Skip to main content

Welcome

Welcome to the vibrant world of the Molecular Biotechnology Center at the University of Turin. As the director of this institution, it is with great pleasure that I present this comprehensive booklet, encapsulating the diverse and groundbreaking research activities undertaken by more than 30 principal investigators within our center. This compilation serves as a testimony to our commitment to advancing knowledge and finding innovative solutions to the pressing health challenges of our time. 

Our research spans a wide array of themes including cancer, immunology, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders and neurodegeneration, with an overarching goal of generating novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that can contribute to address the health concerns that accompany the aging population of our planet. The challenge we embrace is clear  to improve the quality of life, particularly for the elderly, through cut- ting-edge biotechnological research. 

The Molecular Biotechnology Center is a unique hub, fostering collaboration and synergy among researchers with diverse scientific interests and distinct affiliations. In addition to the founder Department of Molecular Biotechnology, other prominent University Departments such as those of Neuroscience, Oncology, Medical Sciences and Life Sciences and Systems Biology contribute to this endeavor. 

Our center operates on the principle that collaboration as well as cross-pollination of ideas and skills breeds success. By providing a shared environment where energies, knowledge, facilities, and instruments are seamlessly integrated, we aim to enhance productivity and facilitate scientific breakthroughs. This collaborative spirit extends across disciplines, encouraging interdisciplinary research that transcends traditional boundaries. 

All participating departments have generously contributed state-of-the-art equipment as shared resources, which are meticulously maintained by specialized personnel. This enables the MBC to host a comprehensive array of cutting-edge technical facilities, including bio- imaging, high-content microscopy, histology, transcriptomics, cell sorting, genomics, and mass sequencing. Furthermore, the center houses a state-of-the-art cell factory dedicated to advancing cell-based therapies, along with some of the University of Torino’s largest facilities for preclinical modeling. 

These shared resources not only serve as key assets driving our research towards high international standards but also contribute to cost reduction and environmental impact mitigation. 

As a hub for aspiring scientists, the Molecular Biotechnology Center places a strong emphasis on supporting the career development and promotion of young group leaders. We provide the resources and mentorship needed for these emerging researchers to thrive, contributing to the advancement of their respective fields. In this vein, in collaboration with the Italian Society of Biophysics and Molecular Biology (SIBBM), the MBC will soon offer in-depth courses on research topics dedicated to young researchers, such as basic molecular biology techniques and advanced optical microscopy. 

Our success is reflected in the increasing number of researchers funded by the European Research Council (ERC) choosing to join our ranks, and in the steady rise of publications in top-tier journals such as Nature and Science, which reinforce our position not only in the local but also in the international arena of biomedical, biotechnological research. 

The Center also serves as a catalyst for industrial innovation and economic development, actively fostering collaboration with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, providing a dynamic environment where academia and industry can converge, accelerating the translation of research findings into practical applications and contributing to the broader goal of advancing science, technology and health care for the benefit of society. 

To accommodate our growing community and ambitions, the Molecular Biotechnology Center is expanding physically with the inauguration of new buildings. This expansion not only symbolizes our commitment to facilitating a larger critical mass but also underlines our dedication to fostering the best translational research in the Italian northwest. 

In conclusion, the Molecular Biotechnology Center stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. 

This booklet highlights the remarkable achievements of our principal investigators and emphasizes the collective impact of our research on the global scientific landscape. As we continue to grow, evolve, and push the boundaries of scientific discovery, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a healthier and sustainable future. 

Thank you for your interest in the Molecular Biotechnology Center at the University of Turin. 

Emilio Hirsch Director, Molecular Biotechnology Center University of Turin 

Last update: 16/01/2025