Precision medicine: the Position Paper presented at the HEAL Italia Forum — the call for contributions is now open

The proposed Position Paper “Toward a National Strategy for Precision Medicine” was presented publicly for the first time on June 6, during the second day of the HEAL Italia Forum 2026 in Palermo. Recounting its origins was Laura Leonardis, Director General of Fondazione HEAL Italia: the idea, the determination, and the coordination of the drafting of the guidelines are due to her, supported by TEHA Group during the information-gathering phase. From that moment, the process entered a new phase: that of open participation across the entire network.

At the end of September, the Position Paper “Toward a National Strategy for Precision Medicine” will be presented in the main Italian and international institutional venues. It is not an academic exercise, but a document with the ambition to propose concrete guidelines for the implementation of precision medicine in Italy, in line with the spirit that has accompanied the project from the very beginning: from Medicine for All to Medicine for Each Individual.

The document is the result of a year of work coordinated by Fondazione HEAL Italia (Health Extended ALliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine), which has ensured its scientific rigor through focus groups and exchanges with researchers, clinicians, and policy experts from its network. But before finalizing the text, Fondazione HEAL Italia chose to open its drafting process to the entire network and beyond, through a call for contributions addressed to researchers, clinicians, experts, and citizens who work every day in research and innovation in this field.

The Position Paper is structured around 18 thematic areas: from innovation trends and the market potential of precision medicine, understood not as a single sector but as an ecosystem spanning multiple value chains, from diagnostics to the pharmaceutical industry; to the definition of challenges and opportunities for Italy; through the analysis of European and national policies; and the presentation of the HEAL Italia model with its eight thematic Spokes; all the way to operational proposals for a shared national strategy.

Those wishing to contribute may do so in two ways: by commenting on one of the areas already included in the index, with an observation, an addition, or a proposal; or by identifying a topic relevant to precision medicine that the document has not yet addressed. The form guides contributors step by step in making their selection and also allows the attachment of supporting materials, where useful. Before publication, contributions will be assessed and validated by a team specifically appointed by HEAL Italia.

At this link, the form to submit contributions: https://forms.gle/iFaoEEPA6hN3fvJh8

Anyone wishing to propose more than one contribution, on different chapters or topics, may submit them all: simply complete the form once for each contribution.

The deadline is set for Friday, September 4, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I contribute? Because the document that will reach Brussels and the Italian institutional venues will be all the stronger if it truly reflects the voices of those working in precision medicine, not only those of the people who drafted it.

Who can submit a contribution? Clinicians, researchers, sector professionals, institutional and industry representatives, scientific societies, trade associations, and citizens who wish to actively contribute to the future of precision medicine may take part, including those outside the HEAL Italia network.

Who wrote the Position Paper? The text is coordinated by Fondazione HEAL Italia, which guarantees its scientific rigor through its network of researchers, and it also benefits from the contribution of TEHA Group (formerly Ambrosetti) for the collection and structuring of the data.

Can I contribute to more than one chapter? Yes, simply submit a separate response for each contribution.

Can I propose a topic that is not listed among the areas covered? Yes. The form includes this possibility, with a dedicated field where you can indicate the title and thematic area.

Is it necessary to attach a document? No, it is optional. You may also contribute solely by writing directly in the form.

HEAL Italia Forum 2026: ten researchers awarded for the scientific value of their publications

The HEAL Italia Forum 2026 came to a close on June 6 in Palermo, at the Real Teatro Santa Cecilia, bringing together the Foundation’s research network over two days to reflect on the results achieved thanks to the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and on the future prospects of precision medicine in Italy. Among the most significant moments of the two-day event, alongside the presentation of the White Paper “Toward the Italian Strategy for Precision Medicine,” the Forum devoted an entire session to the enhancement of young researchers, awarding ten of the most relevant scientific contributions produced within the Program.

The recognition, assigned on the recommendation of Prof. Mauro Piacentini, Scientific Director of the Foundation, and Prof. Piero Marchetti, Coordinator of the Scientific Committee, was intended to reward not only the quality of the publications, but also the way in which each piece of work contributes to translating basic research into knowledge that is useful for patient care. Ten different stories, which together reflect the breadth of precision medicine: from oncology to nanomaterials, from metabolic diseases to biophysics applied to therapy.

Dr. Sara Travaglini (University of Tor Vergata) was awarded for her studies on the molecular mechanisms of myeloid leukemia, work that opens concrete prospects for new therapeutic strategies. Dr. Valentina Salsi (UNIMORE) received recognition for her research on the biological role of RNA, the molecule that carries DNA instructions within the cell, with a focus on its involvement in muscular dystrophy.

Dr. Sebastiano Di Bella (UNIPA) was recognized for the innovative use of bioinformatic technologies in the study of the molecular mechanisms of various tumor types, a contribution that shows how computational analysis is now an integral part of oncology research. Dr. Vincenzo Patamia (UNICT) received the award for the development of nanobiosensors, devices capable of detecting biological signals at the molecular scale, applied to the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

Dr. Giulia Gallerani (UNIBO) was awarded for her contribution to the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies, particularly in vaccine immunotherapy applied to oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal tumors. Dr. Paulo Siani (UNIMIB) received recognition for his studies on graphene-based nanoparticles, capable of selectively recognizing specific cellular targets, with potential biomedical applications.

Dr. Cristina Russo (UNICT) was awarded for her studies on the effects of natural compounds, such as resveratrol and vitamin D, in counteracting processes such as sarcopenia and retinopathies. Dr. Andrea De Giglio (UNIBO) received recognition for the development of a new prognostic tool that helps estimate early mortality in oncology patients treated with immunotherapy, a useful instrument for personalizing therapeutic choices.

Dr. Cristina Parisi (UNICT) was awarded for the development of nanoconjugates capable of simultaneously generating nitric oxide and singlet oxygen, two reactive molecules that, if released in the right place, can become allies in photodynamic therapy against cancer. Rounding out the list of awardees was Dr. Mara Suleiman (UNIPI), recognized for her studies on the functional recovery of pancreatic beta cells—the cells that produce insulin—in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Ten research projects, ten departments, seven institutions, one single network: the one that Fondazione HEAL Italia continues to build every day in order to bring precision medicine from the laboratory to patient care.

HEAL Italia at the BIO International Convention in San Diego: over €108 million for new strategic projects in the life sciences

The Foundation is taking part for the second consecutive year in the leading international biotech convention, presenting new infrastructures for translational research, advanced therapies, clinical trial platforms and the model of the Officine per la Medicina di Precisione.

HEAL Italia Foundation is participating for the second consecutive year in the BIO International Convention in San Diego, strengthening its positioning in the biotech and life sciences sectors. This major international event provides the Foundation with an opportunity to present an expansion plan focused on over €108 million in new projects, aimed at developing advanced therapies, innovative drugs, clinical trial platforms and infrastructures supporting translational research.

Over the past twelve months, HEAL Italia has consolidated its core business in the pharmaceutical, oncology, rare diseases, immunotherapy, metabolic and cardiovascular fields, while also expanding its research lines into areas such as infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and one-health.

One of the Foundation’s main assets is the clinical network developed in recent years, which today includes more than 30 hospitals across Italy and Europe and is expected to grow further thanks to an agreement currently being finalized with a European group bringing together over 50 hospital facilities. This network is designed to make Italy increasingly attractive for the landing of international patents, medical technologies and clinical trials.

On the industrial front, the Foundation is presenting a €30 million project for the creation of a GMP facility dedicated to the production of drugs and innovative therapies for the treatment of diabetes. This is complemented by a second €40 million investment in Southern Italy, conceived as a development platform for innovative drugs, involving Italian and international startups as well as global partners.

Among the main innovations presented in San Diego is the HEAL Italia Core Facility Lab, the largest Italian core facility dedicated to the life sciences, bringing together over 100 high-tech facilities. The platform includes infrastructures and expertise in genomics, omics sciences, molecular biology, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence systems applied to hospital services, with the availability of AIFA-accredited GMP infrastructures, which are essential to accelerating industrial development, regulatory validation and technology transfer.

In San Diego, HEAL Italia is also presenting the new model of the Officine per la Medicina di Precisione, designed to accelerate the journey from idea to hospital application. It is conceived as a true “garage for health biotechnologies”, where innovation is supported and guided toward concrete implementation within the National Health Service. Eight Officine have already been launched, covering areas ranging from precision oncology to diagnostics, from rare diseases to diabetes, as well as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, all coordinated by the central Officina represented by the HEAL Italia Lab.

The Italian delegation also includes two researchers who received the HEAL Italia Foundation Innovation Award, selected for the development of technological platforms in the field of advanced diagnostics.

The Foundation’s roadmap continues with new projects launched on June 1, 2026, including the creation of the first Southern Italy hub specializing in innovative therapies and vaccines and the first hub dedicated to gender medicine. These initiatives also include the forthcoming opening of two polycentric incubators distributed across five regions of Southern Italy, with the aim of providing services to SMEs, fostering technology transfer and attracting new foreign investments.

Through its participation in the BIO International Convention in San Diego, HEAL Italia reaffirms its mission: to identify, develop and systematize the most advanced technologies for the prevention and treatment of the major diseases of our time, strengthening Italy’s role as a European platform for precision medicine and innovation in the life sciences.

HEAL Italia at the AIFA conference in Palermo on precision medicine

On May 28, 2026, at the Palazzo Reale in Palermo, the conference The Roadmap of Appropriateness: Precision Medicine between Innovation and Regional Practice was held, organized by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA). The event brought together institutions, clinicians, and researchers to discuss prescriptive appropriateness and the role of data in modern healthcare, with the participation of AIFA President Robert Giovanni Nisticò.

HEAL Italia was represented by its President, Prof. Massimo Midiri, Rector of the University of Palermo, who took part in the institutional greetings on behalf of a network of more than 70 institutions committed to the research and application of precision medicine in Italy. His presence confirms the Foundation’s role as a key interlocutor in the national debate on therapeutic innovation and healthcare policies in the field of precision medicine.

The National Cancer Institute IRCCS Foundation “G. Pascale” of Naples has joined the HEAL Italia network

The National Cancer Institute IRCCS Foundation “G. Pascale” of Naples has joined the HEAL Italia network, expanding the expertise of one of Italy’s leading national platforms for precision medicine.

A national reference center for oncology

The Pascale Institute is one of Italy’s leading oncology centers and brings to the network a well-established experience in research on solid tumors, particularly in the study of drug resistance in breast cancer through advanced genomics and liquid biopsy approaches.

The innovation award at the HEAL Italia Forum 2026

On the occasion of the HEAL Italia Forum 2026, held in Palermo on June 5 and 6, Dr. Luigi BuonaguroHead of the Complex Unit of Innovative Immunological Models at the Pascale Institute — received an innovation award for his research on the development of cancer vaccines. His work focuses on new immunotherapy approaches for human cancers, with the goal of making these tools more accessible and effective in clinical practice.

The entry of the Pascale Institute strengthens HEAL Italia’s presence in Southern Italy and contributes to the network’s goal of translating molecular research into concrete clinical tools, for the benefit of patients.

Precision medicine: HEAL Italia and the Order of Physicians sign an agreement to train the doctors of the future. Palermo joins the network of personalized medicine

Medicine that treats “everyone in the same way” is giving way to a healthcare model capable of reading the biological, genetic, clinical, and environmental history of each patient. It is within this transformation that, in Palermo, on June 5, a memorandum of understanding was signed by the President of the Order of Physicians of Palermo, Salvatore Amato, and the President of Fondazione HEAL Italia, Massimo Midiri, bringing together healthcare training, research, and innovation to bring precision medicine ever closer to clinical practice.

The agreement brings together two complementary worlds. On the one hand, the scientific network of HEAL Italia, a foundation established through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) to develop precision medicine, omics sciences, and digital health, and now a coordinating hub for a national ecosystem. On the other, the Order of Physicians of Palermo, a national Agenas standard provider with extensive experience in CME-accredited healthcare training, the management of educational pathways, and professional development.

