The Italian Embassy Hosted an Event on Biomedical Innovation and European Healthcare Challenges
Highlighting Cross-Border Collaboration in Medical Research and Healthcare Innovation
May 21st, 2024
On May 15, 2024, the Italian Embassy celebrated the Day of Italian Research in the World with a significant event focusing on medical research, specifically in ageing, heart health, and tumor medicine. This annual event, now in its seventh edition, underscores the achievements of Italian scientists and institutions and their pivotal role in global scientific endeavors.
The “Innovation in biomedicine and healthcare: a common European challenge” event brought together leading academic and industrial experts. Prof. Dr. Maria Cristina Polidori from CECAD at the University of Cologne and Dr. rer. nat. Claudia Crocini from the German Heart Center of the Charité in Berlin discussed the latest innovations and research developments in biomedicine and health. Additionally, industry representatives Carlo Magni, Head of the Medical Department at ASG Superconductors, and Andrea Bizzi, Head of the European Regional Market at Chiesi Deutschland GmbH, contributed insights into the practical and commercial implications of recent biomedical advances.
A key highlight of the event was the emphasis on German-Italian cooperation within the scientific and medical research fields. Ambassador Armando Varricchio pointed out the robust ties between the two countries: “There are currently over 750 individual agreements between Italian and German universities, and the community of Italian scientists working at German research institutions is already very numerous and is constantly growing.” He highlighted that with over 5,000 research scientists, including almost 300 university professors, Italians constitute the third-largest scientific community in Germany and rank first among non-German-speaking university professors.
Following the presentations, Isabella Buffacchi, the correspondent for the Italian daily newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, moderated a panel discussion. The discussion further explored the role of bilateral partnerships in advancing healthcare solutions and addressing common challenges across Europe.
The event was part of the broader Sustainable Development Festival, organized in collaboration with the SIGN association (Network of Italian Scientists in Germany). It included institutional partners such as the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The festival aims to engage various stakeholders—including citizens, young generations, companies, associations, and institutions—in dialogues about the 17 themes of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, focusing on theme 3, “Health and Well-being.”
This initiative highlights the critical role of international collaboration in tackling some of Europe’s most pressing health challenges, promoting a shared commitment to innovation and well-being.
