The application period is reopened until 2:59 pm on 02/09/2024 to apply for the National Doctorate in Precision Medicine promoted by the Heal Italia Foundation (Health extended alliance for innovative therapies, advanced lab-research and integrated approaches of precision medicine) in collaboration with the University of Palermo, administrative headquarters of the Course, for the following positions:
[MEDPREC.630.SEEDS1]
[MEDPREC.630.INEMBRYO]
[MEDPREC.630.QWINCE]
[MEDPREC.630.UNIVPM]
To access the application click on the instructions in the BANDO

CLICK HERE for the Technical Data Sheet and attachments to submit

The aim of the Doctorate is to train hybrid professionals who, in addition to being specialized in key sectors of Medicine, are able to apply the skills acquired on 4.0 technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) for the development of personalized diagnoses and therapies. Furthermore, through the collaboration with Heal Italia, the figures to be trained will have the opportunity to operate in a highly stimulating and collaborative national and international context, for example by carrying out their own research program also with the possibility of accessing networks of laboratories, biobanks, cell factories and clinical and instrumental data platforms including access to populations and/or cohorts of patients followed over the years by the entities belonging to the network. The 45 scholarship holders will join the 200 researchers with fixed-term contracts, clinicians, technologists and PhDs, recruited for the Heal Italia Research Program (funded by the PNRR) and who, together with another 350 researchers and scholarship holders of the doctoral cycle activated last year, collaborate on research for Diagnostics and innovative therapies in Precision Medicine. The Call is aimed not only at future professionals in the Biomedical area but also at all those interested in research and development of advanced technologies for Precision Medicine and, in fact, provides for the participation of candidates in one or more of the 7 curricula constituting the Doctorate itself, all aimed at hosting projects relating to the applications and contribution of each disciplinary sector to Precision Medicine:
Oncology

Metabolic Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Rare Diseases
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Digital Health
Materials and Technologies

The second edition of the National Doctorate in Precision Medicine sees the participation of 14 Italian Universities and Companies and/or Research Institutions.
For the XL cycle, a total of 45 positions with scholarships have been made available, open to all graduates (Specialist Degree, Master’s Degree or Old Regulation equivalent to a Second Level Degree) in Italy or abroad (equivalent qualification for level of studies to the aforementioned access qualifications), of which 15 are financed by the Sicily Region (Notice 15/2024) under the ESF + 2021-2027 (Priority 2 – Education and Training) with the specific objective of promoting lifelong learning, in particular the opportunity to improve the level of skills and flexible requalification for all, taking into account entrepreneurial and digital skills, better anticipating change and the new skills required on the basis of the needs of the labor market, facilitating professional reorientation and promoting professional mobility. In particular, the following are envisaged:
N. 11 Scholarships co-financed by Companies pursuant to Ministerial Decree 630 on restricted topicsbspecified in the relevant form with the main location of the activities at the University indicated in the relevant scholarship form and with a mandatory periodbto be carried out at the headquarters of the company involved and a mandatory period of research activity abroad
N. 18 Scholarships co-financed by Universities/Companies/Research Bodies/IRCCS on restricted topics and with the location of the research activities indicated by the funding body in the relevant form
N. 1 Scholarship on non-restricted research topics provided that they are consistent with the topics relating to one of the curricula of the Doctorate Course in Precision Medicine (see Course form) with the main location of the activities at the University of Palermo
N. 15 Scholarships intended for candidates born or resident in Sicily on 21 June 2024 and under the age of 35 on the date of submission of the application with a mandatory period of at least 8 months and maximum 12 months (possibly split into at least two continuous periods of at least 4 months) of which:

n.1 with a restricted topic and with the main location of the activities at the Kore University of Enna
n. 14 on non-restricted research topics as long as they are consistent with the topics related to one of the curricula of the Doctorate Course in Precision Medicine (see Course sheet) of which:
n. 10 with the main location of the activities at the University of Palermo
n. 2 with the main location of the activities at the University of Catania
n. 2 with the main location of the activities at the University of Messina

DECREE REOPENING TERMS

THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IS EXPECTED FOR 02.09.2024 AT 14:59

The Observatory on Supercomputing trends and applications releases reports every month focused on a topic of interest for digital transformation. Starting from the state of the art of the theme of the month, the Observatory collects scenarios and use cases and proposes projects and opportunities.

This month’s webinar focuses on precision medicine and applications in this area of ​​Supercomputing, Big Data and Quantum Computing.

The project, promoted by the National Center for Research in supercomputing, big data and quantum computing and carried out by IFAB in collaboration with excellent partner companies, aims to create a community around topics of interest. At the end of the webinar, it will be possible to join a community of experts, researchers and companies interested in the topic of mobility.

More info on this page

4 more days to apply for the National Doctorate in Precision Medicine promoted by the Heal Italia Foundation (Health extended alliance for innovative therapies, advanced lab-research and integrated approaches of precision medicine) in collaboration with the University of Palermo, administrative headquarters of the Course.

