The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS, the National Institute of Health in Italy) develops research and projects for the protection and improvement of health through the scientifically validated use of technological innovations, the optimization in the use of radiation in medicine, the development of innovative therapeutic approaches through additive manufacturing (3D printing), personalized surgical planning, monitoring and evaluation of software applications (APP) falling within the scope of medical devices, ultrastructural study of infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
The ISS also promotes studies on advanced machine learning solutions (machine learning, branch of artificial intelligence) to optimize the use of big data in healthcare and wellness, also through wearable sensor systems that are, themselves, the subject of specific research-development activities.
In the field of nanotechnologies, it realizes innovative techniques for the evaluation of medical devices containing nanomaterials, then comparing them, as required by international standards, with more traditional techniques.
In the telemedicine sector, health and social-health services are created and monitored, providing collaboration to bodies and organizations in the territory; developed and updated methods to manage cybersecurity and clinical risk, as well as to assess the cost-effectiveness of such services. In addition, models of design and conduct of telemedicine services, the use of real world big data are developed and national and international clinical trials in telemedicine and precision medicine are promoted and coordinated.
The centres involved have autonomous prototyping capabilities (electronics, mechanics, hydraulics, printing in 3 dimensions), thematic laboratories in favor of research and innovation, irradiation services and centralized management of large scientific instruments. All activities are carried out with multidisciplinary skills.
