Preclinical Research Core Facility

Our institute’s Preclinical Research Facility is an advanced infrastructure dedicated to supporting the development of new therapies and biomedical technologies. Equipped with highly specialized procedural spaces and state-of-the-art technologies, the facility allows for the conduct of preclinical studies in compliance with the most stringent ethical, scientific, and regulatory standards. The available technologies include advanced imaging modalities and equipment for complex procedures, enabling the acquisition of critical data for both fundamental and translational research. The facility supports the development of preclinical studies across multiple scales, from single cells to entire organs and organisms, allowing for the longitudinal and non-invasive collection of data. Furthermore, the facility is equipped with a 24/7 digital monitoring system, ensuring continuous oversight of welfare conditions, in accordance with the highest ethical and regulatory standards.

Our approach is grounded in the rigorous application and ongoing implementation of the 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. These principles form the cornerstone of ethical and responsible research practices, aimed at optimizing experimental conditions, minimizing the use of animal models, and promoting the development of alternative methods wherever possible.

The Animal Welfare Body (OPBA) is a critical entity within our institute, established in accordance with Legislative Decree 26/2014. Its creation addresses the need to ensure the highest standards of welfare for animals involved in scientific research. The OPBA plays a key role in ensuring that all research practices meet strict ethical and regulatory standards.

The duties and functions of the OPBA, outlined by Legislative Decree 26/2014, regulate all phases of experimentation and ensure compliance with current legislation. In this section, you can consult the guidelines for the operation of the OPBA and the procedures adopted by our institute to ensure both ethical and scientific compliance.

Download the Guidelines [pdf].