Research, Innovation, and Society Collaborate with usResearch projects for funding

Research projects for funding

This page lists the research projects available for funding.

For information and clarifications: Dr. Raffaella Rita de Angelis

NIC 3, First Floor, Room 107

Largo Brambilla, 3 – 50134 Florence (Italy)

Tel: +39 055/2751869

Project Title: Development and validation of a fiber optic instrument for the detection of pancreatic tumor cells

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Antonio Taddei
Project Summary: (Note: The original text was already provided in English) Time-resolved autofluorescence methods are of particular interest due to their sensitivity to the biochemical, molecular and physicochemical processes, as they make possible probing not only the properties of the molecule itself, but also the properties of its local molecular environment. A routine adoption of this technique for biological, biomedical and biochemical characterization is hindered by the need of dark environments, making the technique impractical in many application fields. Leveraging on a technology patented by a partner, this study introduces a novel system, equipped with state-of-art multispectral autofluorescence lifetime imaging instrumentation, to provide real-time and multidimensional characterization of the specimens under bright background. The development of this device aims to create a tool that can be used not only for ex vivo measurements but also for direct use in the operating room during surgery. This study will significantly improve surgical radicality, allowing for real-time differentiation between healthy and tumor tissue, assisting the surgeon in achieving oncological radicality, a key factor in improving patient outcomes.
The contribution will be used to fund the research project. (Published on 05/26/2026)

Project Title: Study of the immunogenicity of biological drugs used in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Alessandra Vultaggio
Project Summary: Immunogenicity is an intrinsic feature of the complex structure of biological drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies. This immunogenicity leads to the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), which are responsible for loss of efficacy and/or the induction of infusion-related adverse events. The presence of ADAs can negatively affect the product's pharmacokinetics, significantly reducing circulating serum drug levels. For this reason, a project aimed at evaluating ADA development in patients treated with biological drugs for immunologically-mediated pathogenesis is of significant importance, including:
- Hereditary angioedema
- Chronic urticaria
- Allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, CRSwNP)
- Connective tissue diseases
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
Study Objectives:
- Evaluate the incidence of sensitization toward the various drugs used.
- Evaluate the correlation between circulating drug levels and the presence of ADAs.
- Correlate ADA production with the loss of therapy efficacy and the onset of infusion-related adverse events.
The project will be conducted as a retro-prospective, multicenter, non-profit study involving Italian Centers with specific expertise in treating allergic and immune-mediated diseases with biological drugs. (Published on 05/06/2026)

Project Title: Multicenter retrospective observational study for the collection of real-world data on the perioperative use of durvalumab in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with operable urothelial carcinoma (DELTA)

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Lorenzo Antonuzzo
Project Summary: Urothelial bladder carcinoma is a frequent malignancy, typically treated with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery, showing survival benefits. However, the high recurrence rate demands more effective therapeutic strategies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as durvalumab, have shown promising results, confirmed by the phase III NIAGARA trial, which highlighted an improvement in survival with a combined perioperative approach. This multicenter, retrospective, observational study aims to gather real-world evidence on the perioperative use of durvalumab in patients with operable urothelial carcinoma. The primary objective is to evaluate the pathological complete response (pCR) rate, while secondary endpoints include survival (EFS, DFS, OS), safety, tolerability, and immune-related adverse events. Adult patients treated within routine clinical practice will be included without additional experimental interventions, using retrospective clinical data collection. The study will provide valuable information on treatment efficacy and safety in real-world contexts.
The contribution will be used to fund the research project. (Published on 05/06/2026)

Project Title: Development and evaluation of new microbiological diagnostic strategies

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Gian Maria Rossolini
Project Summary: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens represent a global public health issue with high direct and indirect costs. Diagnosing these infections requires complex and time-consuming procedures, which can negatively impact clinical outcomes. In this scenario, the evolution of laboratory diagnostic technologies offers the opportunity to shorten the time needed to identify pathogens and characterize antimicrobial resistance at both phenotypic and/or molecular levels. Therefore, it is of primary importance to evaluate and develop new rapid diagnostic methods to achieve potential optimization of therapeutic management and a reduction in hospital costs associated with antibiotic resistance.
Objective: This project aims to evaluate and/or develop new diagnostic strategies to combat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. (Published on 02/23/2026)

Project Title: Evaluation of the activity of novel antimicrobial molecules against multidrug-resistant pathogens

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Gian Maria Rossolini
Project Summary: The continuous rise of multidrug-resistant pathogen infections on a global scale requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. For decades, antibiotic therapies have played a fundamental role in modern medicine, but their efficacy is now heavily undermined by emerging resistance. The situation is further aggravated by high development costs and a lack of discovery of new classes of antimicrobics. One of the first steps to evaluate the efficacy of new antimicrobial therapies is to assay their in vitro activity against extensive collections of clinical isolates representative of national and global epidemiology. Furthermore, characterizing potential resistance mechanisms is crucial for designing effective infection control and diagnostic stewardship strategies.
Objective: This project aims to evaluate the activity of novel antimicrobial molecules to counter infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. (Published on 02/23/2026)

