Safe by Design: Bridging Research, Leadership, Education, and Healthcare for Equity, Quality, and Organisational Excellence
A Platform for Research and Professional Dialogue
The symposium created a space where academic research and professional practice could meet. Throughout the day, participants engaged with studies addressing current challenges across multiple sectors, while also reflecting on how research can support better decision-making, stronger organisations and improved outcomes for communities.
The programme included academic presentations, discussion sessions, a plenary and panel discussion, followed by lunch and networking.
Research Presented Across Key Sectors
A central part of the symposium was the presentation of research by IDEA College researchers and contributors. The programme featured nine studies, reflecting the diversity of research being carried out across education, healthcare, business, leadership and social sectors.
Prof. Oleksandr Dluhopolskyi opened the academic programme with Labour Markets, Inequality, and Digital Access: Explaining NEET Rates across European Countries.
Ing. Paul Bezzina presented The Patient Safety Culture and Communication Practices in a Radiotherapy Department in Malta, focusing on patient safety within a healthcare setting. His study is featured in The IDEA Journal of Applied Research, Volume 5, June 2025.
Ms Shelley Galea Spiteri explored leadership within the social sector through her study Emotional Intelligence in Effective Leadership within the Maltese Social Sector: A Qualitative Study. Her study is featured in The IDEA Journal of Applied Research, Volume 6, December 2025.
Ms Ruth Sant presented The Influence of eCommerce on Brand Loyalty in the Beauty Industry: A Consumer Perspective in Malta, examining digital commerce and consumer behaviour. Her study is featured in The IDEA Journal of Applied Research, Volume 7, June 2026.
Ms Graziella Santillo addressed healthcare quality and laboratory practice through Challenging the Obstacles in Pre-Analytical Settings: Exploring Frequency, Types, and Sources of Preanalytical Errors in Blood Sampling Practice. Her study is featured in The IDEA Journal of Applied Research, Volume 6, December 2025.
The second academic session continued with Ms Claudine Balzan, who presented Organisational Culture Effects on Job Satisfaction among Different Generations in a Healthcare Setting.
Ms Rebecca Gaffarena discussed gender progression in the finance sector through An Analysis of the Progression Obstacles Women Encounter in Malta’s Finance Industry. Her study is featured in The IDEA Journal of Applied Research, Volume 7, June 2026.
Ms Sandra Ebejer brought an educational governance perspective with Participatory Curriculum Governance Reforms in a Maltese State College Context: Insights.
The academic presentations concluded with Dr Luca Nguyen, who presented Future of Skills and Employment in Malta’s Health Sector. His presentation led into the panel discussion, where he also joined as a panellist
Connecting Academia and Industry
One of the key highlights of the event was the Plenary and Panel Discussion, which brought together professionals from academia, healthcare, social care, community wellbeing, organisational management and professional services.
The panel included:
- Dr Luca Nguyen, Senior Consultant at IDEA Consulting
- George Bonello, General Manager of Sidroc Services Ltd and former Cathlab Manager/Nursing Officer
- Dr Karl Spiteri, Lead (Entity Management) at St Vincent de Paul
- Oliver Scicluna, Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Sapport
- Dr Yaser Teebi, Clinical Psychologist and Gerontologist, and Director for Community Wellbeing within Malta’s Active Ageing and Community Care Department; and
- Rachel Debono Lombardo, President of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Malta.
The discussion explored how research can be translated into practical application, supporting organisations and professionals in responding to evolving workforce, sectoral and societal needs.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
The IDEA Group Symposium reflects IDEA Group’s continued commitment to research, education, professional development and collaboration with industry and wider professional communities.
The theme Safe by Design underlined the importance of embedding equity, quality, safety and organisational excellence into professional practice, leadership, education and organisational development.
IDEA Group extends its appreciation to all presenters, panellists, researchers, academics, industry stakeholders and participants who contributed to the success of the event and to the valuable exchange of ideas throughout the day.