The aim of the Doctorate is to train hybrid professionals who, in addition to being specialized in key sectors of Medicine, are able to apply the skills acquired on 4.0 technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) for the development of personalized diagnoses and therapies. Furthermore, through the collaboration with Heal Italia, the figures to be trained will have the opportunity to operate in a highly stimulating and collaborative national and international context, for example by carrying out their own research program also with the possibility of accessing networks of laboratories, biobanks, cell factories and clinical and instrumental data platforms including access to populations and/or cohorts of patients followed over the years by the entities belonging to the network. The 45 scholarship holders will join the 200 researchers with fixed-term contracts, clinicians, technologists and PhDs recruited for the Heal Italia Research Program (funded by the PNRR) and who, together with another 350 researchers and scholarship holders from the PhD program activated last year, collaborate on research for Diagnostics and Innovative Therapies in Precision Medicine. The Call is aimed not only at future professionals in the Biomedical area but also at all those interested in research and development of advanced technologies for Precision Medicine and, in fact, provides for the participation of candidates in one or more of the 7 curricula constituting the Doctorate itself, all aimed at hosting projects related to the applications and contribution of each disciplinary sector to Precision Medicine:
Oncology

Metabolic Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Rare Diseases
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Digital Health
Materials and Technologies

The second edition of the National Doctorate in Precision Medicine sees the participation of 14 Italian Universities and Companies and/or Research Institutions.
For the XL cycle, a total of 45 positions with scholarships have been made available, open to all graduates (Specialist Degree, Master’s Degree or Old Order equivalent to a Second Level Degree) in Italy or abroad (equivalent qualification for level of studies to the aforementioned access qualifications), of which 15 financed by the Sicily Region (Notice 15/2024) under the ESF + 2021-2027 (Priority 2 – Education and Training) with the specific objective of promoting lifelong learning, in particular the opportunity to improve the level of skills and flexible requalification for all, taking into account entrepreneurial and digital skills, better anticipating change and the new skills required on the basis of the needs of the labor market, facilitating professional reorientation and promoting professional mobility.
In particular, the following are planned:
N. 11 Scholarships co-financed by Companies under the Ministerial Decree 630 on restricted topics specified in the relevant sheet with the main headquarters of the activity at the University indicated in the relevant scholarship sheet and with a mandatory period to be carried out at the headquarters of the company involved and a mandatory period of research activity abroad
No. 18 Scholarships co-financed by Universities/Companies/Research Bodies/IRCCS on restricted topics and with the location of the research activities indicated by the funding body in the relevant sheet
No. 1 Scholarship on non-restricted research topics provided that they are consistent with the topics relating to one of the curricula of the Doctoral Course in Precision Medicine (see Course sheet) with the main location of the activities at the University of Palermo
No. 15 Scholarships intended for candidates born or resident in Sicily as of 21 June 2024 and under the age of 35 on the date of submission of the application with a mandatory period of at least 8 months and a maximum of 12 months (possibly divisible into at least two continuous periods of at least 4 months) of which:

n.1 with a restricted topic and with main location of activities at the Kore University of Enna
n. 14 on non-restricted research topics provided that they are consistent with the topics related to one of the curricula of the Doctorate Course in Precision Medicine (see Course sheet) of which:
n. 10 with main location of activities at the University of Palermo
n. 2 with main location of activities at the University of Catania
n. 2 with main location of activities at the University of Messina

The competition announcement and the related documentation are available on the institutional website of the University of Palermo at the following link: https://www.unipa.it/didattica/dottorati/dottorato-xl/.

THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS IS EXPECTED FOR 02.08.2024 AT 23:59:59

AGE-IT and the Heal Italia Foundation are working on a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing synergies in the sectors of precision medicine and aging at a national level. The initiative, promoted on the initiative of Sanofi, a partner of both organizations, aims to create and support innovative projects that benefit the Italian research system. The Protocol includes a series of joint activities, including:

– implementation of joint research initiatives to create synergies between studies and researchers pursuing similar research interests;
– implementation of joint research initiatives to create synergies between studies and researchers pursuing similar research interests;
– communication, dissemination and awareness initiatives on the issues of precision medicine in a context of an aging population;
– training initiatives on research and technology transfer methodologies, with a specific focus on the biomedical sector;
– activities of exchange, participation and mutual valorisation of initiatives and events organized on topics of common interest;
– sharing datasets and information of common interest.

All the information and attachments useful for registration can be found on the UNIMORE website page.

Application expires on 30/08/2024 ore 12:00

Thanks to the support of the Heal Italia Foundation, we are pleased to offer 10 free registration places exclusively for doctoral students affiliated with Heal Italia Foundation institutions or doctoral students of the National Doctorate Course in Precision Medicine. This opportunity aims to promote international collaboration and provide students with a platform to engage deeply in the fields of artificial intelligence and health sciences.

Application process: Interested students must complete a dedicated application form issued by HEAL ITALIA – CUP B73C22001310006, which will be assessed by our selection committee. The form will ask for details about your research interests, current projects, and a brief statement about how participation in this summer school will benefit your academic and professional goals.

Selection process: The committee will review all proposals and select recipients based on their CV, the relevance and impact of their research in the field of health and life sciences, as well as their motivation to participate in the summer school. The selection is based on the quality of the application and, in the case of ex-aequo, on the “first come, first served” principle until all places are filled. The winners of the scholarships will be notified at the end of the selection and will be entitled to a refund of the registration fee of €600.