Project Title: Non-invasive diagnostic approach using ultrasound for organ damage in preclinical stages of Systemic Sclerosis

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Alberto Moggi Pignone
Project Summary: Systemic Sclerosis is a progressive connective tissue disease that causes fibrosis across the entire skin district and multiple vital organs. The pathophysiology of the disease is highly complex, involving primary alterations in the arterial microcirculation with endothelial cell dysfunction, dysregulation of immune control mechanisms, and hyperactivation of fibroblasts leading to an uncontrolled increase in collagen production and subsequent tissue fibrosis. The disease primarily affects young women between 20 and 40 years old and is very often preceded by more or less prolonged asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic periods, where Raynaud's Phenomenon might be the only detectable clinical symptom. These very early clinical phases, classified as Very Early Systemic Sclerosis, should represent the true target for therapeutic approaches because, as is well known, once structural fibrotic changes occur, therapeutic windows narrow drastically. Given these premises, it is absolutely mandatory to identify biohumoral and/or instrumental markers that can assist in diagnosing the disease in its very early stages. Hence, the project proposes using a completely non-invasive method like multiparametric ultrasound (US) to study organ damage in a cohort of patients with very early clinical forms. Ultrasound is undergoing continuous and dynamic evolution; across all its modalities (B-Mode, Doppler and Power Doppler, Elastosonography, Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound - CEUS), it offers increasing possibilities for studying and following up all districts affected by the disease.
Study Hypothesis: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a US study in a cohort of patients with very early forms of Systemic Sclerosis, at both the pulmonary and entire gastrointestinal levels (including the splanchnic arterial district), and to track any morpho-structural and functional changes through an adequate follow-up (timepoints: 0-6-12-24 months).
Project Duration: 24 months
Estimated Project Cost: €50,000 per year, for a total of €100,000
Study Design: Single-center, prospective, longitudinal observational study
Eligible Patients: Patients presenting clinical, biohumoral, and instrumental characteristics that classify them within the clinical subset of Very Early Systemic Disease (presence of Raynaud's Phenomenon, typical capillaroscopic alterations, specific autoantibodies).
Study Site: Internal Medicine SOD 4 – Multiparametric Ultrasound Clinic, Careggi University Hospital.(Published on 02/23/2026)

Project Title: The emerging challenges of Antimicrobial Stewardship: from the immunosuppressed patient to orthopedic infections

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Alessandro Bartoloni
Call for Expression of Interest: Call for expressions of interest to fund via a liberal donation a 12-month fellowship for the advanced training of a professional with specialized expertise in Infectious Diseases within the framework of the project: "The emerging challenges of Antimicrobial Stewardship: from the immunosuppressed patient to orthopedic infections," headed by Prof. Alessandro Bartoloni.In accordance with EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR), we inform you that the collected data will be used exclusively for purposes related to the management of this procedure, including through IT tools. Sending an expression of interest implies explicit authorization for data processing and full acceptance of the provisions of this notice.
Procedure Manager (Rup): Dr. Raffaella De Angelis – Administrative Manager (RAD) of the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine.
The Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine of the University of Florence, through the publication of this notice, intends to carry out a survey to identify external entities interested in providing a contribution to support a 12-month fellowship. Any expression of interest must be submitted through a communication of intent outlining the amounts and methods of disbursement, to be sent via email to the institutional certified email address: dmsc@pec.unifi.it with the following subject line: "Manifestation of interest to fund via a liberal donation a fellowship for the training of a professional with expertise in Infectious Diseases within the project: 'The emerging challenges of Antimicrobial Stewardship: from the immunosuppressed patient to orthopedic infections'".
Attachments: [Annex 1]: Fellow activities within the project "The emerging challenges of Antimicrobial Stewardship: from the immunosuppressed patient to orthopedic infections" headed by Prof. Alessandro Bartoloni.(Published on 02/04/2026)

Project Title: Antiphospholipid syndrome as a paradigm of acquired thrombophilia: a comparison between diagnostic methods

