Graziella Vella

Graziella is Senior Associate responsible for research with extensive experience in assessing, investigating, and analysing data to explore key cultural and social issues. With a strong focus on qualitative, in-depth research, her work primarily examines wellbeing and culture.

Since 2021, Graziella has been a Research Support Officer II with the Faculty for Social Wellbeing at the University of Malta, contributing to projects on liveability, wellbeing, mental health, child abuse, and attitudes toward death. Previously, she led the Research Team at the Valletta 2018 Foundation for eight years, overseeing the evaluation and monitoring of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) process. During this time, she collaborated with local and international researchers, co-published studies, and delivered presentations at international events.

Graziella also has extensive experience in event planning, EU-funded project management, public engagement, and cultural accessibility. She previously managed Heritage Malta’s calendar of events, working to make museums and heritage sites more accessible to diverse audiences.

Born and raised in Valletta, Graziella holds a degree in Tourism Studies from the University of Malta and an MSc in Cultural Management (with distinction) from the University of Ulster. She is a Doctoral student with the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta, researching the experience of bereaved emerging adults who have lost a parent through terminal illness.