the Institute of Sustainable Energy, on ‘Malta’s Industrial Heritage: Highlights and Challenges’.

The Award was presented by Mr Michael Farrugia, Chief Business Development Officer at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, and Trustee of the Farsons Foundation, together with Professor Alex Torpiano, Dean of the Faculty for the Built Environment. Mr Farrugia noted the high level of all dissertations that were considered for the Award. Professor Torpiano expressed the University’s appreciation to Farsons for making possible the Award which celebrates and recognizes the achievements of its graduates.