Special Sponsorship Application Deadline: July 30, 2024

More info on AIHLS site

Go to the registration page

Palermo, 14 giu. – “Ritengo oggi essenziale portare il paradigma della medicina di precisione a livello istituzionale. Intravedo le sfide nel campo regolatorio, sfide tese ad agevolare da parte del clinico, prescrizioni adattate alle caratteristiche individuali di ogni paziente, per il paziente basate su dati biologici completi. Non si tratterà solo di autorizzare farmaci sulla base di regole diverse rispetto alle attuali, ma di applicare nuovi approcci anche nel contesto della produzione, della formulazione dei farmaci, dei trainer clinici e in un cambio di paradigma globale che si avvarrà del digitale, dell’intelligenza artificiale, del data science, oltre che delle amiche a cui siamo già abituati a pensare”.Così il presidente dell’Aifa, Robert Giovanni Nisticò, intervenendo a Palermo, al “Forum nazionale sulla medicina di precisione” in corso fino al 15 giugno, tra il cinema Rouge e Noir in piazza Giuseppe Verdi, a Villa Filippina in piazza San Francesco di Paola e presso il complesso Monumentale dello Steri in piazza Marina. L’evento è organizzato dalla fondazione Heal Italia, di cui l’Università degli Studi di Palermo è socio fondatore, sotto l’egida del Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca. Il progetto Heal Italia (Health Extended Alliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approches of Precision Medicine) ha ricevuto un importante finanziamento, da parte del Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca, pari a 118 milioni di euro nell’ambito del Pnrr Missione 4 – Componente 2 “Dalla ricerca all’impresa”. Il polo opera per la ricerca nell’ambito della salute e al suo interno include più di 40 partner tra cui Università, società farmaceutiche e digitali, piccole e medie imprese e Irccs, Istituti di ricerca e cura. L’Università degli Studi di Palermo è il coordinatore del polo stesso attraverso la direzione scientifica del professore Giorgio Stassi.”Ho chiesto di attivare – ha proseguito – il seno all’agenzia, un tavolo di lavoro dedicato alla medicina di precisione a cui siederanno le principali società scientifiche, gli ordini dei medici e le associazioni dei pazienti per sensibilizzare le istituzioni politiche rispetto al modello paradigma della medicina di precisione, la cui applicazione alle diverse aree cliniche è mirata a pazienti fragili, cronici, anziani e potrebbe in ultimo portare un elevato rapporto tra benefici e costi”, conclude Nisticò.

A Palermo si è aperto il Forum nazionale sulla medicina di precisione organizzato da Heal Italia. Ricercatori e scienziati provenienti da tutta Italia a confronto fino al 15 giugno

Si è aperto stamattina, con i saluti del rettore dell’Università di Palermo, Massimo Midiri, il “Forum nazionale sulla medicina di precisione” che si terrà, fino al 15 giugno, tra il cinema Rouge e Noir, Villa Filippina e presso il complesso Monumentale dello Steri. L’evento è organizzato dalla fondazione Heal Italia, di cui l’Università degli Studi di Palermo è socio fondatore, sotto l’egida del Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca. Al centro del forum le tecnologie digitali applicate al dato sanitario, la lotta al divario territoriale tra Nord e Sud in tema di accessibilità ai sistemi di ricerca e di cura all’avanguardia e l’applicazioni di intelligenza artificiale per la realizzazione di modelli di diagnosi precoci.
“Gran parte dei pazienti sono costretti a migrare per accedere a terapie d’eccellenza. Oggi si parla di un occhio rivolto alle nuove tecnologie in ambito terapeutico, ma si parla anche del nuovo approccio farmaceutico che potrebbe diventare una opportunità per lo sviluppo. Grazie al lavoro interno e ai collegamenti con le università e i centri che hanno voluto darci fiducia, si può fare molto. Mi auguro che questo progetto potrà portare ad un tassello innovativo nello sviluppo di questa terra – ha detto il rettore dell’Università di Palermo, Massimo Midiri – noi stiamo lavorando per dare un messaggio preciso ai nostri giovani: restate al Sud e investite al Sud perché se continuiamo così, con questo trend, nel 2050 saranno andati via dalla Sicilia migliaia di giovani. Questo progetto, invece, potrebbe consentire ai ragazzi di restare al Sud e di investire il proprio futuro in questa terra”.
Il progetto Heal Italia (Health Extended Alliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approches of Precision Medicine) ha ricevuto un importante finanziamento, da parte del Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca, pari a 118 milioni di euro nell’ambito del Pnrr Missione 4 – Componente 2 “Dalla ricerca all’impresa”. Il polo opera per la ricerca nell’ambito della salute e al suo interno include più di 40 partner tra cui Università, società farmaceutiche e digitali, piccole e medie imprese e Irccs, Istituti di ricerca e cura. L’Università degli Studi di Palermo ha il ruolo di coordinamento, attraverso la direzione scientifica del professore Giorgio Stassi.
“La medicina di precisione è un approccio emergenziale, utile prima per la prevenzione e poi per la cura delle malattie – spiega il direttore scientifico del progetto di Heal Italia Giorgio Stassi – la medicina di precisione prende in considerazione l’ambiente e lo stile di vita, quindi anche l’ambiente lavorativo o l’ambiente dove viviamo, se è più o meno inquinato. Partendo da quella che è la diagnosi e da quelli che sono i bio marcatori specifici per la risposta in merito alla malattia, e non solo malattie come il cancro ma anche malattie rare. Attraverso la medicina di precisione possiamo cambiare quello che è il ruolo del medico, ridurre le diversità e abbracciare la corte degli individui senza disparità”.
“Oggi i cittadini chiedono trattamenti più personalizzati e sistemi e cure efficaci in modo da abbattere il divario tra Nord a Sud – spiega Laura Leonardis, presidente del coordinamento di Heal Italia – il Pnrr richiama alla capacità di riequilibrare questo divario tra Nord e Sud e adesso il nostro obiettivo è che gli individui si sentano dentro un’unica categoria allargata”.
La seconda giornata di studi si terrà domani, sempre al cinema Rouge et Noir, a partire dalle 9. Ad aprirla sarà, in collegamento da remoto il presidente dell’Aifa, Robert Giovanni Nisticò.

