The INF-ACT Foundation continues its mission of conducting research on infectious diseases and translating innovations into practical applications, a mission launched three years ago with funding from Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Building on this experience, the Foundation is now expanding its efforts through two distinct yet complementary projects under the National Programme for Research, Innovation and Competitiveness for the Green and Digital Transition 2021–2027 (PN RIC 2021–2027). This programme is supported by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is managed by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) in collaboration with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).
The two projects, ACT4 and MARE, build on the achievements of INF-ACT with the aim of advancing the most mature innovations toward the development of new therapies for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, while establishing a widespread and interconnected research infrastructure network.
Two Projects, One Network
With a total investment of €30 million over a three-year period, the two complementary projects have been launched to strengthen Italy's capacity to generate innovation across the health sector. Their primary focus is on diagnostics, disease monitoring, and the development of novel therapies, while also reinforcing the research capabilities of institutions located in Southern Italy.
The first project, ACT4, brings together 15 partners, all members of the INF-ACT network. It focuses on innovative diagnostic technologies and the implementation of 4P Medicine (Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, and Participatory) for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
The second project, MARE, involves a collaboration between the INF-ACT Foundation, the e.INS Innovation Ecosystem, and 15 additional public and private partners. Its objective is to develop and strengthen strategic technological value chains for health within a One Health framework, with particular emphasis on integrated digital data management, epidemiological and parasitological surveillance, and the development of innovative therapeutic solutions.
ACT4
The experience gained through INF-ACT has enabled continuous monitoring of the technological maturity of research activities carried out by numerous institutions in the fields of emerging viral infections, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, and both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
This assessment has led to the development of a comprehensive project integrating innovative technologies in omics sciences, cellular imaging, immunology, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to develop advanced diagnostic methodologies that can be readily translated into clinical practice. This integrated system will improve both the efficiency and interpretability of diagnostic results while promoting healthcare practices aligned with the principles of 4P Medicine.
The project is structured around three complementary action lines.
The first, ACT4HEALTH, focuses on innovative diagnostic technologies for the implementation of 4P Medicine, supporting the development of the most promising research initiatives through to their practical application.
The second, ACT4TECH, will establish a distributed technological innovation hub dedicated to developing new diagnostic approaches for communicable and non-communicable diseases. The objective is to create a network of highly specialized laboratories equipped with accessible technologies and supported by an efficient data-sharing system connecting researchers across the participating institutions.
Finally, ACT4TRAIN will deliver advanced education and training programmes, combining theoretical and practical courses on health technologies and innovative diagnostics. Particular attention will be devoted to the advanced training of research personnel from the private sector. This initiative aims to strengthen expertise and promote knowledge exchange among a new generation of researchers, building on the successful experience gained through the INF-ACT project.
MARE
Within the MARE project, the expertise of the INF-ACT Foundation—the coordinating Hub of the MUR-PNRR Extended Partnership on Infectious Diseases—and e.INS SCARL—the Hub of the MUR-PNRR Innovation Ecosystem for Sardinia—are combined to strengthen Italy's national research capacity in health, technology, and data governance.
The project is organized around two complementary action lines, both dedicated to the development and implementation of integrated technological value chains with a strong focus on the integrated management of digital data within a One Health framework.
Activities include surveillance of infectious and parasitological risks at strategic entry points for potential pathogens and vectors, such as ports and airports; the development of innovative therapeutic strategies; and the capitalization of the scientific knowledge generated during the three years of the INF-ACT project by advancing its most promising pharmacological discoveries toward preclinical development.
Within the DoMARE action line, these objectives are pursued through research activities with high application potential, aimed at producing technologies and products suitable for commercialization by the end of the project, as well as validated methodologies ready for implementation by prospective end users.
The second action line, PLASMARE, provides the technological infrastructure required to transform the innovations generated within MARE into a widespread technological and innovation ecosystem. It will facilitate technology transfer in the health sector, bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, and enhance the generation, analysis, and management of health-related data.
By simultaneously addressing technology implementation and research infrastructure development, MARE will support the adoption of smart technologies across public and regional healthcare systems, strengthening disease prevention, improving preparedness and response to potential health emergencies, and accelerating the development of innovative therapeutic solutions.
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