The core aim of the agreement is to help shorten the distance between advanced research and the daily work of physicians, dentists, healthcare professionals, and administrative staff. Precision medicine, in fact, is not only a scientific horizon. It is a methodological shift that affects prevention, diagnosis, treatment selection, hospital organization, data management, and the healthcare system’s ability to use new technologies appropriately.

Today, Fondazione HEAL Italia coordinates a multidisciplinary network of more than 70 partners, including universities, Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), companies, and healthcare organizations. The goal is to share knowledge, tools, and innovative solutions to support the Italian healthcare system in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases.

“This is not only about introducing new technologies, but about building a new professional culture capable of accompanying change rather than undergoing it. The real challenge is to train a healthcare workforce able to use those technologies responsibly, within appropriate and sustainable clinical pathways,” explained President Amato, who is also a member of the executive board of the National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists (FNOMCeO). “Precision medicine also imposes a new vocabulary on healthcare. Words such as genomics, artificial intelligence, microbiota, clinical data, innovative therapies, and digital health must become real skills and not remain conference formulas. The alliance with HEAL Italia seeks to give shape to this transition and bring person-centered medicine out of laboratories and into the training of those who care for patients every day. It is an open framework that points to an inevitable direction: the healthcare of the future can no longer be built only around structures, but also around the ability to update skills and organizational models. In this scenario, Palermo can truly become one of the places where training becomes a concrete lever for technological and cultural transfer.”

The topics covered by the agreement

The memorandum provides for joint activities on precision medicine, gender medicine, innovation, PNES (Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures), and the Mediterranean diet. Courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, and other initiatives are planned, including online formats, with attention paid not only to scientific aspects but also to legal, economic, and organizational ones.

The program covers a broad health area: oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic diseases, neurosciences, microbiota, and hospital infections. Different fields, but all connected by the same need: to train professionals capable of interpreting complex data, working in networks, and applying increasingly targeted models of care.

For the Order of Physicians of Palermo, the challenge lies in training. The body will provide organizational, scientific, and managerial expertise, from event design to secretariat services, from registrations to participation monitoring, and up to the reporting of activities. An important role will also be assigned to the Oltrefad platform, used for the management and delivery of residential, blended, and remote learning pathways through the collaboration of the Centro Formazione Sanitaria Sicilia, the in-house consortium of the Order.

The parties to the memorandum will be able to identify shared projects, promote collaborations with public and private bodies, support scholarships, grants, and research contracts, and participate in initiatives funded by European, regional, or national funds.

Credits: ordinemedicipa.it

HEAL Italia research takes center stage in Paris: Prof. Mauro Piacentini at the international symposium “The Dying Code”

Precision medicine and Italian excellence in research are crossing national borders. In recent days, the prestigious setting of the Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM) in Paris hosted the international conference of the International Cell Death Society (ICDS), entitled this year “THE DYING CODE: DECIPHERING DEATH IN HEALTH AND DISEASE.”

The event, which brought together the world’s leading experts on the mechanisms of cell death and their implications in human diseases, saw Fondazione HEAL Italia not only as an official partner and sponsor, but also as an active protagonist within the highest-level scientific panel.

The focus of the presentation: reprogramming metabolism against liver cancer

Prof. Mauro Piacentini, Scientific Director and Vice President of HEAL Italia (as well as professor at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” and researcher at INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani), was invited to speak in the session dedicated to the metabolic and epigenetic control of tumor identity.

During his presentation, entitled “Transglutaminase Inhibition Prevents Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development By Metabolic Reprogramming,” Prof. Piacentini illustrated the most recent and promising lines of research developed by his team. At the center of the study is the role of the transglutaminase enzyme: the targeted inhibition of this protein has proven capable of blocking the development of hepatocellular carcinoma through a true “reprogramming” of the metabolism of tumor cells.

“Taking part in an international forum of this importance such as the ICDS, while representing the affiliation and vision of HEAL Italia, is concrete proof of how our network is becoming a global reference point for precision medicine,” commented Prof. Piacentini. “Dismantling the survival mechanisms of the tumor by acting on its own metabolic code represents one of the most innovative frontiers of personalized therapy.”

HEAL Italia and the international network

The active presence in Paris further strengthens Fondazione HEAL Italia’s internationalization trajectory, as it is engaged in strategic monitoring and in the implementation of advanced therapeutic and diagnostic solutions within the framework of the PNRR. Dialogue with world-class institutions such as INEM, ICDS, BMC, and MDPI reinforces the bridges of collaborative research, accelerating technology transfer from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside.

Midiri (HEAL Italia): “A genome profiling center will be established in Palermo by the end of the year”

By the end of the year, a highly specialized center dedicated to genomic analysis will be established in Palermo,” that is, the study of the entire genetic makeup of an individual or a microorganism, which makes it possible to map DNA in order to identify mutations, predispositions to disease, and guide targeted therapies.

This was stated by Massimo Midiri, president of Fondazione HEAL Italia, during the Forum organized by the Foundation in Palermo on 5th and 6th of june to take stock of the activities carried out in the field of precision medicine.

“We will bring to Palermo what is currently being done in some centers in Northern Italy and in the United States,” continued Midiri, who is also the Rector of the University of Palermo. “We will do it in Palermo through a simple blood sample for genomic analysis, which these extraordinary machines are able to perform, making it possible to detect at a very early stage diseases that might otherwise prove fatal. We will then follow these individuals throughout their entire care pathway.”

The Forum concluded with the presentation of the White Paper ‘Toward the Italian Strategy for Precision Medicine.’The PNRR ends on June 30, but we have already been assigned two funding lines worth several million euros for research, so the Foundation will continue its work,” said the president of HEAL Italia. “The goal is to create a paradigm shift toward a medicine no longer for everyone — that is, general medicine — but a medicine for each individual, a medicine that sees the single patient and places both the disease and the person at the center of attention,” Midiri concluded. “We must pay attention to those patients who present an altered genetic profile; it is on healthy individuals that we must begin to work, rather than waiting for the sick person.

Credits: Ansa.it

Precision medicine, from Palermo the challenge of tailored care: “No longer for everyone, but for each individual”

Moving beyond the project dimension and transforming into a stable ecosystem of research, prevention, diagnosis, and care. This is the challenge at the heart of the path launched by Fondazione HEAL Italia, which in Palermo took stock of the results achieved in the field of precision medicine and of the next phase: bringing innovation out of laboratories and into healthcare organizations and the real pathways of patients.

The goal is to build a network capable of connecting universities, IRCCS, companies, laboratories, healthcare organizations, professionals, and local communities, moving beyond the logic of the same treatment for everyone and focusing instead on predictive prevention, early diagnosis, and personalized therapies. A model that brings together genomics, artificial intelligence, big data, biotechnologies, and clinical innovation in order to anticipate disease, improve therapeutic appropriateness, and build increasingly targeted treatments for each individual.

The discussion involved the scientific, healthcare, and managerial communities, bringing together researchers, clinicians, innovation professionals, companies, and institutional representatives around the same table. It was a broad participation, designed to interpret precision medicine not only as scientific progress, but also as an organizational model capable of impacting services, healthcare organizations, and patients’ real care pathways.

Among the participants were also general directors of healthcare and hospital organizations, invited to reflect on how to make research results applicable in healthcare services. Space was also given to communication, with a roundtable dedicated to the relationship between precision medicine, the public, and local communities, led by Fabrizio De Nicola, former general director of several healthcare organizations and trainer in healthcare management, focused on the need to explain this transformation in a correct, understandable, and citizen-oriented way.

From the PNRR to public service

“We are talking about precision medicine, about an investment that exceeded 100 million euros, with a significant share of these resources invested in Southern Italy, more than 46 million euros. All of this has produced an enormous amount of completely new infrastructure. It has strengthened the existing one and created a North-South network unlike anything that had existed before, where specialized centers in the different sectors of precision medicine—from disease prediction to diagnosis with advanced instruments and personalized therapies—have found a network that, for the first time, has seen Palermo as the seat and cradle of this Foundation,” said Massimo Midiri, President of Fondazione HEAL Italia and Rector of the University of Palermo.

“The output of these three years has been 640 researchers, more than 700 scientific papers related to the project, but above all the important involvement of companies. For the first time, a research project is being transformed into something that becomes a public service. Now the final step that we hope to achieve soon is the ministerial blue stamp, so that this Foundation may become the true Italian ministerial research center. Not only to develop other precision centers in Italy, but to create a common thread stretching from Bolzano to Pachino.”

“We want to build a paradigm shift toward a medicine that is no longer for everyone—that is, a generalized medicine, a medicine that spends without truly treating in depth—but a medicine for each individual, capable of seeing the single subject, the single patient, and placing disease and the person at the center of attention. This also means reducing costs. Limiting inappropriate clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic tests and reserving the greatest attention for patients who present an altered genetic profile. Paradoxically, we must begin by working on healthy people, not wait for the sick person,” Midiri emphasized.

From research to prevention

Introducing the transition from scientific production to prevention was Laura Leonardis, Director General of Fondazione HEAL Italia.

“Transforming research into prevention has been our goal since the day we were founded. Personalized treatments and early diagnosis are already an important help. But the real challenge is to understand a person’s risk profile well in advance. The research produced over the past three and a half years is entirely moving in this direction. It is not the isolated work of a single laboratory, but a national network of Core Facilities Labs in which researchers, clinicians, engineers, and innovators collaborate toward the same goal: identifying increasingly targeted protocols for each type of patient.”

“The more than 650 publications produced are not academic results for their own sake, but promises of innovation intended to reach the market and, as soon as possible, Italian hospitals. To accelerate this transition, we have also worked on a managerial, organizational, and administrative line, because without organizations ready to absorb patents, research, and new solutions, innovation risks remaining in a drawer. The real result is staying together, working toward the same objective, and finding a way to keep people healthy for as long as possible.”

Personalized therapies and sustainability

On the clinical level, this change in perspective is linked by Mauro Piacentini, Vice President and Scientific Director of Fondazione HEAL Italia, to the possibility of using genomic analysis, biological markers, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence to build more appropriate care pathways.

“Today, thanks to digital technologies, artificial intelligence, genomic analysis, and biological markers, we are able to target diagnoses and therapies to the individual person. This means moving beyond the idea of a single therapy for all patients with the same disease. Because diseases are much more complex. And within the same diagnosis there may be different subgroups that require different treatments.”

“The advantage is clinical, but also organizational and economic: avoiding the administration of drugs to patients who will not respond to that therapy means reducing unnecessary harm and waste for the National Health Service. The point now is to bring these tools to citizens. For this reason, we have launched a free genetic screening program for breast and ovarian cancer. It is aimed at healthy volunteers, women and men. We want to identify possible predispositions before the disease appears and soon extend this pathway to lung cancer as well. The tools are there; now we must put them into practice and convince people to use them so we can get ahead of the disease.”

Palermo as a driving center

The most concrete impact looks toward Palermo, identified by Midiri as the place where activities currently concentrated elsewhere should be brought, starting with genomic analysis and predictive prevention.

“By the end of the year, a highly specialized center will be created in Palermo dedicated to genomic analysis, that is, the study of the entire genetic heritage of an individual or a microorganism. We are talking about a technology that makes it possible to map DNA, identify mutations and predispositions to diseases, and guide targeted therapies.”

“My intention is to create in our country a major production capacity linked to genomic analysis. What is now done in some Northern centers and in the United States will be done in Palermo. Citizens of Palermo too will be able, through a simple blood sample, to access genomic analysis and learn their own risk category. People with a higher percentage of risk will be monitored more closely. This will allow us, we hope, to intercept at a very early stage diseases that might otherwise become fatal.”

