From oncology to neuroscience to ophthalmology: the future of Italian research is in good hands

The future of Italian research is in good hands. The reassurance comes from the results of the calls for tenders proposed by Roche Italia and Fondazione Roche in 2023 and which saw 30 projects win in the most varied fields of medicine: from oncology to neuroscience to ophthalmology, passing through hereditary diseases and blood diseases.

At Dazi Milano, in a packed room, the first to be awarded were eight researchers under 40, who went up on stage one by one to receive the recognition of their work. The call they joined is for independent research, to which Fondazione Roche has allocated a total funding of 400 thousand euros. The selection of the winners was entrusted to Springer Nature as an external and independent partner.

The reference institutions of the winners represent all of Italy, demonstrating that, despite the difficulties that the National Health Service is facing today, there is no lack of excellence in any macro area of the country. What's more, Italian research also attracts talent from abroad, as in the case of Dr. Tizibt Ashine Bogale, who from Ethiopia is now carrying out her research at the Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute in Brescia, or of her colleague Andrew Smith, who won with a project in the field of oncology working at the University of Milan Bicocca.

The second call, “Roche for clinical research – In support of the figures of Data Manager and Research Nurses”, awarded ten professionals who will receive a total funding of 300 thousand euros. They were selected by Fondazione GIMBE according to the criteria that President Nino Cartabellotta also recalled on stage: “The most important factor, 90%, is the quality of the project presented. Quality, in turn, is based on the relevance of the research question, on methodological rigor and on the possible impact on the health and sustainability of the National Health Service. The second criterion concerns scientific activity, measured by the impact of the publications of its researchers”.

At the heart of this call, as the title suggests, is the promotion of the work of data managers and research nurses. “By supporting these figures,” Cartabellotta added, “we offer the opportunity to improve the management of clinical studies and make health research a driver of development for our country.”

The third and final call, aimed at supporting innovative solutions for multiple sclerosis, awarded twelve researchers selected by the Sodalitas Foundation. They will receive a total sum of 240 thousand euros to finance the proposed projects. Following Cartabellotta, Alessandro Beda, Delegate Councilor of the Foundation, emphasized that the projects characterized by an effective and relevant idea prevailed, without neglecting the importance of innovation that aims to improve the quality standards of diagnostic-therapeutic pathways for patients affected by multiple sclerosis. He was joined by Paola Zaratin, Director of Scientific Research of AISM - Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association and FISM - Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: "There is a need for a single ecosystem between research and treatment. Let's work together for a world free from this disease, for full inclusion and quality of life for patients".

The awards were presented by Anna Maria Porrini, Director of Medical Affairs & Clinical Operations of Roche Italia, and Mariapia Garavaglia, President of Fondazione Roche. Both expressed great satisfaction and enthusiasm for the quantity and quality of projects that arrived on the desks of the three juries. “Scientific research in Italy has always been at the heart of our Foundation’s activities,” said Dr. Garavaglia, “because we are certain that keeping it alive is an investment for the entire country system. With the call for proposals 'Roche Foundation for Independent Research', in particular, now in its eighth edition and which over the years has seen over 2300 applications, we confirm our commitment by supporting young talents who undertake new paths to reach goals that often translate into progress for science and therefore for the health of all of us.” “Our mission is to work today on what patients will need tomorrow,” commented Dr. Porrini. “These words contain the essence of our daily commitment: the calls for proposals promoted are one of the ways we have to make it concrete.”

As further proof of this, at the end of the awards ceremony, Roche Italia and Fondazione Roche launched the next edition of the calls for proposals in clinical research and independent research for 2024 (for a total investment of over 550 thousand Euros): it is the confirmation that, to reap the fruits of tomorrow, we must start sowing today.

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