Maria Vella

Teacher Trainer in Malta

  • Born in Romania and adopted into Malta, with lived experience in six EU countries;
  • Shaped by a cross-cultural, neurodiverse lens with a focus on inclusive systems;
  • Holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, with training in psychology and education;
  • Experienced in regulated research, including neuroscience and behavioural experimentation
  • Specialises in applying neuroscience to practical tools for educators and professionals
  • Founder & CEO of a neuroscience startup awarded Microsoft’s Next Generation Award (2020) for innovation in mixed-reality cognitive and animal research
  • Chaired Malta’s national technical team for recreational cannabis legislation (2021), shaping the country’s scientific and structural framework
  • Advisor to licensed cannabis social clubs in Malta, overseeing scientific governance and compliance systems
  • Consultant to wellbeing-focused organisations on systems thinking, values-led operations, and regulatory strategy
  • Lecturer in Health & Social Care Management, covering leadership, quality systems, and organisational dynamics
  • Speaker and trainer for international organisations, delivering remote sessions on wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and policy
  • Active contributor to EU-funded programmes, including Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020
  • Currently focused on making brain science usable — helping educators and professionals understand behaviour, wellbeing, and learning
  • At Europass since 2025.