“The project may begin soon, by the end of the year. We are finalizing the agreement with the Policlinico di Palermo in these very days. Once it is signed, I hope that everything else will proceed at a truly rapid pace. The goal is to reduce inequalities between North and South. To bring highly specialized therapies also to our territories and to give this path a strong ethical meaning. Because reducing distances means ensuring that Southern Italy can also have the same opportunities as the major centers in Northern Italy and in the most advanced European and non-European contexts.”

Cretidis: Sicilmedica.com

HEAL Italia grows: three new members join the national hub for precision medicine

Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, and the “Gabriele d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara join the network

The Italian network for precision medicine is expanding with three new members: Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori of Monza, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan and the Università degli Studi “Gabriele d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara.

Their entry broadens the Foundation’s scientific and clinical reach. These are institutions with a long-standing history of excellence, and their membership confirms HEAL Italia’s growing ability to attract leading players in the precision medicine landscape.

Being part of HEAL Italia

Joining Fondazione HEAL Italia means contributing to the development of a national ecosystem dedicated to precision medicine, with a strong international outlook. Universities, research centers, healthcare institutions, companies, and international stakeholders can join as partners or participating members.

For information on how to join, please write to info@healitalia.eu

HEAL Italia Forum 2026: from PNRR results to the building of the Italian Precision Medicine ecosystem

The HEAL Italia Forum 2026, funded by the PNRR, was created with the aim of highlighting the results achieved within the HEAL Italia Project while also launching a strategic reflection on the future positioning of Italian Precision Medicine in the European and international context.

The initiative seeks to move beyond the traditional model of a scientific conference centered on the presentation of project activities, transforming instead into a true space for operational networking, strategic discussion, and the building of relationships among research, healthcare, industry, institutions, PNRR partnerships, and European and international stakeholders. The event will feature a dynamic and participatory format, based on strategic roundtables moderated by journalists and sector experts, with brief interventions focused on discussion and the construction of shared perspectives.

The two days will be dedicated to the identification and recognition of the best research projects and the most promising technologies, as well as to the consolidation of the HEAL Italia network. A live broadcast and remote connection involving the entire critical mass of human resources engaged in the Program are also planned.

The event will take place on June 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on June 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Real Teatro Santa Cecilia, Via Piccola del Teatro Santa Cecilia 15, Palermo.

Objectives of the Forum

The Forum aims to highlight the results of the PNRR by sharing the scientific, technological, and organizational outcomes of HEAL Italia and their impact on research, industry, healthcare, and Made in Italy innovation. The goal is to strengthen dialogue with industry, universities, international institutions, and European partners in order to foster new opportunities for cooperation and development, while building a shared vision among research, clinical practice, institutions, and citizens.

The program

The two days will address the central themes of Precision Medicine through roundtables dedicated to personalized therapies, the Italian PNRR research ecosystem, internationalization and European partnerships, health communication, and the enhancement of young researchers. The Forum will conclude with the presentation of the White Paper “Toward the Italian Strategy for Precision Medicine”, together with a moment of discussion with the researchers recruited through the PNRR Project, as well as interviews, presentations, and award ceremonies. You can follow the event live on the Foundation’s YouTube channel.

Round Table 1: PRECISION MEDICINE AND PNRR. THE GENTLE REVOLUTION FOR THE RESILIENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS OF ITALIAN RESEARCH, INDUSTRY, AND HEALTHCARE OF THE PRESENT: CENTERS AND WORKSHOPS FOR PRECISION MEDICINE

Participants: Dr. Andrea Sboner, Prof. Elita Schillaci, Prof. Stefano Diciotti, Dr. Giovanni Blandino, Prof. G. Novelli, Prof. Licia Iacoviello, Prof. Aldo Scarpa, Prof. Valeria Panebianco, Prof. Carlo Augusto Bortolotti, Prof. Gerry Melino, Prof. Andrea Isidori, Prof. Lorenzo Lo Muzio Debate and contributions: Representatives of PE, National Centers, Innovation Ecosystems, Healthcare Companies, Businesses, Research Centers, Institutions, citizens, researchers

Round Table 2: FROM “ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL” MEDICINE TO PERSONALIZED THERAPIES

Participants: Prof. Maurizio Simmaco, Dr. Vittorio Bonini, Dr. Cristina Tinti, Prof. Giorgio Stassi, Prof. Marco Seri, Prof. Andrea Perra, Prof. Francesca Granucci, Dr. Luisa Minghetti, Dr. Massimo Broggini, Dr. Maurizio Polano, National Centers, Ecosystems and PNC, Federfarma Debate and contributions: Representatives of PE, National Centers, Innovation Ecosystems, Healthcare Companies, Businesses, Research Centers, Institutions, citizens, researchers

Round Table 3: THE ITALIAN PNRR RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM: IMPACT AND OPERATIONAL NETWORKING. PE, NATIONAL CENTERS, ECOSYSTEMS AND PNC COMPARED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STRATEGIC SYNERGIES. PNRR MISSION 4.2 FROM RESEARCH TO INDUSTRY

Contributions: Dr. Fabrizio Cobis (Ministry of University and Research) Participants: Prof. Walter Mazzucco, Prof. Fabio Blandini, Prof. Eleonora Candi, Representatives of PE, National Centers, Innovation Ecosystems, Healthcare Companies, Businesses, Research Centers, Institutions, citizens, researchers

Round Table 4: INTERNATIONALIZATION AND ATTRACTION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION. HEAL ITALIA PRESENTS THE OPERATIONAL MODEL AND ALREADY ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIONS: TARGET MARKETS CANADA AND UNITED STATES

Participants: Prof. Vincenzo Patera, Prof. Luigi Palumbo, Prof. Stefano Gobbo, Prof. Metello Enzo Innocenti, Prof. Giovanna Della Porta, Dr. Marco Cito, Dr. Marco D’Acunto, Dr. Marco Fedato, ICE foreign investment attraction, Invitalia, Promos Lombardia, Confindustria Sicilia, Canadian stakeholders

Round Table 5: COMMUNICATING HEALTH IN THE ERA OF PRECISION MEDICINE

Debate and contributions: Dr. Massimo Pigliapoco, Dr. Fabrizio De Nicola,journalists, institutional representatives, patient associations, ANCI, healthcare and regional agencies

The National Cancer Institute IRCCS Foundation “G. Pascale” of Naples has joined the HEAL Italia network

The National Cancer Institute IRCCS Foundation “G. Pascale” of Naples has joined the HEAL Italia network

The National Cancer Institute IRCCS Foundation “G. Pascale” of Naples has joined the HEAL Italia net…

Precision medicine: HEAL Italia and the Order of Physicians sign an agreement to train the doctors of the future. Palermo joins the network of personalized medicine

Precision medicine: HEAL Italia and the Order of Physicians sign an agreement to train the doctors of the future. Palermo joins the network of personalized medicine

Medicine that treats “everyone in the same way” is giving way to a healthcare model capable of readi…

Precision medicine, from Palermo the challenge of tailored care: “No longer for everyone, but for each individual”

Precision medicine, from Palermo the challenge of tailored care: “No longer for everyone, but for each individual”

Moving beyond the project dimension and transforming into a stable ecosystem of research, prevention…

Midiri (HEAL Italia): “A genome profiling center will be established in Palermo by the end of the year”

Midiri (HEAL Italia): “A genome profiling center will be established in Palermo by the end of the year”

“By the end of the year, a highly specialized center dedicated to genomic analysis will be establish…

HEAL Italia Forum 2026: ten researchers awarded for the scientific value of their publications

HEAL Italia Forum 2026: ten researchers awarded for the scientific value of their publications

The HEAL Italia Forum 2026 came to a close on June 6 in Palermo, at the Real Teatro Santa Cecilia, b…

Massimo Dominici receives the 2026 ISCT Career Achievement Award: an international recognition for Italian research in cell and gene therapy

On May 6, 2026, in Dublin, Prof. Massimo Dominici — Full Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore), Director of the Complex Structure of Oncology at the University Hospital of Modena, and scientific coordinator of the Medical Devices and Technologies thematic network within HEAL Italia — received the prestigious 2026 ISCT Career Achievement Award in Cell & Gene Therapy, conferred by the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT).

The ceremony took place during the ISCT 2026 Annual Meeting at the Convention Centre Dublin, the leading global congress for the scientific community engaged in advanced therapies.

A twenty-year journey, from research to international leadership

Established in 2016, the ISCT Career Achievement Award recognizes careers that have made a substantial contribution to the development of cell and gene therapies — across academic, regulatory, and industrial research. For Dominici, the award has special significance: he has been an ISCT member since 2001 and, in the 2014–2016 term, he became the first non-North American president in the history of the society, which today brings together more than 4,500 experts from over 60 countries.

Over the course of his career, he directed the Cell Therapy Laboratory at Unimore, with 340 scientific publications, more than 60,000 citations, and 14 patents. He founded the university start-up Rigenerand srl, later acquired by Evotec Modena, and co-founded EIR Biotherapies. Since 2019, he has also served on the Expert Advisory Panel for International Nonproprietary Names (INN) of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the field of cell and gene therapies.

The connection with HEAL Italia

Dominici is also the national coordinator of the HEAL Italia Steering Committee. As scientific coordinator of the Medical Devices and Technologies thematic network, he leads a research area whose goal is to design, develop, and validate innovative devices and technologies that make precision medicine applicable in clinical settings: tools that serve the quality of diagnoses, the effectiveness of therapies, and patient safety.

Among the thematic network’s recent results are the launch of the process to establish an Interdepartmental Center for Advanced Technologies and Therapies for Precision Medicine at Unimore, and a network of active international collaborations with universities in Japan, the United States, Sweden, Spain, and Hungary. In Dominici’s own words, as reported by Unimore Magazine: “This recognition is not only personal, but reflects the work of a community made up of colleagues, researchers, and clinicians who contribute every day to the development of cell and gene therapies.”

In Palermo, the free surveillance program for hereditary-familial tumors is part of PROVIDENTIA, the national campaign of HEAL Italia.

Precision medicine enters prevention

Fondazione HEAL Italia has launched PROVIDENTIA — from the Latin pro-videre, “to see ahead” — the national awareness campaign on the prevention of disease risk. The name is no coincidence: it carries the message that has guided the Foundation’s research from the very beginning, namely that precision medicine is for Everyone. The shift in perspective is substantial: no longer simply treating disease, but the ability to anticipate it through personalized tools built on each person’s biology, family history, and individual characteristics.

PROVIDENTIA is one of the initiatives that the HEAL Italia Project — funded through PNRR – NextGenerationEU resources — is bringing across the country through its thematic networks and partners distributed throughout eleven Italian regions. Each thematic network contributes through specific activities in research, prevention, and clinical innovation, coordinated nationally by the Foundation.

Screening for hereditary and familial cancers: who can access it

Among the activities currently active in Sicily within the framework of the HEAL Italia Project is the Integrated Regional Network for Cancer Prevention, a free surveillance program for hereditary and familial cancers coordinated by Prof. Giorgio Stassi, Director of the Department of Precision Medicine in the Medical, Surgical, and Critical Care Area at the University of Palermo. The program is intended for individuals with a family history of specific cancers: breast cancer, ovarian cancer, metastatic prostate cancer, and locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Those eligible to apply are individuals who have at least two family members affected by one of these cancers, who are first-degree relatives of each other (for example, mother and daughter, two sisters, father and son), and of whom at least one is a first-degree relative of the applicant (mother, sister, son, or daughter).

Those admitted to the program receive a genetic risk assessment, oncological and onco-genetic counseling — that is, specialist counseling that analyzes an individual’s predisposition to developing cancer based on their genetic profile — and a personalized surveillance pathway, in accordance with the recommendations of the national oncology networks.

Hereditary cancers are not chosen, but choosing to undergo screening is. A simple check-up can make a difference — for yourself and for the people you care about.

