Minister Bernini Visits National Center for Cutting-Edge Research Facilities

17 May 2025, Padua – The Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, recently visited one of the most advanced scientific hubs in the country, the National Center facilities located within the Vallisneri Complex at the University of Padua.

With over 1,700 researchers nationwide contributing to the National Center project, including around 200 based in Padua, the visit provided Minister Bernini the opportunity to witness firsthand the groundbreaking work seated at the forefront of molecular medicine and therapeutic innovation.

Minister Bernini was welcomed by the University of Padua Rector, Prof. Daniela Mapelli, and the President of the National Center, Prof. Rosario Rizzuto. She toured several cutting-edge research laboratories, including a state-of-the-art bioinformatics center for rapid RNA and DNA sequencing powered by advanced AI systems, molecular imaging platforms, and cell screening technologies designed to accelerate drug discovery and development.

During the visit, researchers demonstrated critical stages of the therapeutic development pipeline, from the creation of 3D mini-organ structures that simulate human tissues called organoids, to the application of next-generation imaging systems. Key highlights included:

Cryo-electron microscopes, enabling atomic-level visualization of molecular structures, offering unprecedented insights into cellular mechanisms.
Light-sheet microscopes, capable of rendering entire organs transparent, providing detailed views of complex biological processes.
The MACSima system, capable of identifying up to 600 drug targets within a single biological sample, revolutionizing precision medicine.
Advanced robotic platforms for high-throughput cell screening, significantly accelerating the identification of potential therapeutic compounds.

Prof. Rizzuto emphasized the strategic importance of this infrastructure, stating, “These facilities, along with those at our partner universities, represent a bold vision for Italy’s future as a global leader in gene therapy and RNA drug research. With this initiative, we aim to transform the landscape of personalized medicine, creating treatments that are faster, more precise, and more effective.”

The visit also included presentations from leading researchers:

Concetta Quintarelli, Co-Leader of Spoke 10, shared updates on the National Center’s cutting-edge gene therapy facilities at the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome.
Angela Zampella highlighted the success of PharmaTech Academy in Scampia, where the National Center is nurturing the next generation of pharmaceutical innovators.
Stefano Gustincich introduced SINERISE THERAPEUTICS, a pioneering start-up focused on restoring function to defective genes, potentially transforming the treatment of genetic disorders.
Cristian Fracassi of Isinnova presented DIANA, a non-invasive diagnostic platform developed in collaboration with Antares Vision Group, capable of performing over 60 diagnostic tests in just 15 minutes.

Minister Bernini’s visit underscores the government’s strong commitment to advancing scientific research and supporting Italy’s emergence as a leader in next-generation therapeutics.

Various YouTube clips of the event are available from:

TELE NORDEST

TELEPADOVA

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Press review:

Il Gazzettino di Padova

Corriere del Veneto

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