We are pleased to share Minister Schillaci’s greetings with you (attached).

Greeting message from the Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci
National forum on precision medicine
The Heal Italia model and the contribution of research to the healthcare system of the future

13-15 June 2024

I would like to address my greetings to the Rector Massimo Midiri, to the Councilor for Health Giovanna Volo and all the participants in the National Forum on precision medicine, an important opportunity to promote innovation and excellence in the medical field. Precision medicine is configured as a revolutionary paradigm, capable of offering increasingly personalized and effective therapeutic solutions for patients. From this perspective, the Heal Italia model, thanks to the ability to connect the best skills and resources, to the contamination between knowledge and the holistic and multidisciplinary approach, will allow us to reach new frontiers for our healthcare system. The topics addressed in this Forum – from artificial intelligence to digital health, from personalized medicine to pharmaceutical development – are of crucial importance for outlining the contours of a healthcare system that is increasingly efficient, fair and in step with the challenges of the present and the future . Of course, sharing knowledge and skills will be the key to creating a future in which precision medicine is a concrete reality for all citizens. I wish everyone good luck in their work.

HEAL ITALIA is the first national supply chain dedicated to scientific and technological research and the development of innovations in the Life Science field, with targeted reference to Precision Medicine. Advanced research in the field of diagnostics and innovative therapies, with integrated approaches of translational and precision medicine involving applications in every disciplinary field, is carried out through an investment program financed by the Ministry of University and Research within the PNRR – Mission 4 Component 2 “From research to business”. With a holistic and highly interdisciplinary approach, HEAL ITALIA research avails itself of the collaboration of over 500 researchers from 25 public and private institutions organized in multi-regional and interconnected research groups that operate in eight inter-regional networks (Spokes) covering all areas of interest of the supply chain: omics sciences, digital technologies applied to healthcare data, development of predictive models, early and precision diagnostics, innovative and personalized therapeutic approaches, development of devices, prevention strategies and clinical applications.

• The PNRR and the fight against the North-South territorial divide in terms of accessibility to cutting-edge research and treatment systems
• Omic Sciences in Personalized Medicine: how management changes of complex and multifactorial diseases
• Artificial Intelligence applications for predictive models, early diagnosis and targeted therapies
• Technologies 5.0 for Digital Health: Synergies and Perspectives
• Precision Medicine as a new engine for the Pharmaceuticals of the future

Ecco la live della giornata di presentazione dei bandi HEAL ITALIA avvenuta il 12 Dicembre 2023 presso la sede di Sicindustria Palermo

Nell’ambito del Programma di ricerca del Partenariato Esteso “Health Extended ALliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine” – HEAL ITALIA, si annuncia un evento per la presentazione degli 8 Bandi a cascata legati agli altrettanti Spoke trattati dalla Fondazione; il tutto è ospitato da Sicindustria giorno 12-12-2023 alle ore 09:30. Verrà anche trasmessa una diretta su YouTube dove il pubblico online avrà uno spazio dedicato per porre delle domande in chat.

Professor Ivana Pibiri has received an invitation to attend as a Keynote speaker at the first Caparica International Conference on Prescriptionomics and Precision Medicine 2024, held from 10 to 13 May 2024 in Caparica, Lisbon, Portugal.

The conference featured leading experts in this field, including plenary speakers Benedikt Brors of the German Center for Cancer Research, Rong Fan of the Yale School of Medicine, Anil Korkut of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Forest White of the MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine.

In addition to the keynote speech entitled “Fighting Nonsense by Next-Gen Therapeutics: a Precision Medicine Approach Based on Translational Readthrough Inducing Drugs.”, a further contribution from Professor Pibiri’s research group was the poster entitled: “Identification of new Translational Readthrough Inducing Drugs”, authors: D. Ricci,A. Peace, M. Tutone,  C. Rizzo, I. Fiduccia,  E. Vitale, I. Cruciata,  F. Corrao,  R. Melfi, L. Lentini,I. Pibiri. The contribution presented by doctoral student Davide Ricci, in the second year of his PhD in Molecular and Biomolecular Sciences, who won the award for best poster at the Conference.

The conference was strongly focused on precision medicine, the primary objective of the Heal Italia network. And it was conceived to be an exclusive event, with no more than 150 participants. This deliberate limitation of size with the aim of ensuring the presence of pioneers in the field of prescriptomics and precision medicine. The goal was to create a focused, high-level environment conducive to fostering new collaborations and building teams that will drive future advances in this innovative area of ​​medical research and practice. This approach underlines the conference’s commitment to advancing the frontiers of precision medicine and prescriptomics.

The importance of prescriptomics and precision medicine in the 21st century is highlighted by advances in mass spectrometry, omics technologies and artificial intelligence. Prescriptomics is an emerging field that focuses on the complex interplay between genetics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics and their impact on the efficacy, safety, and response to prescription drugs and precision medicine. This approach goes beyond conventional methods, aiming for a transformative paradigm that allows for the precise customization of treatment strategies. This leads to minimized adverse effects and optimized therapeutic outcomes, marking a significant shift towards precise and personalized medicine.