The role of Spoke 3 and research on predictive models

The surveillance program active in Palermo is part of a broader research context. Within HEAL Italia, Prof. Stassi coordinates Spoke 3 — Predictive Models, the thematic network dedicated to the development of advanced models for prognosis, therapeutic response, and the evaluation of new drugs and treatments in a rapid and personalized way. The research produced by this network helps define the prevention strategies that PROVIDENTIA brings to local communities: from computational models for individual risk stratification to the use of artificial intelligence to identify predictive biomarkers.

How to access the hereditary and familial cancer surveillance program in Palermo

To verify the inclusion criteria, you can contact Dr. Matilde Todaro at matilde.todaro@unipa.it or matilde.todaro@policlinico.pa.it. A WhatsApp contact is also available at +39 328 907 4686 (by sending the word SCREENING), as well as a laboratory phone number: 091 238 90814.

For the oncological consultation and onco-genetic counseling, the point of contact is the Policlinico di Palermo team: lorena.incorvaia@policlinico.pa.it, oncogenetica@policlinico.pa.it, tel. 091 655 4459.

ASP Palermo and Fondazione HEAL Italia together to bring Precision Medicine into prevention and care pathways

A scientific and technological collaboration agreement was signed at Palazzo Steri

On April 27, at Palazzo Steri, during the conference launching the “Providentia” prevention campaign, ASP Palermo and Fondazione HEAL Italia signed a scientific and technological collaboration agreement aimed at developing innovative Precision Medicine models. The agreement seeks to strengthen personalized prevention, early diagnosis, and targeted treatment of diseases, with particular attention to oncology, rare diseases, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

A strategic alliance to innovate prevention

The agreement is part of the path launched by Fondazione HEAL Italia to make Precision Medicine increasingly accessible to citizens and more fully integrated into local healthcare services. The goal is to promote a new prevention model capable of identifying in advance the risk of developing certain diseases, also through the use of genetic testing and the integration of clinical, genetic, and biological data.

The Workshops for Precision Medicine

At the heart of the agreement is the creation of the “Workshops for Precision Medicine – HEAL Italia,” an infrastructure designed to accelerate technology transfer, develop skills, and foster the introduction of 4.0 innovations into clinical practice. This model aims to connect research, prevention, diagnosis, and care, helping to build increasingly personalized and predictive healthcare pathways.

Prevent earlier, treat better

As emphasized by the Director General of ASP Palermo, Alberto Firenze, the collaboration with HEAL Italia makes it possible to introduce innovative tools capable of changing the approach to prevention. Genetic tests, in particular, can help identify early the risk of developing certain diseases and build personalized pathways for each citizen, with positive effects on both quality of life and the organization of healthcare services.

From medicine “for all” to medicine “for each individual”

The agreement represents a further step in HEAL Italia’s journey to consolidate a stable, polycentric, and widespread national network dedicated to Precision Medicine. The Foundation, established thanks to PNRR NextGenerationEU and managed by the Ministry of Research, works to overcome the fragmentation of the sector and promote an approach that places the individual characteristics of each person at the center.

Palermo as a laboratory for healthcare innovation

The signing of the agreement confirms Palermo’s role as a place for discussion and experimentation with new healthcare models based on research, technology, and prevention. Through the collaboration between ASP Palermo and Fondazione HEAL Italia, Precision Medicine is becoming increasingly integrated into prevention and care pathways, helping to shape a healthcare system that is closer to citizens’ needs, more predictive, personalized, and sustainable.

Building HEAL Italia’s European FutureCo-creation Lab for the Post-PNRR Strategic Plan

Meeting with HEAL Italia researchers and partners

Skills, needs, and priorities to strengthen the internationalization of the ecosystem and participation in European opportunities

28 april 2026
09.30 – 11.00

link to participate

watch the meeting

Objective of the meeting

To engage HEAL Italia researchers in a structured moment of listening and discussion, aimed at gathering useful input for the definition of the post-PNRR Strategic Plan, with particular attention to the needs in terms of skills, tools, and support required to strengthen the European positioning of the national ecosystem for personalized medicine.

Program

09:30 HEAL Italia in the transition from the PNRR to the European dimension

Laura Leonardis – Director General, HEAL Italia

09:40 HEAL Italia’s internationalization journey: results and prospects

Maria Stassi – International Strategic Advisor, HEAL Italia

Tiziana Lipari – Expert in internationalization policies and investment attraction, HEAL Italia

10:00 The post-PNRR Strategic Plan and the role of the HEAL community in HEAL Italia’s European positioning

Emilia Belfiore – Member of the HEAL Italia Board of Directors, with responsibility for European Policies

Co-Creation Lab

Collection of needs and priorities for strengthening skills and tools in support of the European dimension of Fondazione HEAL Italia

10:50 Wrap-up and conclusions

HEAL Italia launches the “PROVIDENTIA” campaign and opens three days of events in Palermo from April 27 to 29

Fondazione HEAL Italia is launching the National Awareness Campaign for Precision Medicine and announcing three days of events — April 27, 28, and 29 — at the Complesso Monumentale dello Steri in Palermo, available both in person and remotely. Institutional conferences, co-creative workshops, and an immersive virtual reality experience open to schools: a program designed for researchers, partners, institutions, and citizens.

The campaign is called “PROVIDENTIA” — from the Latin pro-videre, “to see ahead” — and it carries a clear message: Precision Medicine is for Everyone. Already active nationwide across RAI, La7, radio, and dozens of online news outlets, it reaches millions of people every day with a new narrative about health: no longer reacting to disease, but anticipating it. A paradigm shift that HEAL Italia has chosen to bring out of the laboratories and into everyday life, reaching those who may never have heard of genomics or predictive medicine — and who have every right to.

The program in Palermo

  • April 27 (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) | Sala delle Capriate: Press Conference, “From Treating Disease to Caring for Health.” An institutional discussion to illustrate how our “Workshops for Precision Medicine” are accelerating the integration of 4.0 innovation into the healthcare system.
    Link for the YouTube livestream on the channel of the HEAL Italia Foundation
  • April 28 (9:30 AM – 11:00 PM) | Sala delle Capriate: Seminar, “Building the European Future of HEAL Italia.” A key operational meeting for researchers and partners. Through a co-creation lab, we will jointly define the post-PNRR strategic plan, focusing on internationalization, participation in European programs, and the attraction of foreign investment.
    link to participate
  • From April 27 to 29 | Former Church of Sant’Antonio: Open Science Lab – An Immersive Journey. In collaboration with Fondazione Golinelli, we have created a virtual science lab where young participants, through Meta Quest VR headsets, will be able to enjoy an interactive experience exploring genetics and artificial intelligence, making the culture of prevention tangible.

Beyond Borders: the mission to Suzhou

Right in these days — April 23 and 24, 2026HEAL Italia is in Suzhou, China, for the CDDisease 10th Meeting “Precision Medicine Symposium,” organized in collaboration with Soochow University and Springer Nature. In this setting, the Foundation is signing a collaboration agreement with the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, a center of excellence in Jiangsu Province that integrates medical care, scientific research, and rehabilitation. It is another step in a growing international network, built according to the same principle that guides all of the Foundation’s work: building bridges where science can circulate freely.

A network spanning across Italy

While “PROVIDENTIA” travels across the media, the Foundation’s impact is taking shape locally: in eleven regionsEmilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Lombardy, Marche, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Veneto — awareness, training, and free genetic screening initiatives are already underway. These numbers reflect a tangible presence, not a symbolic one.

The next appointment is scheduled for June 5 and 6 in Palermo

With the Final Conference, where HEAL Italia will present the results achieved and outline the future prospects of precision medicine in Italy.

Confident that research is itself a form of care, we invite everyone to take an active part in these initiatives — in person or remotely — and to spread the message of “PROVIDENTIA”: Precision Medicine is for Everyone.

To learn more about the campaign, contact Agnese Testadiferro: 3337423586

Download the Press Release

“The critical issue is not the technology, but awareness”: the challenge of FSE 2.0 in managing healthcare data

In this interview by Giorgia Görner Enrile, Dr. Fabrizio De Nicola, former General Director of healthcare organizations and a member of the HEAL Italia board, explores the implications of the Electronic Health Record. This reflection fully aligns with our Foundation’s mission, which is committed to promoting secure, interoperable, and technologically advanced management of clinical data in order to strengthen research and personalized care.

The Electronic Health Record is not merely a container of clinical information, but a digital health document. Every piece of data entered acquires a value that goes beyond the sphere of care and becomes part of a system of accountability. Physicians, therefore, no longer simply record a medical act, but produce content that may also be used in legal contexts. Clinical documentation thus becomes traceable and verifiable, with direct effects on professional responsibility.

“The critical issue today is not technology, but awareness. Many professionals use the Electronic Health Record without fully understanding its legal implications. In the absence of training and clear operational rules, the risk is that physicians may be exposed to responsibilities that go beyond the clinical act itself and concern the management of digital data.” This is highlighted by Fabrizio De Nicola, member of the HEAL Italia board, former General Director of several Sicilian healthcare authorities, and lecturer in training courses on FSE 2.0.

Healthcare Data as Responsibility

Legislative Decree No. 179 of October 18, 2012 introduced the Electronic Health Record (FSE) into the Italian legal system, defining it as “the set of digital health and social-health data and documents generated by present and past clinical events.” This framework has been strengthened over time, culminating in the Ministry of Health Decree of September 7, 2023, which regulates the new model for interoperability, access, and population of the record. Within this system, healthcare data is no longer a simple clinical note, but a structured, traceable, and persistent element. Every entry becomes part of a digital history that can be reconstructed precisely, with direct implications for professional responsibility.

Physicians therefore operate in a context in which the quality, completeness, and timeliness of information take on concrete legal significance. The availability of digital data also affects expectations regarding the consultation and use of information, with possible consequences for the assessment of clinical conduct.

“This transformation is directly intertwined with the rules on healthcare liability set out in Law No. 24 of March 8, 2017, which already assigned clinical documentation a central role in evaluating a professional’s conduct. With the Electronic Health Record, this principle is further reinforced, because digital traceability makes it possible to verify not only what was done, but also when it was done and what information was available at the time. Documentation is no longer merely a record of the medical act. It becomes part of the decision-making process. Even an omission or delay in updating the record may become relevant from the standpoint of liability, especially when it affects continuity of care or patient safety,” explains De Nicola.

“At the same time, the broad availability of information requires truly effective tools for synthesis and updating, such as the Patient Summary, which must be properly populated and used. In emergency and urgent care settings, where decision-making time is extremely limited, having clear, up-to-date, and immediately accessible data becomes crucial in guiding clinical intervention. In the absence of these conditions, information may be fragmented or outdated, with possible repercussions for the quality of decisions. At the same time, what is documented also takes on central importance in terms of protecting both the physician and the patient. This is because it represents a fundamental element in reconstructing the care pathway and in assessing conduct in judicial proceedings,” he adds.

Privacy and Access to Data

The management of the Electronic Health Record 2.0 operates within a system of strict safeguards for the protection of personal data, governed by the General Data Protection Regulation and Legislative Decree No. 196 of June 30, 2003, as amended by Legislative Decree No. 101 of 2018. Healthcare data falls within the special categories of personal data and therefore requires a high level of protection, both technically and organizationally. However, in everyday clinical practice, this regulatory complexity risks translating into additional pressure on healthcare professionals. Physicians access, consult, and populate the record in a context where every action is logged and may be subject to review.

Added to this is the issue of organizational responsibility, which directly involves healthcare organizations, since they are required to ensure systems that are efficient, up to date, and genuinely interoperable.

“From an operational standpoint, healthcare professionals must adopt specific precautions when using the Electronic Health Record. It is essential to critically assess the available information before making clinical decisions, reporting any significant inconsistencies or gaps. Digital data must never replace direct clinical assessment and listening to the patient, which remain central elements of the care process. Documentation must be timely, but above all clear in representing the decision-making pathway, indicating the clinical elements considered and the conditions in which care was provided. It is equally important to use summary tools correctly, such as the Patient Summary, verifying their actual reliability and level of updating,” De Nicola emphasizes.

