Dr. Emmanuel Francalanza

Dr Ing. Emmanuel Francalanza currently holds the role of Head of Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Malta. His doctoral research involved the investigation of complex issues relating to supporting factory planners during the design of factories and their underlying manufacturing systems. His research interests range from digital manufacturing and simulation in manufacturing processes to the application of design methods in product development. Dr Ing. Francalanza currently carries out research in the field of digital manufacturing. His research is mainly focused on developing methods and tools to support industry in implementing "Industry 4.0" technologies. This research involves the design and implementation of digital technologies within industrial automation systems, transforming traditional manufacturing machines into cyber-physical systems. Dr Ing. Francalanza is also an associate editor of the Journal of Production & Manufacturing Research. Before joining the University of Malta, he was employed by Methode Electronics Malta Ltd., an automotive switchgear OEM based in Malta, where he worked in the fields of both design and manufacturing. He graduated with honours in mechanical engineering from the University of Malta in 2005 and with an MSc in integrated product development in 2008.