The conference covered various topics, including the use of omics technologies for diagnostic purposes, sample collection and manipulation techniques, effective patient follow-up strategies, bioinformatics, leveraging artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy of prescriptions, precision in prescription management and insights into precision and personalized therapies.

This event highlights the rapid evolution and importance of prescriptomics and precision medicine in contemporary healthcare, highlighting the role of cutting-edge technologies in the advancement of this field.

The pioneering research conducted by Prof. Ivana Pibiri and Laura Lentini on rare diseases has led to a profound understanding of translational readthrough inducing drugs (TRID), essential molecules capable of restoring protein synthesis compromised by nonsense mutations in DNA. Nonsense mutations, which account for approximately 11% of genetic diseases, introduce premature termination codons (PTCs) into the mRNA coding for a specific protein, resulting in premature arrest of protein synthesis.

The EMA-approved TRID Ataluren faces market suspension, underscoring the critical need for new solutions in the treatment of genetic disorders originating from nonsense mutations. Prof. Pibiri’s research has led to the identification of three new molecules, now patented and subjected to rigorous preclinical screening for various conditions including cystic fibrosis, Schwachman Diamond syndrome, primary immunodeficiency, choroideremia, hemophilia, Fabry disease and muscular dystrophy. Duchenne.

Over the years, Prof. Pibiri has obtained funding from the Italian Foundation for research on cystic fibrosis, co-directing a research group together with Prof. Laura Lentini. He currently leads his team within the PNRR HEAL ITALIA project, he is also Principal Investigator for the National PRIN Project funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (2023-2025) and Principal Investigator of the local Unit in a PNRR PoC ( 2024-2026).

Prof. Pibiri’s multidisciplinary research group includes geneticists, molecular biologists, physiologists, computational chemists and organic chemists, working collaboratively within the Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, continuing to advance significant advances in the field of rare genetic diseases, offering hope for better treatments and outcomes.

The recent research published in the well-known journal Nature Communications is the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration between numerous national and international universities and institutions. In particular, the research group of the University of Trento, coordinated by Professor Alessio Zippo and that of the University of Palermo led by Professor Matilde Todaro, together with the researcher Alice Turdo and the post-Doc Caterina D’Accardo of the Promise Department and the researcher Miriam Gaggianesi of the MePreCC department, have developed a preclinical model that mimics the onset and dissemination in secondary organs of breast cancer cells which, due to their “dormant” phenotype, are able to survive in an unfavorable environment and escape anti-inflammatory immune surveillance. -tumor. This study lays the foundations for the development of new therapies aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence in patients with breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed neoplasm and the leading cause of oncological death in women worldwide – explain the research team -. Although in Italy almost 60 thousand new cases were diagnosed in 2023, thanks to early diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatments, the five-year survival rate of breast cancer patients reaches approximately 87%. On the contrary, tumors diagnosed at an advanced stage are less susceptible to traditional therapies and are often associated with recurrences within two years after diagnosis. Furthermore, approximately 20% of patients with a localized tumor sensitive to hormone therapy have a reappearance of the disease at 15 years. This phenomenon is responsible for minimal residual disease, caused by the presence of “dormant” disseminated tumor cells to colonize in distant organs and persist in a latent state before giving rise to metastasis. Numerous studies have highlighted that the adaptation of tumor cells to external stimuli, through epigenetic reprogramming, plays a central role in the progression of cancer. and in the formation of metastases”.

“Thanks to the experience acquired over the years by our group in preclinical research, we have recreated a model that mimics the onset and metastatic progression of breast tumors in order to study the role of disseminated cells, responsible for minimal residual disease – declares Miriam Gaggianesi of the MePreCC department – ​​The possibility of being able to characterize these cells at a molecular level could lead to the development of personalized therapies”.

“One of the main causes of the reappearance of the disease is the inability of the immune system to recognize and therefore hinder the spread of tumor cells present in the metastatic organ – declare doctors Alice Turdo and Caterina d’Accardo (Promise department) – The possibility being able to enhance immunosurveillance is in fact one of the new frontiers in the panorama of anti-tumor therapies”.

“The multidisciplinary collaboration between various national and international groups from Australia, Canada, America, Spain and Italy represents an important step forward in the study and control of metastases – underlines Professor Matilde Todaro of the Promise department -. This study, the result of joint effort of researchers from different disciplines has contributed significantly to the understanding and management of dormant breast cancer metastases. The contribution of young researchers has been fundamental in this process and their enthusiasm has enriched the research. leading to new perspectives and innovative solutions. Thanks to their openness to collaboration and sharing of knowledge it has been possible to overcome the complex challenges related to the study of dormant metastases, it is essential that researchers from different disciplines work together , integrating their skills to effectively address the problem. This synergy between experts has made it possible to take a significant step towards the defeat or control of metastases, offering new hope in the fight against metastatic breast cancer.” Funding from Airc projects was used to conduct the study.

Source: PalermoToday

UNIMIB offers a new advanced training course “The power of advanced multiplexed imaging: cost-effective strategies for benchtop spatial biology”. More info in the attachment.

The event “Research and Technological Transfer for the growth of digital skills for the development of territories” will be held on 23 April at the Steri Monumental Complex (Piazza Marina 61). More information and the program in the poster.

A train journey for the prevention and treatment of rare diseases with stops at the railway stations of the Marche. This is what is promoted, on the occasion of the World Day dedicated to Rare Diseases (29 February 2024), by the Medical Clinic of the Marche University Hospital, in collaboration with the Regional Department of Transport, Trenitalia and the Italian Group Fighting Scleroderma , and with the patronage of the Executive, the Council and the Equal Opportunities Commission of the Marche Region, as well as the Polytechnic University of Marche.