“In contexts where decision-making time is limited, such as emergency and urgent care, but also in everyday clinical practice, it becomes essential to be able to rely on trustworthy and up-to-date information. At the same time, documentation also takes on central importance in terms of protecting both the physician and the patient, because it makes it possible to reconstruct the care pathway and assess conduct in legal proceedings. As for access, every consultation must always be justified and consistent with the care pathway, avoiding improper use. These are safeguards that represent a concrete form of protection, because they make it possible to demonstrate the correctness of one’s actions and to place clinical decisions in their proper context,” he concludes. The full article is available at Sicilia Medica.

12th Cell Death Disease Conference & 1st Heal Italia International Conference on Precision Medicine | PRECISION MEDICINE SYMPOSIUM | 23rd-24th of april 2026 | Suzhou, China

On 23 and 24 April 2026, Fondazione HEAL Italia will promote and organise in China the CDDisease 10th Meeting “Precision Medicine Symposium”, a bilateral event of global significance co-organised in collaboration with Soochow University and CDDpress/Springer Nature, to be held in the prestigious setting of the Nanbanyuan Academy (South Half Garden) in Suzhou.

Following recent agreements in North America, this initiative continues Fondazione HEAL Italia’s internationalisation journey, strengthening its scientific bridge with the East.

The symposium represents a crucial opportunity for dialogue between Italian and Chinese scientific excellence, with the aim of integrating knowledge in genomics, artificial intelligence, and personalised therapies to accelerate the transition towards a medicine “for each individual”.

As underlined by HEAL Italia’s mission, Precision Medicine is not merely a technological challenge, but a cultural choice that places the person at its centre, integrating omic, clinical, and environmental data to build tailored care pathways.

Programme

The agenda (click here for details) features high-profile thematic sessions bringing together leading experts in the field, including HEAL Italia’s Scientific Director, Prof. Mauro Piacentini, and the coordinator of the International Board, Prof. Gerry Melino, alongside numerous Chinese and Italian speakers.

Key topics across the sessions include:

  • Cancer & Disease: analysis of molecular mechanisms and new therapeutic frontiers.
  • Cell Death & Immunity: in-depth exploration of immune response and programmed cell death in the context of complex pathologies.
  • Innovation and AI: the role of artificial intelligence in advanced diagnostics and patient stratification.
  • Biobanks and Infrastructures: data and biological sample management models for translational research.

Towards Permanent International Cooperation

The Suzhou event is not merely a knowledge-sharing occasion, but the foundation for future clinical and research collaborations. Fondazione HEAL Italia’s presence in China underscores the Foundation’s commitment to acting as a catalyst for Italian innovation, connecting our national ecosystem to the world’s leading Life Sciences hubs.

Beyond China, the Foundation continues to monitor strategic markets including the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Japan — key markets in terms of investment volumes and technological capacity in precision medicine.

Click below to view the full symposium agenda and discover the speakers involved, or write to: info@healitalia.eu

Sardegna Proattiva: oncological screening and genomics for prevention

March 20, 2026, at the Cittadella Universitaria in Monserrato (Cagliari), marked the presentation of “Sardegna Proattiva,” the first stop dedicated to cancer prevention within the campaign “Heal Italia for technology transfer in Precision Medicine,” which will run for more than six months, with stages across Italy and abroad.

The roadshow is a series of meetings, seminars, and events through which Fondazione HEAL Italia brings research and innovation in precision medicine throughout the country, with scheduled stops until September 2026 and an international outlook.

A campaign starting from Sardinia

The Cagliari event was born from the collaboration between the University of Cagliari and Fondazione HEAL Italia, with the aim of strengthening prevention and early diagnosis activities through a genomic approach, developing personalized screening pathways based on patients’ individual characteristics. The association “Mai Più Sole,” long committed to supporting cancer patients and promoting a culture of participatory prevention, is also involved in the project.

The day opened with remarks from the Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Cagliari, Luciano Colombo, who outlined the foundations of the partnership between the University and HEAL Italia. Professor Sabrina Giglio then presented the oncological screening plan in detail. The proceedings concluded with an address by Laura Leonardis, General Manager of Fondazione HEAL Italia, who explored the Foundation’s contribution in terms of technological innovation and research.

The Roadshow continues across Italy

Cagliari is only the starting point. In the coming months, the HEAL Italia Roadshow will reach other Italian cities, with a program that includes presentations, roundtables, and opportunities for dialogue among researchers, clinicians, and companies. The goal is to bring precision medicine out of laboratories, making it accessible to institutions, healthcare professionals, and citizens, with particular attention to predicting and preventing cancer risk.

Starting from late April 2026, the Roadshow stages will be accompanied by the national media campaign “Medicine is not for everyone, but it is for each person,” through which Fondazione HEAL Italia aims to bring the themes of precision medicine to a broader audience—from healthcare professionals to the general public.

Toward Personalized Healthcare: Precision Medicine at the Rome Medical Academy

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM, the Medical Academy of Rome will host a meeting dedicated to precision medicine, featuring a conference entitled “Precision Medicine: Toward a Personalized and Efficient Healthcare System.”

The event, moderated by Professors Andrea Isidori (Sapienza University of Rome) and Mauro Piacentini (University of Rome Tor Vergata and Scientific Director of the HEAL Italia Foundation), will include contributions from nationally renowned experts who will explore the various dimensions of personalized care.

Professor Sabrina Giglio (University of Cagliari) will open with “Genomes on the Ward,” illustrating how the integration of genomics into clinical practice is revolutionizing diagnosis and therapy. Professor Piero Marchetti (University of Pisa) will analyze the heterogeneity of diabetes mellitus and the challenges of a tailored therapeutic approach. Dr. Micol Fiori (Italian National Institute of Health) will present organoids as preclinical models and a bridge toward truly personalized medicine. The conference will conclude with Professor Giorgio Stassi (University of Palermo), who will discuss the therapeutic implications arising from the study of cancer stem cells and tumor-on-chip models.

The conference will take place at the School of Advanced Studies, room 3.01, third floor, Building D, Viale Regina Elena 295, Rome. It will also be available via Zoom at: https://uniroma1.zoom.us/j/92312414393?pwd=cDM2bTZ3VldoWEFjSnNJNXR6bmtJdz09 (Meeting ID: 923 1241 4393 – Passcode: accademia).

A certificate of participation will be issued exclusively to those attending in person.

HEAL Italia Selected for the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego

The HEAL Italia Foundation will participate in the BIO International Convention 2026, scheduled to take place in San Diego from June 22 to 25 at the San Diego Convention Center. It is the world’s leading event dedicated to biotechnology, with over 20,000 participants, thousands of B2B meetings, and an international presence spanning more than 70 countries. For HEAL Italia, this marks its second consecutive participation.

Among the excellence selected within the Italian ICE collective for attracting foreign investment

The collective is organized within the framework of the activities of the “Working Group for the Internationalization of the Biotechnology Sector” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the ICE Agency, with the support of Farmindustria. HEAL Italia has been selected among the 12 entities admitted to take part: institutional bodies and representative organizations of the Italian life sciences system, tasked with promoting the country as an investment destination in the biotech sector and precision medicine.


From Boston to San Diego: a journey delivering tangible results

Participation in the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston marked HEAL Italia’s first official entry into the international biotech ecosystem. That experience did not remain an isolated event: the relationships established led to the inclusion of new international partners within the Foundation’s ecosystem, who are now actively collaborating with the Italian precision medicine network. These are entities investing in Italy, contributing to the growth of the system’s scientific and technological value, while also generating tangible outcomes in terms of development and employment opportunities.

San Diego represents the next step in this journey: strengthening existing relationships, building new ones, and continuing to promote HEAL Italia as a strategic gateway to the Italian precision medicine value chain—a multidisciplinary network of over 70 institutions, including universities, IRCCS, hospitals, and companies, with more than 600 researchers active in oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular, and metabolic conditions. For more information on the BIO International Convention 2026, visit convention.bio.org.

Italy and China together for precision medicine: the Chinese Embassy meets researchers from Tor Vergata and the HEAL Italia Foundation

On March 31, 2026, a meeting was held at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rome Tor Vergata between representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Italy and a delegation of researchers from the university. The Chinese delegation was led by Dr. LU Ping, personal advisor to the Ambassador of China for Research and Technological Development, along with three of his collaborators.

For the University of Rome Tor Vergata, those present included the Vice Rector, Prof. Carlo Nucci; Prof. Alessandro Mauriello, Director of the Department of Experimental Medicine; the Deputy Director, Prof. Eleonora Candi; Prof. Giuseppe Sica; and Prof. Gennaro Melino, organizer of the meeting. Representing the HEAL Italia Foundation was its Vice President, Prof. Mauro Piacentini.
The meeting was preceded by a visit to the Department’s core facilities, with particular focus on the important equipment acquired through the PNRR PE6 program of the Ministry of University and Research, managed by the HEAL Italia Foundation, of which the University of Rome Tor Vergata is one of the founding members. The meeting then continued with an analysis of both past and ongoing joint projects, highlighting the significant collaboration that has existed for over 15 years among the institutions involved.

Prof. Mauro Piacentini presented the structure and objectives that characterize the activities of the HEAL Italia Foundation, including the collaboration with Prof. Yufang Shi and the organization of the Italy–China bilateral conference on precision medicine, which will take place from April 23 to 24 in Suzhou, China.
The Chinese delegation presented all existing collaboration programs with Italy and expressed satisfaction with the high scientific level of both past and present relationships between the host university and various Chinese institutions.
In conclusion, this meeting confirmed a strong willingness to continue and further develop the important relations with China, both in the scientific and educational fields. The participants parted with a shared commitment to further strengthen the significant ongoing activities in the future.

Translational and Precision Medicine at the Time of A.l., Advanced Technology and Digital Revolution

On March 9, a workshop entitled “Translational and Precision Medicine at the Time of AI, Advanced Technology and Digital Revolution” was held at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, promoted by the HEAL Italia Foundation. In the presence of the Rector of the University, Prof. Nathan Levialdi Ghiron, Prof. Eleonora Candi, Coordinator of Spoke 1 of the Extended Partnership project, together with Prof. Giuseppe Sica, introduced the theme of the workshop and the speakers. The event featured presentations by Prof. Mauro Piacentini, Scientific Director of HEAL Italia; Prof. Gerry Melino, Coordinator of the Foundation’s International Board; and Prof. Giuseppe Novelli, member of Spoke 1 of the PE6 project. The international dimension of the workshop was further highlighted by the presentation delivered by Prof. Frederic Ris.

The topics discussed focused on the growing role that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing in the development of translational medicine and precision medicine, profoundly transforming the way patients are studied, diagnosed, and treated. The primary objective of translational medicine is to rapidly transfer discoveries from basic research into clinical practice, thereby reducing the gap between laboratory findings and patient care. In this context, AI represents a powerful tool for analyzing large volumes of biological and clinical data, enabling the identification of complex patterns that would be difficult to detect using traditional methods. At the same time, precision medicine aims to tailor therapeutic strategies based on the individual characteristics of each patient, including genetic profile, molecular biomarkers, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Through machine learning and deep learning techniques, AI is capable of integrating and interpreting data from multiple sources—such as genomics, proteomics, medical imaging, and electronic health records—thus enabling the development of predictive models useful for early diagnosis, patient stratification, and the selection of the most effective treatments.

Moreover, the use of AI accelerates the process of drug discovery and development, facilitating the identification of new therapeutic targets and the design of candidate molecules. This approach not only reduces the time and costs associated with research but also increases the likelihood of success in clinical trials. Overall, the integration of artificial intelligence, translational medicine, and precision medicine represents one of the most promising developments in contemporary biomedicine. Through advanced data analysis and increasingly accurate predictive models, AI is contributing to making medicine more predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory, opening new perspectives for improving treatment effectiveness and patients’ quality of life. Of particular interest was the presentation by Prof. Giuseppe Novelli on the “Predictive and Personalized Medicine Clinic (MPP)”, established at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” within the framework of the Extended Partnership project coordinated by the HEAL Italia Foundation. The center is dedicated to genetic analysis and genetic counseling for individuals who wish to understand their risk of developing hereditary diseases, with the aim of improving prevention strategies. The workshop attracted a large audience, both in person and online, highlighting the strong interest in the topics discussed.

