Professor Chris Houston Visits University of Malta – Expanding Erasmus+ Partnerships

Overview of the Visit

On 3 July 2025, Professor Christopher Houston from Macquarie University flew to Malta to undertake a series of duties at the Department of Anthropological Sciences at the University of Malta. The visit was organised under the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) scheme and was part of Professor Houston’s three‑year appointment as an external examiner for the department.

Role of Professor Houston as External Examiner

As an external examiner, Professor Houston was responsible for:

• Marking honours dissertations submitted by Maltese students.
• Participating in viva sessions and moderating exam scripts.
• Preparing a comprehensive report outlining the department’s assessment standards and recommendations for future curricula.

These tasks provide a critical audit of the academic quality of programmes and ensure that the University of Malta meets international standards for research and teaching in anthropology.

Impact of Erasmus+ Mobility on Cross‑Institutional Collaboration

The Erasmus+ mobility program is designed to promote academic exchange and strengthen research partnerships across Europe. Professor Houston’s visit highlighted several concrete outcomes:

• Mutual Capacity Building – The experience allowed Macquarie University staff to better understand Maltese research contexts, enhancing their global perspective.
• Joint Grant Applications – Collaborative discussions led to a new grant proposal to the John Templeton Trust on the theme of conscience and freedom of religion.
• Knowledge Transfer – His participation in seminars and workshops facilitated the exchange of methodologies, especially in comparative cultural studies.

Case Study: Conscience, Freedom of Religion Grant Proposal

Professor Houston’s participation, together with colleagues from the University of Malta, clarified both the subject and budget elements necessary for a competitive application. This synergy illustrates how mobility programmes can directly translate into funding success.

Benefits for Students and Faculty

Students gain exposure to international assessment practices and receive feedback from a seasoned scholar outside their usual academic environment. Faculty members, meanwhile, benefit from visiting scholars’ fresh perspectives, which can inform teaching reforms and research strategy.

Student Opportunities

• Higher quality dissertations assessed against global benchmarks.
• Potential mentorship from visiting scholars.
• Exposure to international research networks.

Faculty Development

• Professional development through participation in external examination sessions.
• Opportunities to collaborate on joint publications and research projects.
• Networking that can lead to reciprocal exchanges for their own students.

Future of the Erasmus+ Collaboration Between Macquarie and the University of Malta

Following two successful mobility cycles – with Professor Jean‑Paul Baldacchino visiting Macquarie and Professor Houston visiting Malta – the partnership is positioned to develop deeper academic ties. Expected next steps include:

• Co‑organising thematic symposia on global anthropology.
• Establishing a joint student scholarship fund.
• Developing a doctoral consortium that supports cross‑institutional supervision.

How You Can Involve Yourself

Whether you are a prospective student, a research scholar, or a department administrator, there are clear avenues to engage with this growing partnership:

• Explore Erasmus+ mobility options – Register and apply here.
• Check the University of Malta’s anthropology course offerings – University of Malta courses.
• Contact the Department of Anthropological Sciences for collaborative research – Contact page.

Key Takeaways

Professor Houston’s visit is more than a routine external exam; it exemplifies the power of mobility programmes in:

• Maintaining rigorous academic standards.
• Building sustainable research collaborations.
• Enabling students and staff to access global expertise.

Next Steps for Interested Parties

If you wish to explore the benefits of Erasmus+ or collaborate with the University of Malta, consider the following actions:

• Apply to the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme – Learn more at Europa Erasmus+.
• Apply to the University of Malta’s Master’s in Anthropology – Submit your application today.
• Schedule a Consultation with the Anthropology Department – Discuss potential research or teaching opportunities.

Engaging with these programmes can open doors to international research, teaching excellence, and a robust academic network that spans continents.