Founded in 1923, the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) is the largest Italian public research organization. With more than 8,000 employees, of whom more than half are researchers and technologists. The CNR performs research in a wide range of scientific areas, promotes innovation and competitiveness of the national industrial system, advises the government and other public bodies and contributes to the internationalization of the national research system. It also provides technologies and solutions to meet public and private emerging needs and training of more than 4,000 postgraduate researchers within the top-priority areas of interest. CNR’s research activities also involve researchers from universities and private companies.
Team members
- Luigi Ambrosio
- Roberta Marzella
- Maria Grazia Raucci
- Alessandra Soriente
- Giovanna Gomez d’Ayala
- Alfredo Ronca
- Michele Guerrini
- Mariarosaria Bonetti
- Giovanna Mancini
- Cecilia Bombelli
- Francesca Ceccacci
- Massimo Quici
The Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials is the biggest Italian Institute with outstanding competencies in polymers, composite materials, biomaterials and related advanced technologies developing innovative ideas applicable to industry. The research activities are performed within the following macro-area: Health and Nanomedicine, Sustainability and Circular Economy, Advanced Materials and Technologies, and New Space Economy. For more than 50 years, the Institute has interacted with universities, research centres, technological districts, clusters and SMEs at the national and international levels and managed several European projects.
Expertise
- Materials science and engineering
- Biomaterials for tissue engineering and nanomedicine
- Design and fabrication of polymer-based materials by advanced technologies for minimally invasive therapeutic approaches
- In vitro cell-material interactions
- Management of European and international projects.
Role
Design, synthesis and characterisation of synthetic/natural nanocomposite hydrogels as injectable formulations and as a coating for implants; development and investigations of bio-engineered injectable hydrogels.

The Institute for Biological Systems (ISB) studies the chemical, physical and bio-molecular mechanisms that regulate the organisation and functions of biological systems. The research activity is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach that, by integrating skills from chemistry, biology, microbiology, soil science and systems analysis, aims to understand complex biological systems. Inspired by principles of bio-economy and circular economy, ISB develops methods, sustainable processes and advanced technologies in the bio-food, health and nanomedicine sectors for the optimisation of the sustainable use of biological resources and for the welfare and improvement of the quality of life. It enhances and encourages the transfer of results, processes, models and technologies to the social and production fabric and carries out training activities.
ISB is involved in several national and international collaborations both at the academic and industrial levels, some of which in the framework of funded projects.
Expertise
- Organic synthesis
- Colloid chemistry
- Liposome technology
Role
Design, synthesis and characterization of amphiphiles; development and characterization of liposomes designed as carriers of genetic material to be delivered to bacteria.
The Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO) was founded in 1998 and has since grown into an academic institution with over 14,500 students, almost 400 researchers, and over 300 staff members. The university, unique in the eastern Piedmont region, fosters a dynamic and inclusive academic environment. Its seven departments offer a wide range of programmes— enhanced by partnerships with universities in Italy, Europe, and the USA—providing students with diverse opportunities and study experiences.
Team
- Lia Rimondini
- Diego Cotella
- Andrea Cochis
- Annalisa Chiocchetti
- Francesca Boccafoschi
- Giuseppe Cappellano
- Marisa Gariglio
- Anna Rapa
- Giuseppina Cannatelli
Expertise
- Development of dental and orthopaedic materials
- Bacteria manipulation
- Tissue engineering
- Multi-omic analysis
Role
Production of BPs and DNA circuits, BPs embedding into hydrogels, advanced 3D cells/bacteria in vitro tests, multi-omic analyses
Founded in 2013, Ferentis is a biotechnology company that develops and commercialises biomimetic peptides and peptide-based scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Its primary focus is developing hydrogel products and kits for in vitro cell and tissue culture applications, providing innovative solutions to professionals in various industries. Ferentis has a team of scientists and entrepreneurs from Canada, Lithuania, Sweden and India with unique skills and experience in biomaterial-assisted cell regeneration, medicinal chemistry, peptidomimetics and surface nanotechnology. The company also assists clients in customising biomimetic materials for potential clinical applications.
Team
- Ruta Aldonyte
- Aneta Radzevič
- Airina Mazėtytė-Godienė
- Romuald Eimont
- Edvinas Orentas
- Tadas Jelinskas
- Vytautas Cėpla
Expertise
- Coatings
- Hydrogels
- Development, production, and commercialization of biomimetic peptides
- Peptide-based scaffolds
Role
Development of hydrogels-based implant coatings
The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is a bioengineering and nanomedicine research institute founded in 2005. Its interdisciplinary research is focused on producing new applied technologies for life and health sciences, focusing on early diagnosis, regenerative medicine, and improving the well-being of an ageing population. IBEC collaborates with local and international research institutes, provides high-level training to staff and students, and engages in outreach and educational activities. The institute is committed to the paradigm of Open Science and maintains a public repository of all its initiatives to promote open science.
Team
- Elisabeth Engel
- Marina Badia Fabregat
- Esther Gallardo Parga
- Óscar Castaño
- Soledad Pérez-Amodio
Expertise
- Natural and synthetic hydrogels
- Mechanical characterization in static and dynamic conditions
- Development of new materials with angiogenic/osteogenic potential
Role
Mechanical characterization of injectable hydrogels and studies on in vitro dynamics and biofilm stability.
The AO Research Institute (ARI) aims to provide high-quality applied preclinical research and development focused on clinical solutions and applications for surgical procedures and treatments. ARI strives to maintain world-class research standing, nurture in-house talents for long-term innovation, and support the AO network with cutting-edge research and development for clinical problems. They also engage with scientific networks and consortia while continuing to develop 3D printing technologies. ARI projects focus on applied preclinical research for clinical applications, including exploratory and translational research.
Team
- Fintan Moriarty
- Mauro Alini
- Claudia Siverino
- Nunzia Di Luise
Expertise
- In vitro and in vivo microbiology
Role
In vitro microbiological testing, in vivo orthopaedic model development and pivotal study performance.
The University of Liège has a rich history spanning over two centuries, with connections to Europe’s middle ages. It has a focus on international openness and regional engagement, and currently has 30000 students and over 5000 staff members. Over 2000 individuals are involved in research covering various subjects.
Team
- France Lambert
- Sandy Anania
- Damien Stevaert
- Dorien Van Hede
Expertise
- Clinical regenerative biomaterials
- Expertise in the field of regenerative dental biomaterials and oral implantology
- Translating laboratory research into clinical applications
Role
Collaborate to the in vivo animal model – In vivo validation of bio-hydrogels generated within the project and medical guidance throughout the project.
INsociety, established in 2008, specializes in managing innovation for private and public organizations. As a not-for-profit research firm, it conducts studies and analyses the impact of innovation on society while developing strategies to maximize its benefits. They aim to empower research teams and individuals to convert disruptive technological concepts into innovative products or services. They collaborate with small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, and research centres to nurture ideas from inception to market exploitation.
Team
- Laura Martinelli
- Paulina Piotrowicz
- Michela Candotti
- Francesco Pascolo
- Diogo Matias
Expertise
- Research, innovation, and market deployment
- Development of exploitation strategies and technologies roadmaps
- Communication & dissemination strategies
- Stakeholder engagement
Role
Management of innovation, communication, and dissemination, and planification of exploitation actions.