Precision Health nei primi 1.000 giorni di vita: risultati e prospettive future delle coorti di nascita coinvolte nel progetto HEAL Italia

On April 10, 2026, from 12:00 to 13:30, the online webinar “Precision Health nei primi 1.000 giorni di vita: risultati e prospettive future delle coorti di nascita coinvolte nel progetto HEAL Italia” will take place. The event will present the scientific results achieved within Spoke 7 of the PNRR HEAL ITALIA project. The webinar is organized by Prof. Antonella Agodi (University of Catania), who leads the activities of Spoke 7 – Work Package 4, Task 4.2.

The webinar will provide an opportunity to discuss recent research progress in the field of precision public health, an innovative approach that integrates phenotypic, genotypic, and exposomic information to develop more effective strategies for disease prevention and health promotion. The event will focus in particular on the first 1,000 days of life, a critical window for human development and long-term health outcomes.

During the webinar, the activities carried out within Work Package 4 – Task 4.2, jointly conducted by the University of Catania and the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), will be presented. The research is based on data from two important Italian birth cohorts, MAMI-MED and PiccoliPiù, which allow researchers to investigate the role of maternal exposures in shaping health outcomes during pregnancy and in the neonatal period.

In particular, the speakers will present scientific evidence on the role of genetic variants as effect modifiers in the relationship between maternal exposures and pregnancy and/or neonatal health outcomes, with a specific focus on the contribution of maternal diet. These findings open new perspectives for the development of personalized prevention strategies, integrating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle information.

The webinar program includes: an introduction to the objectives of the HEAL ITALIA project and the results from the MAMI-MED cohort, presented by Prof. Antonella Agodi; a presentation of the results from the PiccoliPiù cohort by Dr. Sonia Brescianini (Italian National Institute of Health); a talk by Dr. Giuliana Favara (University of Catania) on precision medicine and the prevention of hereditary cancers within the IGEA project; and finally a presentation on the future perspectives of the HEAL ITALIA project, focusing on the role of maternal diet and biomarkers within a precision public health framework, delivered by Dr. Letizia Leccese (Italian National Institute of Health).

The webinar will conclude with a final discussion among speakers and participants, aimed at sharing results, discussing future research perspectives, and exploring potential applications in prevention policies and public health promotion.

For more information, please contact: healitaliaprimimillegiorni@gmail.com

HEAL Italia Foundation promotes the event “The Future Is Now. From Achievements to New Horizons with RNA-based Medicines and Gene Therapy”

HEAL Italia Foundation spread the institutional event “The Future Is Now. From Achievements to New Horizons with RNA-based Medicines and Gene Therapy”, promoted by the National Center for RNA & Gene Therapy in collaboration with the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome.

The initiative represents an important opportunity for dialogue among institutions, the scientific community, and stakeholders in the biomedical sector on the results achieved in the field of RNA-based therapies and on the future perspectives of gene therapy, key areas for the advancement of personalized medicine and innovation in healthcare.

The event will take place on:

  • Thursday, April 2, 2026
  • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Valerio Nobili Auditorium, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital
    Viale Ferdinando Baldelli 38, Rome, Italy

The meeting represents the closing event of the PNRR activities of the National Center for RNA & Gene Therapy and will provide an opportunity to present the results of the research carried out in recent years, as well as to discuss the future clinical applications of new therapeutic technologies.

The program will include:

  • Institutional greetings from representatives of academia and public institutions;
  • A session dedicated to translating scientific research into personalized therapeutic solutions;
  • A roundtable discussion on the future of biomedical research after the PNRR;
  • A final networking session among participants.

Among the speakers are leading figures from the scientific and institutional landscape, including Prof. Rosario Rizzuto, President of the National Center for RNA & Gene Therapy, together with representatives from academia, healthcare institutions, and the biotechnology industry.

The event will also be live-streamed on the YouTube channel of the National Center for RNA & Gene Therapy, allowing a broader audience to join the discussion on key topics shaping the future of medicine

Heal Italia promotes research in precision medicine: UniMoRe hosts the event LaMedicina.DiPrecisione@UniMoRe

The Heal Italia Foundation, within the framework of the activities of the PNRR Extended Partnership “HEAL ITALIA”, promotes the event LaMedicina.DiPrecisione@UniMoRe, scheduled for Friday, 6 February 2026, at the Aula Magna of the Centro Servizi of the Policlinico di Modena.

The initiative, coordinated by Prof. Massimo Dominici and Prof. Carlo Augusto Bortolotti and hosted by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, represents an important opportunity for scientific and institutional dialogue on the latest developments in precision medicine, with a particular focus on the translation of innovations from basic research into clinical practice, in line with Heal Italia’s strategic mission.

Throughout the day, researchers, clinicians, and experts from the various Thematic Networks (Spokes) of the Partnership will address key topics such as the applications of precision medicine in metabolic and rare diseases, the use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare, as well as the development of personalized and gene therapies in oncology. The program also includes interdisciplinary discussion sessions aimed at fostering integration among clinical, technological, and industrial expertise.

Through this event, the Heal Italia Foundation reaffirms its role as a national hub for innovation in healthcare, supporting initiatives that strengthen collaboration among universities, research institutions, and the healthcare system, with the goal of improving quality of care and promoting an increasingly personalized, sustainable, and patient-centered model of medicine.

Heal Italia opens to new international industrial partners: three outstanding applications strengthen the Foundation’s global reach

The Heal Italia Foundation takes a decisive step toward strengthening its international network, launching the evaluation process for the admission of three new industrial partners of global standing. This strategically significant achievement confirms Heal Italia’s position as a national point of reference and a European hub for innovation in Precision Medicine.

The applications currently under review concern leading players in the international life sciences landscape:

  • InnoTech Precision Medicine, based in Boston (USA), within an incubator located near Harvard University. The company specializes in the development of advanced diagnostic platforms for complex diseases and is globally recognized for its ability to translate scientific research into high-impact commercial solutions.
  • Sinotide New Drug Discovery Institutes, based in China, an organization dedicated to the development of innovative technologies and therapies with high application potential in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, focused on the creation of next-generation therapeutic solutions.
  • DCan Biosciences, headquartered in New York (USA), a leading precision medicine company developing next-generation, artificial intelligence–enabled liquid biopsy diagnostics, with a strong track record of collaboration with international industrial partners for clinical and commercial applications.

The opening to these new entities has been made possible by a recent amendment to the Foundation’s bylaws, which expanded membership modalities to allow the admission of international members and industrial partners. This represents a strategic milestone that further strengthens Heal Italia’s global vocation and consolidates its role as a platform connecting research, industry, and investors.

This evolution marks an important step in the Foundation’s development and creates new and tangible opportunities for all members: enhanced access to cutting-edge scientific and technological expertise, expansion of industrial networks, acceleration of technology transfer processes, and entry into new international markets.

With this initiative, Heal Italia increasingly establishes itself as Italy’s Innovation Hub for prevention, diagnostics, and innovative therapies—capable of attracting global excellence and fostering the commercialization of advanced technologies in the biotech and diagnostics sectors. This growth path strengthens the competitiveness of the entire national ecosystem and consolidates Italy’s role within the international life sciences arena.

Companies and organizations interested in joining the Foundation and contributing to the advancement of Precision Medicine may initiate the application process.
For information on membership procedures and requirements, please write to info@healitalia.eu

HEAL ITALIA launches a call for proposals for a PNRR research incubation and acceleration program.

The HEAL ITALIA Foundation has published Public Notice 2/2026 for the acquisition of expressions of interest for the provision of a specialized technical incubation and technology acceleration service.
The initiative is part of the Extended Partnership PE000019 – HEAL ITALIA, funded by the PNRR – Mission 4 “Education and Research,” with the aim of leveraging research results for industrial and entrepreneurial purposes.

The Incubation & Acceleration Program (IAP) is designed to support the Partnership’s spokespeople and affiliates in technology transfer, fostering the creation and development of research startups and spin-offs in the fields of life sciences, advanced diagnostics, and innovative therapies, with a particular focus on precision medicine.

The planned activities include:

Analysis and evaluation of research projects with high entrepreneurial potential;

Support for fundraising and investor search;

Market analysis and positioning definition;

Support for the establishment of innovative startups, including business models, business plans, and intellectual property protection;

Business development support.

The call is open to certified incubators and accelerators with specific experience in healthcare biotechnology and life sciences. The maximum award amount is €138,000 (excluding VAT and duties), with a duration until April 30, 2026, the current deadline for the HEAL ITALIA project.

Expressions of interest must be submitted within ten days of the publication of the call to the Foundation’s certified email and email addresses, according to the methods indicated in the call.

With this initiative, HEAL ITALIA strengthens its commitment to transferring research results to the production system, contributing to the growth of an innovation ecosystem capable of competing internationally.

For further information, please visit the NOTICES page.

HEAL Italia publishes Notice 1/2026 for the appointment of the Statutory Auditor

The HEAL Italia Foundation has published Public Notice 1/2026 for the receipt of expressions of interest for the appointment of the Statutory Auditor for the 2026–2027–2028 financial years, pursuant to Article 32 of the Foundation’s Bylaws.

The procedure is open to independent professionals or auditing firms duly registered in the Register of Statutory Auditors held by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, who meet the independence requirements and have proven experience required by current legislation.

The assignment concerns the statutory audit of the accounts of the HEAL Italia Foundation, the implementing body of the Extended Partnership PE00000019 – HEAL ITALIA, funded under the PNRR, with a focus on innovative diagnostics and therapies in precision medicine.

Reference office: Palermo
Deadline for applications: February 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Submit applications:
PEC: healitalia@pec.it
Email: healitalia@gmail.com

Expressions of interest must be submitted according to the methods indicated in the Notice and accompanied by the required documentation.

For further information, please visit the NOTICES page.

Heal Italia publishes a call for consultancy services in Technology Transfer in Precision Medicine

The HEAL ITALIA Foundation has published an exploratory notice aimed at collecting expressions of interest for the possible direct award of a highly qualified specialist consultancy service to support Technology Transfer activities and the valorisation of scientific knowledge in the field of Precision Medicine, within the framework of the HEAL ITALIA Project, funded by the PNRR.

The service is intended to provide technical and operational support to Hub, Spokes and Affiliates and focuses in particular on the definition, planning, coordination and implementation of programmes designed to strengthen links between research, the healthcare system, companies and investors, fostering collaborations, industrial partnerships and the development of high-impact innovative solutions.

The notice is an exploratory market survey and does not constitute a public tender procedure. Expressions of interest must be submitted within the deadlines indicated in the notice, in accordance with the prescribed procedures and accompanied by the required documentation.

Heal Italia Call for Immersive Learning Lab Projects

Public Notice 4/2026 – Expression of Interest for an Immersive Learning Laboratory

The HEAL Italia Foundation has published Public Notice No. 4/2026 for the receipt of expressions of interest for the potential direct awarding of a specialized technical service for the creation of an immersive learning laboratory, as part of the HEAL ITALIA Extended Partnership (PE000019), funded by the PNRR – Mission 4 “Education and Research”.

The initiative aims to create the “HEAL ITALIA – Open Science Lab,” a space dedicated to scientific dissemination and training for citizens, teachers, and primary and secondary school students, with immersive activities and workshops on the topics of precision medicine, biotechnology, and the prevention of major chronic-degenerative diseases.

The notice is aimed at qualified economic operators with proven experience in scientific dissemination and the creation of similar services.
The assignment is expected to last until April 30, 2026, and the maximum estimated value is €80,000, plus VAT and legal fees.

