FIF, a story that begins in 2008
Founded in 2008 from an enlightened idea of Prof. Claudio Tiribelli, professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Trieste and luminary in the field of hepatology, the Italian Liver Foundation (FIF) is a research institution recognized by the MIUR and specialized in the study of diseases. liver and related diseases.
In its research lines, the Foundation ranges from steatosis to the genetic mechanisms involved in liver cancer, to stem cells and is currently mainly aimed at finding non-invasive methods that allow an early diagnosis of hepatic steatosis and liver cancer and at testing new approaches. therapeutics to cure them. FIF is also involved in studying the neurotoxic effects of severe hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn and the protective effects of mild hyperbilirubinemia in adults, and is committed to transferring the results of pure basic research to the bed of the patient, in an approach that is defined translational medicine.
In its scientific activity, FIF collaborates with various international organizations, from Mexico to Indonesia, from Argentina to the United States. With these countries the FIF maintains an active collaboration and a continuous exchange of young researchers, scientists, doctoral students who come to the Foundation to increase their experience and share their skills with us. Over the years, the FIF has hosted over 100 international scientists from over 20 countries: international cooperation it is one of the levers of the Foundation's success, as it is an indispensable tool for encouraging the mobility of researchers, educational activities for young graduates and the joint implementation of scientific projects. The dense network with scientific institutions and international universities, built over the years, underlines the international significance that FIF has in the educational and scientific fields and allows the Foundation to spread the values it inspires throughout the world.
In Trieste, the operational headquarters for laboratory research is within the Basovizza Science Park AREA, while the clinical part is carried out in various health facilities in the region and throughout the country.
In 2018, the FIF celebrated its first 10th anniversary. It is now a reality of excellence consolidated in the vast fabric of the scientific institutions of Trieste. The relationship between the city and FIF has been intense in these 10 years and will probably be even more so in future years.
The Italian Liver Foundation is currently active in the following research lines:
- Bilirubin
- Cancer stem cells
- Neuro-studies line
- Resistance to liver cancer drugs
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
The Foundation, as a non-profit organization, finances its research activity thanks to institutional resources, contributions deriving from national and international research projects, as well as donations from private individuals.
In 2020, the scientific production of the Italian Liver Foundation was 31 research articles and 13 journals and editorials, for a total of 287,2 Impact Factor, an excellent result that confirms the international credibility and the very high scientific level achieved.
The staff currently consists of 18 people:
1 President (Dr. Decio Ripandelli)
1 Scientific Director (Prof. Claudio Tiribelli)
3 Senior Scientists, 1 laboratory technician, 1 administrative manager (permanent staff)
3 Senior Researchers, 1 Administrative Assistant
5 international PhD Students, 2 thesis students
Future goals:
- Increase the corporate base, increasing the Promoter / Supporter members with the entry of private institutions as well.
- Create Foundation chapters nationwide to increase fundraising.
- Provide the Foundation's facilities (clinical and scientific) to national and international health and research institutions.
- Increase educational programs with developing countries, already in place.
- Recruiting clinical, scientific and administrative staff to increase the Foundation's activities.
- Create grants for hepatological research for researchers under 40.