The Rector of the University of Palermo, Massimo Midiri, and the General Director of BI-REX, Stefano Cattorini, have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at technical-scientific cooperation with the aim of generating value for the territory of the Sicily Region and the Emilia-Romagna and new growth factors for the City of Palermo and regional ecosystems, through the implementation of projects consistent with scientific excellence and the needs of local businesses.
On the occasion of the signing, the start-up plan for the activities and services was defined which UniPa and BI-REX, in collaboration with the regional administration and employers’ associations, will make available to businesses and local authorities through the opening of an office BI-REX operational in Palermo in spaces made available by the University, an important meeting point aimed at providing services for the digitalisation of businesses co-financed by PNRR funds.
“The opening of a BI-REX operational headquarters in Palermo has a strategic importance with a high impact for companies in the South and Sicily – declares Stefano Cattorini, General Director of BI-REX – BI-REX, by virtue of the PNRR funds awarded by MIMIT, will be able to provide subsidized services with state aid to Sicilian companies in the form of innovative 4.0 services at subsidized rates. The axis generated with the University of Palermo is of fundamental importance for the provision of these services, in terms of research applied to industry, local skills activated, state-of-the-art technologies present in the University laboratories , all assets with enormous added value that will be put at the service of businesses, local authorities and healthcare”.
“The collaboration with the BI-REX Competence Center represents a further step forward towards the creation of a system of specialist skills in areas relating to the enabling technologies of Industry 5.0, such as Big Data systems and Artificial Intelligence, and towards the creation of a new and integrated plan of activities to support technological transfer which will be active in the coming months and usable by our students and researchers and the entire territory” – underlines Massimo Midiri, Rector of the University of Palermo.
The University of Palermo and BI-REX are already consolidated partners in various initiatives in national and European projects linked to the PNRR and National Complementary Plan. In the panorama of Precision Medicine, with the HEAL ITALIA project (Health Extended ALLiance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine) and in the DARE project (DigitAl lifelong pRevEntion) which will instead leverage the enormous potential of data to improve the tools and knowledge aimed at defining, monitoring and predicting health trajectories with a view to prevention.
BI-REX and UniPa will work together to develop a strategy aimed at enhancing its planning heritage and the development of the territory, the attraction of investments and the use of resources intended for the University, local authorities and businesses.
To this end, the respective technical-scientific resources may be shared to jointly develop development projects in the sectors of common interest, facilitating procedures between the institutions aimed at achieving common objectives.
Within the framework of the agreement, workshops are already being planned to present the services jointly provided to businesses and institutions, as well as cultural and study initiatives, technical-scientific comparisons, restitution to the territory and public engagement.
BI-REX will facilitate the University’s dialogue with its member companies and between these and Sicilian companies, through the involvement of Sicilian employers’ associations, also with the aim of promoting curricular internships and industrial and research doctorates and in the planning of specific lines of research related to the enabling technologies of Industry 5.0.
BI-REX will also support activities related to the digital transition of SMEs, start-ups, Sicilian local authorities through demonstration and training actions and services, test before investment, technology transfer and best practices, business acceleration and creation, access to funding for R&D projects.
In turn, the University of Palermo will make available its wealth of basic and applied research in fields of common interest to enhance the analysis, interpretation, evaluation and decision-making capacity of the technological and entrepreneurial system and to achieve matching between know-how needs in order to arrive at an organizational model focused on the transfer and promotion of technological innovation 4.0.

– Picture: press office University of Palermo
(ITALPRESS).

The importance of cancer prevention and scientific research to identify new treatments to deal with this still too widespread disease are the main objective pursued by IRCCS Mario Negri, partner of Heal Italia. 

The Institute studies a wide range of tumors, with particular attention to gynecological ones, sarcomas, thoracic tumors (lung, mesotheliomas), pancreatic tumors, rare tumors such as thymomas.

«Thinking about the recent results, precisely in the context of this rare tumor of the thoracic cavity which affects one person in a million every year, – explains Massimo Broggini Head of the Department of Experimental Oncology – in 2023 we obtained significant results with the Relevent study, which managed, thanks to the participation of several Italian hospitals, to involve 41 Italian patients with advanced thymic carcinoma, showing promising results in the use of the drug ramucirumab in addition to standard chemotherapy, with a response exceeding expectations.”

«A second study presented at the Esmo oncology congress in Madrid – continues Valter Torri, Head of the Department of Clinical Oncology – concerns endometrial cancer. The Attend study, which involved 551 patients, demonstrated that the combined use of the immunotherapy atezolizumab with chemotherapy improves survival in patients with metastatic and recurrent endometrial cancer.”

2024 starts in the name of new techniques and instruments that the Institute has implemented. The use of gene therapy via CRISPR, a powerful technique that acts like a real molecular scissors, will be the tool to understand which genes are crucial for tumor growth. Another challenge that will see researchers engaged in 2024 is to understand the timing of the onset of resistance to drug treatment, carefully monitoring how the effectiveness of drugs decreases over time.

Thanks to the development of systems that allow the evaluation, in a single experiment, of the anti-tumor activity of over 2,500 molecules already approved and used to treat various pathologies, Oncology departments will be able to open up new perspectives in the anti-tumor field by encouraging the rapid use of drugs already known in other contexts.

