20 Years of collaboration between ISH and Heritage Malta

For two decades, the Sustainable Heritage MSc programme at ISH has partnered with Heritage Malta, giving students unique, hands-on experience in heritage conservation and research across the island. Each year, students examine a fresh site and use a range of research methods—such as interviews, environmental data collection, archival research, and material analysis—to understand the history of the site and inform its future. Past sites have ranged from museums, forts, megalithic temples, villas, gardens, and landscapes across the island.

In 2024, 40 students investigated Villa Portelli, a 19th-century villa once used as a countryside retreat and now surrounded by the town of Kalkara. With the potential to become a key community hub, the students looked at the site's conservation needs, evaluated its current condition, and presented their findings to Heritage Malta leadership.

Every year, students gain valuable skills in handling uncertainty, working in imperfect conditions, bringing together different types of evidence and collaborating as a team. Additionally, they develop their ability to clearly articulate their findings and recommendations, skills that are essential for heritage professionals.

It was a pleasure to celebrate the past years at the Malta Maritime Museum in December 2024. Academic staff (Prof. May Cassar, Dr. Josep Grau-Bove and Dr. Pakhee Kumar) and Post Graduate Teaching Assistants (Francesca Azolini and Helen Thomas) from the Institute for Sustainable Heritage (ISH) enjoyed a ‘Taste History’ dinner organised by Heritage Malta at the newly relaunched Malta Maritime Museum. Scents of chickpea, coffee, cumin – emblematic of the past trade routes of this maritime country – accompanied the celebration of the 20 years partnership between Heritage Malta and the ISH. ISH and Heritage Malta are committed to continuing this fruitful partnership for mutual learning, making sure that the programme continues to shape future heritage professionals while contributing to the preservation and understanding of Malta's cultural heritage for years to come.