Expressions of interest must be received by 11:59 PM on the tenth day following publication of the notice, via certified email to healitalia@pec.it and, in copy, to the email address healitalia@gmail.com, according to the methods indicated in the full text of the Notice.

Governing Innovation in Healthcare: Sustainability of the National Health Service, Digital Pathology for Precision Medicine

On February 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Giglio Hospital in Cefalù, the HEAL Italia Foundation is promoting an in-depth meeting addressed to executives and department directors, both administrative and clinical, as well as specialists in radiology, diagnostic imaging, pathology, oncology, laboratory medicine, and surgery.

The initiative aims to provide a strategic perspective on the current challenges facing the National Health Service, with particular attention to the sustainability of the system, the government’s new healthcare reform framework, and the opportunities offered by digital health, the Electronic Health Record, and investments envisaged under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

A central focus will be devoted to Digital Pathology and Precision Medicine, now key drivers in the evolution of diagnostic and clinical models and in advancing a healthcare system that is increasingly personalized, integrated, and data-driven. The meeting is conceived as a high-level forum for dialogue among decision-makers, professionals, and the research community, with the aim of supporting ongoing transformation and strengthening the healthcare system’s capacity to respond effectively and sustainably to health needs.

Building the Future of Health: Join Heal Italia

Following the approval of its new Statute, the HEAL ITALIA Foundation officially opens its doors to new strategic partners to strengthen the first National Hub dedicated to Precision Medicine and Health Biotechnologies.

Who We Are: An Integrated National Strategic Value Chain

The HEAL ITALIA Foundation (Health Extended Alliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-Research, and Integrated Approaches to Precision Medicine) represents the national reference ecosystem for innovation in the field of Precision Medicine.
Established within the framework of the PNRR (NextGenerationEU), the Foundation currently coordinates an integrated national strategic value chain bringing together more than 70 centres of excellence, including Italy’s leading universities, IRCCS research hospitals, healthcare institutions, and major industrial partners.

Strategic Value Chains

HEAL ITALIA operates through a multidisciplinary structure covering the entire health value chain, with a focus on high-impact research areas:

  • Advanced and Predictive Diagnostics: development of biomarkers and early screening protocols.
  • Innovative and Personalized Therapies: development of targeted drugs, gene therapies, and cell-based treatments.
  • Next-Generation Oncology: precision approaches for cancer treatment.
  • Rare and Metabolic Diseases: integrated solutions for conditions with unmet medical needs.
  • Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health: innovation in the management of chronic diseases.
  • Digital Health & AI: integration of big data and artificial intelligence into clinical pathways.

An Operational and Value-Driven Partnership

Joining the HEAL ITALIA Foundation is not merely formal, but operational and value-driven.
Partner organizations become part of an ecosystem that provides tangible services across the entire innovation cycle, while offering the opportunity to actively contribute to the definition of the Foundation’s strategic and scientific priorities.

Being a HEAL ITALIA partner means gaining access to:

  • State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: a network of over 100 laboratories, 15 biobanks, and 5 GMP-certified Cell Factories.
  • Technology Transfer: support for the development of Proofs of Concept (PoCs) and the acceleration of business ideas.
  • Grants & International Hub: specialized assistance for European funding opportunities and international market positioning, including through operational desks in Brussels and New York and prestigious European networks partnering with the Foundation.
  • Academy & Networking: advanced training programs and continuous engagement with leading experts in the field.

Who May Join the HEAL Italia Foundation:

  • State universities.
  • Public research institutions supervised by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
  • Non-state universities.
  • Other public research institutions.
  • Other public and private entities engaged in research activities and recognized as highly qualified in the Foundation’s fields of activity (e.g., Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare – IRCCS; Hospital Trusts; pharmaceutical or technology companies).
  • Large enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups.

Membership Procedures:

To access the selection process and obtain membership status, applicants must:

  • Review the Association’s Articles of Association and Regulations, and formally endorse its objectives.
  • Download the relevant application form and submit it by email to: info@healitalia.eu.

Heal Italia Foundation at the summit “Italy on the Move” in San Francisco

The HEAL Italia Foundation is currently attending the international summit “Italy on the Move,” held in conjunction with the 44th J.P. Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference, one of the world’s preeminent forums for the healthcare, biotech, and investment sectors.

Organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco, and Invest in Italy, the event brought together over 200 stakeholders and decision-makers from the Italian and U.S. biotech, pharmaceutical, and financial ecosystems. The summit aims to strengthen transatlantic dialogue regarding research, technological innovation, and strategic investment opportunities.

Market data confirms the strategic weight of the Italian sector: the Life Sciences industry in Italy generates a turnover exceeding €237 billion (nearly 10% of national GDP) and employs 1.8 million people (Source: Assolombarda-Confindustria/Istat). As of 2024, the biotech sector alone recorded a turnover of over €47.5 billion (2.23% of GDP), with R&D investments reaching approximately €2 billion.

Within the framework of bilateral economic relations, Italy invested $76.7 billion in the United States in 2024, while U.S. investment in Italy totaled $22.4 billion, underscoring the significant growth potential for further U.S. capital in the country (Source: Bank of Italy). The attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) remains a core objective for the HEAL Italia Foundation, building upon the initiatives launched at BIO International in Boston last June. The goal is to capture North American opportunities in next-generation precision medicine technologies and services, integrating them into the foundation’s national service framework. Furthermore, the availability of substantial funding for research and innovation—specifically through the STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) instruments implemented by several Italian regions—represents a major incentive for joint initiatives, several of which are already in the developmental phase.

In doing so, the Foundation consolidates its role as an Innovation Hub for Precision Medicine, serving as a catalyst for attracting new ideas and technologies to foster the development of advanced projects and health-biotech enterprises across the national territory.

Event link

1st Congress of the Italian Society of Liquid Biopsy (SIBIL ETS)

Liquid biopsy represents one of the most promising innovations in precision medicine, offering the possibility to non-invasively analyze dynamic biological signals useful for early diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and monitoring disease evolution. Advances in sequencing technologies, refinement of cfDNA and ctDNA analyses, and the integration of increasingly sensitive computational models are significantly expanding the potential of this approach.

The 1st Congress of the Italian Society of Liquid Biopsy (SIBIL ETS), was created with the aim of establishing a national point of reference, bringing together experts from clinical, translational, and technological fields to foster an open discussion on the opportunities and challenges associated with liquid biopsy. Central topics include test standardization, clinical validation, interpretation of low-frequency signals, harmonization of workflows, and the need for shared infrastructures. In a rapidly evolving context, it is essential to promote multidisciplinary collaboration to transform the enormous potential of these techniques into tools that are truly useful for patients.

The congress therefore aims to consolidate a cohesive scientific community, promote the circulation of new evidence, discuss sustainable organizational models, and define priorities for the implementation of liquid biopsy across different care pathways. A moment of discussion that marks the beginning of a structured and shared journey toward a future of increasingly precise and timely diagnosis and monitoring.

National Research Council (CNR), P.le Aldo Moro 7 – 00185 Rome | March 12–13, 2026

Registration for the event is subject to a fee. To register, click here.

The deadline for abstract submission is January 31, 2026. To upload your abstract to the platform, click here.

Access to the platform requires logging in. If this is your first access, click here to register.

HEAL Italia Foundation at JP Morgan Healthcare Conference – San Francisco, 14th of january 2026

HEAL Italia Foundation will take part in Italy on the Move 2026, Italy’s flagship international event dedicated to the Life Sciences ecosystem, scheduled for January 14, 2026, at INNOVIT – Italian Innovation and Culture Hub in San Francisco, during J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Week.

HEAL Italia Foundation will participate in the event “Italy on the Move”, scheduled to take place on 14 January 2026 in San Francisco (USA). The event is an official side event of the 44th J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, the most important global gathering dedicated to the healthcare and life sciences sector, which each year brings together leading international stakeholders from research, industry, and finance.

In this context, the HEAL Italia Foundation positions itself as an international hub in the field of health biotechnology, thanks to its demonstrated relevance and distinctive role in precision medicine. This positioning is further confirmed by the invitation to participate in “Italy on the Move” extended by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), following the success of the Foundation’s recent participation in the BIO International Convention in Boston.

As part of the event program, the HEAL Italia Foundation will feature a presentation by Prof. Piacentini, who will outline the Foundation’s scientific and strategic vision, the value of translational research, and the opportunities for international collaboration in the field of health biotechnology. Materials related to the Foundation’s participation will be made available soon.

Participation in “Italy on the Move” represents a strategic opportunity for the HEAL Italia Foundation to strengthen its international positioning, consolidate its role as a key interlocutor within the global life sciences research and innovation landscape, and contribute to promoting the Italian ecosystem as a competitive and reliable environment for investments and partnerships, with particular emphasis on precision medicine.

Among the objectives of this participation is the further consolidation of international relationships, with the aim of fostering the involvement of leading foreign public and private stakeholders operating in the United States market—one of the most advanced globally in the life sciences sector.

Link to the event

Webinar | Digital Pathology: Technologies and Clinical Workflows in Precision Medicine

New appointment of the HEAL ITALIA ACADEMY

Webinar: Technologies Redesigning Diagnostics in Precision Medicine

Date: January 20, 2026
Schedule: Morning and afternoon (9:30–12:30 / 14:30–17:30)

Free registration:
https://www.eventbrite.it/e/digital-pathology-tecnologie-flussi-clinici-nella-medicina-di-precisione-tickets-1978408885233?aff=oddtdtcreator

Certificate of participation issued by Fondazione HEAL Italia

A key event within a broader series of initiatives of the HEAL ITALIA Academy training pathway, designed to prepare the doctors of the future through direct dialogue with leading experts in Digital Pathology in Italy.

The webinar represents one of the milestones of a structured program that will continue with further training events, including in-person sessions, fostering opportunities for in-depth discussion, exchange, and networking among professionals.

From the digitalization of histological slides (Whole Slide Imaging) to the integration of artificial intelligence into clinical workflows, the webinar offers a comprehensive, structured, and practice-oriented overview of how digital technologies are transforming advanced diagnostics and biomedical research.

Speakers of national relevance

  • Prof. Aldo Scarpa – Director, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona
  • Prof. Stefano Gobbo – Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Verona
  • Prof. Fabio Pagni – Full Professor of Pathology, University of Milan–Bicocca
  • Dr. Vincenzo L’Imperio – Assistant Professor of Pathology, University of Milan–Bicocca

Target audience: healthcare professionals, clinicians, healthcare managers, laboratory managers, researchers, recent graduates, and students interested in understanding the real-world evolution of digital diagnostics.

Full program and registration

Marche BioBank Presented in Ancona: A Strategic Hub for Precision Medicine and Rare Diseases

The institutional event dedicated to the presentation of Marche BioBank was held in Ancona at the Montessori Auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the Università Politecnica delle Marche. Marche BioBank is the first biobank in the Marche region focused on rare diseases and serves as a pilot node of the National Precision Care Center promoted by the Heal Italia Foundation.

Entitled “Workshops for Precision Medicine: Marche BioBank – Development and Perspectives of the National Precision Care Center for Rare Diseases”, the event provided an important forum for dialogue among citizens, institutions, the scientific community, the healthcare system, and industry, outlining new scenarios for regional and national healthcare based on Precision Medicine.

The meeting was coordinated by the scientific leads Gianluca Moroncini, Director of the Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences at Università Politecnica delle Marche, President of the Board of Marche BioBank and Scientific Representative of UnivPM for the Heal Italia Foundation, and Luisa Minghetti, Director of the Technical and Scientific Service for Research Coordination and Promotion at the Italian National Institute of Health and Coordinator of the Heal Italia Biobank Network.

