Palermo, March 19, 2026 – Today, a new collaboration agreement was signed between the Regional Department of Productive Activities of the Regione Siciliana and the Istituto Sperimentale Zootecnico per la Sicilia for the completion of ISPeMI (the Preclinical Experimentation and Molecular Imaging Institute), with particular focus on the renovation of the facilities at its Palermo site.
The agreement provides for an allocation of €1 million, in addition to funding already provided in previous years: “With this agreement” stated Edy Tamajo, Regional Minister for Productive Activities, “the Sicilian Region is taking a concrete step to strengthen a scientific infrastructure of significant strategic value for our territory. ISPeMI is a prime example of successful collaboration between public institutions, research centers, and internationally recognized scientific organizations. Our goal is to continue supporting projects that place innovation, research, and technology transfer at the center. Investing in facilities like this creates the conditions to attract talent, develop new technologies, and generate growth opportunities for Sicily’s productive and scientific sectors.”
ISPeMI stands as one of the main scientific infrastructures in Sicily for preclinical research. The institute was established through the collaboration of Fondazione Ri.MED, ISMETT / UPMC Italy, and the Istituto Sperimentale Zootecnico per la Sicilia, with the aim of developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and facilitating the transfer of technology into clinical practice. ISPeMI represents an integrated platform for preclinical research, capable of covering the entire experimental pathway necessary for the validation of innovative products and methods, with applications in diagnostics, biotechnology, and advanced therapies, including cell- and gene-based treatments. In addition to research activities, the institute also plays a key role in education and scientific dissemination, organizing advanced training programs for professionals and researchers.
The investments have supported the establishment of advanced biomedical and veterinary research laboratories, a dedicated experimental operating room, and specialized facilities for food research, as well as improvements to infrastructure and external areas at the Palermo complex. The agreement highlights the importance of sustained investment in research infrastructure and confirms the value of collaboration between public institutions and international scientific partners in generating tangible impact for innovation and regional development.
Fondazione Ri.MED is proud to contribute to this ecosystem, supporting the advancement of research and scientific excellence in Sicily.