Source: Corriere della Sera Bergamo

Heal Italia participates with Dr. Ivana Pibiri at the Prescriptomics 2024 Congress. The importance of prescriptomics and precision medicine in the 21st century is highlighted by advances in mass spectrometry, omics technologies and artificial intelligence. Prescriptomics is an emerging field that focuses on the complex interplay between genetics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics and their impact on the efficacy, safety, and response to prescription drugs and precision medicine. This approach goes beyond conventional methods, aiming for a transformative paradigm that allows for the precise customization of treatment strategies. This leads to minimized adverse effects and optimized therapeutic outcomes, marking a significant shift towards precise and personalized medicine. The first Caparica International Conference on Prescriptomics and Precision Medicine 2024, scheduled for May 2024 in Caparica, Portugal, will feature leading experts in this field. Plenary speakers include Benedikt Brors of the German Center for Cancer Research, Rong Fan of the Yale School of Medicine, Anil Korkut of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Forest White of the MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine. Keynote speakers such as Nikos Tapinos of Brown University, Russel Rockne of the Beckman Research Institute in City of Hope, Yue Lu of the University of Utah, Albert Grinshpun of the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Ritambhara Singh also of Brown University, and Alexander Xu of Cedars- Sinai Medical Center will contribute their opinions.

The Heal Italia Foundation has approved the 2024/26 Gender Equality Plan.

The Gender Equality Plan 2024/26 drawn up by the working group of the Heal Italia Foundation was approved by resolution of the Board of Directors on 21 November 2023 and resolution of the Council of Founding Members on 21 December 2023. A plan that places gender equality at the center as an extraordinary engine of growth and as one of the most relevant and urgent cornerstones of the development and progress agenda of societies. In line with what was established by the United Nations through the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and as reiterated by the European Union through the “Strategic Engagement on Gender Equality for the five-year period 2020-2025”.
The Heal Italia Foundation, in order to promote gender equality, in addition to the actions already undertaken, will activate reward measures aimed at promoting studies and research on gender issues also through the establishment of a dedicated fund, and by starting fundraising activities internal and external for the establishment of research grants and post-doc scholarships on gender issues. Furthermore, Heal Italia will adopt a code of ethics and conduct for the prevention of violence, harassment and discrimination.

The Foundation will also organize awareness and dissemination information events and the creation of a web space on its website also to be able to receive reports “in a confidential manner” from all staff who work directly/indirectly within the Heal Italia network.

The Foundation thanks Professor Caterina Ventimiglia for her precious collaboration in the drafting of the GEP Heal Italia.

The complete text of the approved document is attached (IT)

Massimo Dominici, Director of the Complex Oncology Structure, Full Professor of Oncology and Director of the Cellular Therapies Laboratories, one of the spoke leaders of the Heal Italia Foundation (FHI) participated in the first international symposium on innovative therapies in Morocco. This is an event of international importance for the Mediterranean basin which saw the presence of FHI within a broader project of international collaborations. We talked about cell therapies, 3D models for studying tumors and the microbiome, all topics that find important critical mass in FHI, allowing us to launch “outreach” projects for FHI researchers. Attached is the PDF of the conference.

Previews on the scientific focuses of the Heal Italia Calls have just been published. The summary table is attached.

The Call, whose publication is scheduled for the first week of December 2023, provides for the selection of project proposals to be financed on the national territory for the strengthening of the Precision Medicine Supply Chain within the “Health Extended ALLiance” Extended Partnership research programme. for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine” – HEAL ITALIA, using the resources of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) Mission 4 “Education and Research” – Component 2 “From Research to Business ” – Investment 1.3, financed by the European Union – NextGenerationUE – pursuant to the Public Notice of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) n. 341 of 15.03.2022

Eight Calls promoted by the Heal Italia Foundation, implementing body of the Health Extended ALliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine (HEAL ITALIA) Project are arriving.

HEAL ITALIA Cascading Calls

The Call, whose publication is scheduled for the first week of December 2023, provides for the selection of project proposals to be financed on the national territory for the strengthening of the Precision Medicine Supply Chain within the “Health Extended ALLiance” Extended Partnership research programme. for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine” – HEAL ITALIA, using the resources of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) Mission 4 “Education and Research” – Component 2 “From Research to Business ” – Investment 1.3, financed by the European Union – NextGenerationUE – pursuant to the Public Notice of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) n. 341 of 15.03.2022

Of the overall budget of the Project, an amount equal to €11,470,000.00 will be used in Cascading Calls, with a percentage share of 75% to be allocated to Southern Italy, open to the participation of parties external to the HEAL ITALIA Partnership, who with their own contribution are able to promote an increasingly specialized and integrated system of skills for Precision Medicine.

The manager of the Call is the Spoke Leader, in collaboration with the Hub and therefore, the publication of eight Calls issued by the eight public Spokes is expected.

Specific objectives of the Calls

The HEAL ITALIA program promotes a scheme based on cascade funding to support Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects with industrial research and experimental development processes involving companies, specialized clinical centers, IRCCS, healthcare companies, organizations research institutions, Foundations, Consortium Companies, SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs and other entities interested in the creation/implementation of valorization and acceleration programs activated by the spokes and managed in collaboration with the HUB.

The objective is to increase the levels of technicological maturity (TRL – Technology Readiness Levels) envisaged by the HEAL ITALIA Programme through the involvment of subjects external to the Extended Partnership, strongly interested in introducing/implementing significant innovations that act as a trailblazer and/or as a tool for accelerating and specializing the activities carried out by the Spokes for the search for technologically advanced solutions, in relation to products, processes, and services transferable to the areas of intervention of the Precision Medicine.