During the event, the role of Marche BioBank in the collection, storage, and advanced characterization of biological samples from individuals affected by rare diseases was presented, highlighting its importance for the development of personalized care pathways. Particular emphasis was placed on the central contribution of the Heal Italia Foundation, an extended partnership funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), in promoting the systematic integration of Precision Medicine within the Italian National Health Service through an interconnected network of biobanks and associated laboratories.

The strategic value of biobanks as essential research infrastructures was further discussed, underlining their role in fostering collaboration among hospitals, universities, and public and private research centers, with a specific focus on addressing the unmet needs of people living with rare diseases.

The program included a scientific conference followed by a round table moderated by journalist Agnese Testadiferro, with contributions from Laura Leonardis and Mauro Piacentini, respectively Director General and Scientific Director of the Heal Italia Foundation, Annalisa Scopinaro, President of UNIAMO – the Italian Federation for Rare Diseases, as well as representatives from institutions, industry, and the healthcare sector.

The initiative confirmed the Marche region’s role as a leading area for the advancement of Precision Medicine, supported by strong collaboration among academia, healthcare institutions, research organizations, and the Heal Italia Foundation.

Notice 36/2025 for the appointment of the sole member of the Supervisory Body

The HEAL ITALIA Foundation has published Public Notice No. 36/2025 for the acquisition of expressions of interest for the appointment of the sole member of the Supervisory Body (SB), pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/2001.

The assignment includes overseeing the effective implementation of the Organization, Management, and Control Model, compliance with the Code of Ethics, as well as providing risk management support. The term of the assignment is one year, with the possibility of renewal, and a maximum total compensation of €5,000 plus statutory fees.

NOTICES PAGE

The new STEP Sicily Call opens up further opportunities for development and innovation. Heal Italia positions itself as an Innovation Hub for excellence partnerships in health biotechnologies.

The Heal Italia Foundation welcomes with great interest the publication of the new STEP Sicily Call, which represents a further and significant opportunity to support industrial growth and innovation within the region.
This measure adds to other important initiatives already in place across various Italian regions, both through the STEP instrument and within the framework of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) Innovation Agreements, expanding the range of tools currently available to companies.
The objective of the STEP instrument is to foster the industrialisation of critical technologies and reduce dependence on third countries in key sectors such as, among others, digital technologies, biotechnologies, and critical technologies and medicines.
The experience gained in managing the Strategic Partnership financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) now represents a decisive added value for the Heal Italia Foundation, which is putting itself forward to lead outstanding partnerships to meet the challenges set by the administration.
In just a few years, Heal Italia has seen its working group grow and consolidate from 24 prestigious organisations to over 70 entities, including universities, IRCCS research hospitals, hospitals, and companies, with further well-known international organisations expected to join soon.
Thanks to the network of laboratories for biomarkers and genomics, the high-technology network for Diagnostics 4.0, the network of facilities, and the entire area of Drugs and Devices for the development of the Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics components applicable to them—and, not least, thanks to collaboration agreements signed with prestigious international institutions willing to share results and research also with a view to foreign investment in Italy—we are ready to steer new investments to support our country’s advancement in the field of health biotechnologies.

We are therefore open to sharing projects and proposals from companies and organisations that wish to take part in STEP Sicily or other national calls. Write to us at healitalia@gmail.com

Precision Medicine Workshops design the intelligent and personalized healthcare of the future.

On December 4th, a new chapter in Precision Medicine in Italy opened at the Center for American Studies in Rome.

Precision Medicine marks a paradigm shift: it places the person at the center and uses Big Data, advanced technologies, and omics analytics to identify the most effective treatment for each patient.
HEAL Italia is building this model through a national—and increasingly international—network of expertise, data, and infrastructure, with the goal of moving from medicine “for all” to medicine “for each.”

Precision Medicine Workshops represent the heart of this transformation: physical and digital spaces dedicated to designing truly personalized diagnostic and therapeutic pathways.

December 4th has been a time for discussion to imagine a more precise, more sustainable, and more humane healthcare system.

HEAL ITALIA – Public Notice for Senior Expert in Public and International Law

The HEAL ITALIA Foundation, an innovation hub in precision medicine and implementing body of the Extended Partnership “HEAL ITALIA – Health Extended Alliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine (PE_00000019), publishes Notice no. 33/2025 for the selection of a Senior Expert in domestic and international public law.

The assignment, which lasts 12 months with the possibility of renewal, aims to provide qualified technical and legal support to the Foundation’s Operations Management and to coordinate the Partnership’s spokes.
The reference office is Palermo, with activities primarily in-person and possible travel.

Main activities

  • Legal and administrative support to the Operations Management and Spokes;
  • Legal assistance in tender procedures and the management of cascading calls for proposals;
  • Drafting and reviewing national and international agreements and conventions;
  • Monitoring the Research Program’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
  • Support for the proper implementation of project activities under the PNRR.

Requirements required

  • Master’s Degree in Law (LMG/01);
  • Registered with the Bar Association for over 10 years;
  • At least 10 years of experience in the legal management of European Funds;
  • Proven expertise in administrative law and international law.

For more information and to view the full notice:🌐 AVVISO

HEAL Italia – Public Notice of Professional Long List

The HEAL Italia Foundation has published a call for proposals for the creation of a Long List of Professionals and Experts to be selected for consulting and specialized collaboration positions in the technical-scientific, legal, administrative, management, and innovation fields.

Purpose

The list will serve to select qualified experts to support the Foundation’s institutional and project activities, with particular reference to research and innovation programs linked to the HEAL Italia partnership and European, national, and transnational initiatives.

Required fields and profiles

There are 14 professional profiles, including:

  • Technology Transfer and Research Enhancement
  • Management and Reporting of PNRR and European Projects
  • Law and Administration
  • Scientific Communication and Open Science
  • Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Industry 4.0 Technologies
  • Clinical and Translational Research
  • Project Financing and EU Funding
  • Intellectual Property and International Law
  • Digital Health and Biotechnology for Precision Medicine

Application procedure

Applications must be submitted using the online form available at the link shown in the NOTICE and sent via PEC to healitalia@pec.it with the subject “Application for Membership in the Long List of Professionals/Experts”.

For further information, see the NOTICES page

HEAL Italia takes center stage at the General Assembly of Medical-Scientific Research

From October 14 to 16, 2025, the General States of Medical and Scientific Research will be held in Rome, promoted by the Ministry of University and Research and the Ministry of Health, with the patronage of the European Commission.
The initiative, which sees the participation of leading Italian institutions and representatives from the scientific, academic, and industrial worlds, aims to outline a shared vision for the future of biomedical research in Italy and define the priorities of the next White Paper on Medical and Scientific Research.

In this context of strategic discussion, HEAL Italia will be among the keynote speakers on the final day, Wednesday, October 16, in the session dedicated to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP): opportunities and sustainability.
Heal Italia Foundation President Massimo Midiri will speak alongside leaders of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, the Ministry of Health, and the extended partnerships INF-ACT and Age-It, to discuss the role of research networks in strengthening the Italian healthcare innovation ecosystem.

Moderated by Barbara Gobbi (Il Sole 24 Ore), the panel will analyze how PNRR resources can consolidate an integrated supply chain between research, technology transfer, and business, while promoting the sustainability of long-term projects.

HEAL Italia’s presence at the States General confirms the Foundation’s central role in the national biomedical research system and its mission to promote precision medicine, the use of clinical data, and the integration of digital technologies for health.
This contribution is fully in line with the spirit of the States General: creating synergies between universities, IRCCS, public institutions, and biotech companies to make Italian research increasingly competitive and focused on social impact.

A day dedicated to internationalization for the HEAL Italia Foundation

The HEAL Italia Foundation dedicated an entire day to the topic of internationalization, confirming its commitment to strengthening its global network of relationships and development.

The morning began with a meeting with the partner organizations, during which the upcoming mission to Canada, scheduled for November and focused on artificial intelligence applied to precision medicine, was presented. The meeting was attended by the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, Laura Leonardis, Internationalization Officer, Tiziana Lipari, and Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada, Ruggiera Sarcina, along with numerous representatives of the partnership interested in exploring the opportunities offered by Canada.

A second meeting took place in the afternoon, featuring an investor the Foundation met during the Boston mission, who is interested in supporting initiatives in Italy in the field of gene therapies. Discussions with three partner organizations currently developing these technologies provided an opportunity to explore potential synergies and pave the way for new investments nationwide.

These initiatives confirm HEAL Italia’s commitment to enhancing its research and innovation ecosystem, strengthening the international dimension of its activities and promoting new collaboration opportunities for the benefit of the scientific community and the country.

Conference “Precision Medicine: New Prevention Strategies – Ongoing Results of Spoke 7. HEAL ITALIA Project”

The HEAL ITALIA National Foundation invites you to the conference:

The Mole Vanvitelliana, Powder Room – Ancona
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The initiative, part of the HEAL ITALIA Roadshow, represents a fundamental step in the process of disseminating and strengthening the national partnership on precision medicine.

During the event, the most significant results of the four Work Packages of Spoke 7 will be presented, resulting from the collaboration between numerous researchers from the participating institutions.
This is a unique opportunity to explore how new scientific knowledge is translating into prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and targeted therapies for chronic diseases.

👉 For more information about the program and to register, visit the dedicated page:
www.ancona.centridimedicinadiprecisione.it

New webinar from the Heal Italia training catalog: Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Anesthesiology

The Heal Italia Foundation continues the training program launched on September 11th with a webinar dedicated to artificial intelligence and precision medicine in clinical cardiology.

The second meeting will focus on anesthesiology and intensive care and will be held on October 3, 2025, on the Zoom platform.

The event, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine: New Applications in Clinical Anesthesiology,” will be led by Dr. Amedeo Scifo, Anesthesiologist at the University Hospital of Palermo, and Dr. Dario Bottazzi, Senior Manager and Lead Engineer at Capgemini Engineering.

The webinar will explore the applications of artificial intelligence in anesthesiology and intensive care, with a focus on intraoperative monitoring, risk management, and clinical decision support.

Certificate of participation issued

Registration is available at the following link: https://IA-anestesiologia-fondazione-heal.eventbrite.it

Heal Italia at ESB2025 in Turin: Italian innovation in biomaterials at the forefront

The Heal Italia Foundation will be present at the Lingotto Congress Center in Turin at the 34th annual conference of the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB2025), scheduled for September 7-11. Under the inspiring theme “Biomaterials on the horizon,” the event aims to explore the emerging frontiers of biomaterials research, including regenerative medicine, in vitro models, biomaterial-assisted gene therapies, and artificial intelligence applied to research.

ESB 2025

Dr. Laura Leonardis at the Technology Forum Life Sciences 2025 organized by TEHA

The Technology Forum Life Sciences 2025 is preparing to host another successful edition, emphasizing the importance of STEM disciplines and Life Sciences for new generations.

On Wednesday, September 10, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, the Hotel Melià in Milan will host the Youth Dialogue, a segment of the forum reserved for university students. This space will offer young people a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders and learn from their experiences and success stories. The Heal Italia Foundation, a longtime promoter of innovation and research, plays a crucial role in connecting the younger generations with established professionals.

The presence of the Heal Italia Foundation, led by Laura Leonardis (Program & Research Manager, Operations Director of the Heal Italia Foundation), at the forum is not merely symbolic. Through its participation, the foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting research projects and promoting scientific education among young people. Its contribution is essential for building a bridge between academic training and the needs of the professional world, thus ensuring the harmonious and sustainable growth of the Life Sciences sector.

The event will feature distinguished speakers, including Andrea Ditadi, Valeria Fascione, Marica Nobile, PhD, Paola Pozzi, Paola Vella, Alessandro Quattrone, Giorgio Seano, Anna Tampieri, and Ennio Tasciotti. These experts, together with the Heal Italia Foundation, will help inspire and guide participants with their experiences and innovative visions.

The Heal Italia Foundation continues to demonstrate its leadership role in research and education, ensuring that today’s young minds become tomorrow’s pioneers. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this crucial event for the future of life sciences.