Sliema-Educated Academic Pierre Schembri-Wismayer to Run for Momentum in General Election

Academic with Sliema Roots Enters Political Arena

A University of Malta professor with strong ties to Sliema is stepping into the political spotlight, having confirmed he will contest the forthcoming general election as a candidate for Momentum. Prof Pierre Schembri-Wismayer, 58, who teaches Anatomy and Cell Biology within the Medical Faculty, was announced by the party on Wednesday as the latest addition to its electoral lineup ahead of the 30 May vote.

Schembri-Wismayer grew up in St Julian's and attended St Joseph School in Sliema before continuing his education at De La Salle College in Cottonera. He later graduated from the University of Malta and went on to obtain further qualifications from the University of Glasgow. He currently resides in Żabbar with his family.

Innovator Behind Medical Devices and Science Outreach

Beyond the lecture hall, Schembri-Wismayer has built a reputation as a researcher and inventor. He is the lead inventor behind the Malta Hip, a joint implant device currently in development with a United Kingdom-based surgical company, and co-developed the MaltaKnee device alongside engineering colleagues at the university. His research spans oncology, stem cell science and biomechanics, with collaborations spanning several European institutions.

His passion for bringing science to younger generations has also been a defining thread throughout his career. He secured European funding to produce X-lab, a television series intended to spark scientific curiosity in children, and has taken part in public engagement events including Science in the City and Teen Science Café, where he worked directly with students from state schools across Malta.

Momentum Leader Welcomes His Candidacy

Momentum leader Arnold Cassola expressed strong enthusiasm about the new candidate joining the party's ranks, describing him as a person of significant academic standing and ethical character whose involvement adds considerable weight to the party's electoral campaign.

Schembri-Wismayer has also been involved in humanitarian initiatives, having volunteered as a medic in Kenya shortly after graduating, and later co-founding the SHARE foundation, which channels charitable support to missionary communities in that country. Domestically, he has been a visible voice in debates around life issues and has lectured at Mater Dei Hospital antenatal classes on the potential uses of cord blood stem cells. With his educational roots in Sliema and a career defined by scientific inquiry and community engagement, his candidacy is likely to draw attention from voters across the island.

Based on local reports and publicly available information.