ISSI Health Research Group on Health Systems in Small States
Terms of Reference
1. Mandate
The ISSI Health Research Group on Health Systems in Small States (henceforth referred to
as ISSI HRG) conducts research and capacity building on health systems in small states
through a multi-disciplinary approach.
2. Vision
The ISSI HRG will seek to develop innovative, high-quality research in policy and
governance of health systems in small states by bringing academic expertise from islands
and small states work in economics, international relations and environmental management
and apply this to the discipline of health systems research.
3. Objectives




Publication of articles in journals, occasional papers, policy briefs, book chapters
Response to research questions posed by the World Health Organisation
Dissemination activities
Support for capacity building through expert missions and attendance at training and
decisional meetings
4. Structure
The ISSI HRG is set up under the auspices of the ISSI and will report to the Board of the
Institute at least twice annually. Membership is open to persons with the required expertise
who are willing to contribute towards the objectives of the group. Members are approved by
the Board of Studies of ISSI.
The ISSI HRG will be chaired by Professor Lino Briguglio. The focal point for the ISSI HRG
will be Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat. The secretariat services for the ISSI HRG will be
provided through the ISSI administrative support staff.
5. Collaboration
The ISSI HRG shall collaborate with other Faculties and Institutes both locally and
overseas., and with with the World Health Organisation’s European Office and its technical
programme for Small Countries. The ISSI HRG shall keep close liason with with the Ministry
responsible for health in Malta
6. Ethical Considerations
Each member of the ISSI HRG shall take responsibility for ensuring that research
undertaken is conducted in an ethically sound manner, in accordance with the University of
Malta’s policy on research ethics.
7. Mode of Operation
The ISSI HRG shall meet at least twice yearly and more frequently as required. Project
teams may be formed to undertake specific tasks and ad hoc items which may periodically
arise. Work shall be undertaken mainly through a virtual network where each member or
project team carries out the agreed deliverables keeping the ISSI HRG regularly informed
and updated.
8. Intellectual Property Rights
The applicable regulations and policies of the University of Malta will apply to Intellectual
Property Rights.