The Call aims to support proposals relating to activities that envisage reaching a level of technological maturity TRL > 3. Support therefore from the early research phases, mainly referring to the development/implementation of technologies with extremely advanced content, including conceptual verification and prototypes for the validation of the technology, demonstration activities for pilot projects and feasibility studies also in order to be able to evaluate high potential activities and support the creation of spin-offs and start-ups.

Main thematic areas covered 

In line with the Mission of the HEAL ITALIA Research Program carried out by Spokes, the publication of eight Calls is expecte to focus on multiple lines – industrial research targets and experimental development for innovative project proposals aimed also through technological transfer at the implementation of technological innovations 4.0 applied to Precision Medicine.

Who can partecipate

Subjects external to the HEAL ITALIA extended partnership identified as: Public Administrations are eligible to present projects for recognition of the contribution envisaged by the Notice; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), innovative startups; Large companies (GI), foreign companies, national health service bodies, universities and bodies supervised by the MUR, research organizations registered with the ANR, public and private foundations registered with the ANR, consortium companies and consortia international significance.

The application for participation can be submitted either individually or in association (from a minimum of two to a maximum of four subjects). Participation in cascade calls is not permitted for individuals who hold the role of Hub, Spoke or Affiliate of the HEAL ITALIA project within the proposed role.

Each call promoted by the Spoke will be able to finance a number of projects consistent with the allocated budget.

Maximum duration

The duration of implementation of the project cannot exceed 18 months starting from the date of signing of the mandatory contract, following the admission decision. The activities must be completed by September 2025. 

Financial allocation 

The overall financial allocation for the cascade calls promoted by Spoke in collaboration with the Hub is equal to €11.470.000, €8.540.000 are dedicated to the South.

Territorial Area

The projects admitted to the subsidy must be carried out and/or registered in the local unit of the beneficiary and located in the national territory and for the Southern area, i.e. in Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia.

Concessions available

The benefits of the Call are granted in the form of a direct contribution to expenses.

For businesses, the maximum grantable amount of the relief will be calculated on the basis of the size of the business in accordance with European legislation on “State Aid”.

THE ORGANIZATION OF AN INFORMATION DAY IS PLANNED

Professor Ivana Pibiri of the Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies of the University of Palermo, among the researchers of the Heal Italia group, was awarded by the Italian Association of Women Inventors and Innovators (ITWIIN) with one of the six prizes awarded up for grabs as part of the 2023 edition of the “ITWIIN Award”.

ITWIIN Award is a competition aimed at women of Italian nationality, or residents and working in the national territory, who are entrepreneurs, professionals registered with their professional association or researchers in public or private structures. The competition aims to enhance the professional successes of creative and active women in the fields of research, technology transfer and innovative business.

Ivana Pibiri won the Innovation Award, for her important contribution in academic research and precision medicine, for the development of innovative technologies in the treatment of genetic pathologies, including cystic fibrosis and other rare diseases.

In allegato la graduatoria dei progetti finanziati nell’ambito del Bando a cascata HEAL Italia, Spoke 3.
Pubblicata sull’albo ufficiale con N. 95893 del 06/10/2024 (2024-UNPACLE-0095893)

Il Bando dello Spoke 7 proroga la scadenza al 30.05.2024 alle ore 12.00 (esclusivamente per la Tematica 3).
Maggiori informazioni nel file in allegato o al seguente link dell’ateneo.

La Fondazione Heal Italia ha pubblicato una manifestazione di interesse per un Operatore Economico per erogazione di servizi in materia legale.

Maggiori informazioni nella pagina degli avvisi.

La Fondazione Heal Italia ha pubblicato una manifestazione di interesse per un Operatore Economico per erogazione di servizi in materia legale e di gestione della Privacy.

Maggiori informazioni nella pagina degli avvisi.

La scadenza della Tematica 1 del Bando a cascata dello Spoke 3 – Unipa è prorogata al 29.02.2024. Tutte le altre tematiche del bando rimangono inattive come da precedente scadenza. Per maggiori informazioni visita la pagina del bando e scarica l’allegato.

La Fondazione Heal Italia proroga la scadenza del Bando per la manifestazione di interesse per la ricerca di un Operatore Economico per erogazione di servizi in materia di bandi a cascata per le attività della Fondazione a supporto degli spoke. La proroga è al 14 Febbraio 2024 ore 10.00.

Maggiori informazioni nella pagina degli avvisi.

La Fondazione Heal Italia ha pubblicato una manifestazione di interesse per una figura a cui dare affidamento di servizi di gestione e rendicontazione attraverso il conferimento di un incarico di Prestazione d’Opera Intellettuale.

Maggiori informazioni nella pagina degli avvisi.

La Fondazione Heal Italia ha pubblicato una manifestazione di interesse per un Operatore Economico per erogazione di servizi in materia di bandi a cascata per le attività della Fondazione a supporto degli spoke.

Maggiori informazioni nella pagina degli avvisi.

Sarà possibile inviare ulteriori quesiti sui Bandi a Cascata entro e non oltre il 31.01.2024.

Il Bando dello Spoke 5 proroga ulteriormente la scadenza al 12/02/2024.

Heal Italia ha selezionato tre bandi in target agli obiettivi della fondazione. A seguire i link:

ICPERMED
Spoke 3: Neurodegeneration
Scoperta Imprenditoriale