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Rossella Marcucci
Project Summary: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis and/or obstetric complications in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). It represents a classic model of clinical-laboratory interaction, where it is crucial that the methods used to establish the presence and titer of antiphospholipid antibodies are accurate and reproducible. Since 1999, the classification of APS has been based on the Sapporo criteria (revised in 2006), which require the presence of clinical features (thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity) and laboratory tests (for lupus anticoagulant – LAC, anti-cardiolipin antibodies IgG/IgM – aCL, and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies IgG/IgM – anti-β2GPI), with at least two positive aPL tests performed at least 12 weeks apart. In 2023, the American and European Societies of Rheumatology (ACR and EULAR) drafted a new joint consensus document updating the classification criteria for APS to maximize specificity and optimize patient enrollment in clinical trials. The authors decided to recommend aPL testing exclusively using the ELISA method. However, this recommendation has raised several concerns within the scientific community. Since the 1990s, many authors have reported inter-laboratory inconsistencies in detecting aPL using ELISA tests. Furthermore, the decision to exclude more innovative technologies, such as chemiluminescence tests (CLIA) and other automated systems widely available across the territory, does not appear to be supported by current evidence and does not help achieve the goals proposed by the guidelines. Therefore, it is necessary to define reference ranges and method-specific cut-offs to improve diagnostic accuracy and result harmonization.
Objective: To compare the analytical and diagnostic performance of ELISA, FEIA, and CLIA methods for the determination of antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Step 1: Comparison among ELISA, CLIA, and FEIA methods in a control population to calculate the distribution, identifying the 95th and 99th percentiles.
- Step 2: Measurement of aPL using ELISA, CLIA, and FEIA in subjects positive for LAC and/or aCL and/or anti-Beta2-GPI with clinical data suggesting suspected aPL syndrome. These results will be used to determine which patients fall below the 95th percentile (negative), above the 95th but below the 99th percentile (low-titer positive), or above the 99th percentile (high-titer positive) of the control distribution.
Study Design and Methodology: * Phase 1: Comparative analysis of ELISA, FEIA, and CLIA methods in a population of 120 control subjects, defining value distributions and reference percentiles.
- Phase 2: Testing antiphospholipid antibodies using the three methods in 50 subjects positive for LAC and/or aCL and/or anti-β2GPI with clinical suspicion of APS.
Project Duration: 12 months
Type of Support Requested: The project can be supported through an in-kind contribution, consisting of the supply of laboratory materials and/or reagents necessary to carry out the research activities, without any direct financial transfer to the promoting Entity.
Transparency, Scientific Independence, and Acknowledgment of Support: The contribution, configured exclusively as in-kind support, does not involve any interference or conditioning regarding the design of the study, the conduct of research activities, data analysis, or the interpretation and dissemination of results. The University of Florence and the Scientific Coordinator maintain full scientific and decision-making autonomy in compliance with current legislation, internal University regulations, and policies concerning transparency, integrity, and the prevention of conflicts of interest. Institutional recognition of the support received may take place by mentioning the supporting entity in the project's informative materials, scientific presentations, institutional reports, and any publications, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The nature of the contribution received will be explicitly stated in every scientific or promotional communication. (Published on 01/14/2026)

Project Title: "PERFECT – Pulmonary Embolism Registry For Emergencies, Clinics, and Treatment" - Registry for integrated management and innovation of the care pathway in acute and chronic pulmonary embolism in the Central Tuscany Wide Area (Area Vasta Toscana Centro)

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Simone Vanni
Project Summary: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of mortality and emergency hospitalization. Patient management varies widely among centers, with diagnostic and therapeutic differences impacting patient outcomes. PERFECT aims to address this gap by creating the first multicenter prospective clinical registry to monitor and standardize the entire care pathway of PE—from the acute phase in the field (emergency services - 112) and the intra-hospital pathway, to follow-up and chronic complications (such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension – CTEPH).
Methodology: Prospective, multicenter, observational registry with a duration of 36 months. Population: patients ≥18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of PE. Follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months. Database: REDCap hosted at AOUC. Innovations: development of multivariate risk models, implementation and monitoring of local and Wide Area PERTs (Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams) via periodic audits, and interoperability interfaces with the Regional Health Service (SSR) systems.
Promoter: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine – University of Florence.
Coordinating Center: Careggi University Hospital.
Partner: Azienda USL Toscana Centro.
Advisory Board: Experts in emergency medicine, cardiology, interventional radiology, pulmonology, internal medicine, statistics, and digital health.
Expected Results and Impact:
- Creation of the interoperable regional clinical registry PERFECT.
- Standardization of the diagnostic-therapeutic care pathway (PDTA) for pulmonary embolism across the Wide Area.
- Development of predictive models and decision-making algorithms for intermediate-to-high-risk patients.
- Improvement of clinical management indicators for acute and chronic Pulmonary Embolism.
- Implementation and monitoring of multidisciplinary PERTs.
- Improved adherence to clinical guidelines.
Estimated Data Management Costs: €30,000/year.
Sustainability and Outlook: The PERFECT registry will be sustained over time through the collaboration of participating institutions, applications for regional, ministerial, and European grants (Ricerca Finalizzata, EU4Health, Horizon Europe), and potential non-conditioning private funding. (Published on 11/13/2025)

Project Title: Enhancement of care pathways for the treatment of prostate cancer patients with special reference to multidisciplinary integration and research within Phase I-III clinical trials

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Lorenzo Antonuzzo
Project Summary: Prostate cancer is the most frequent tumor in the male population of Western countries. The increase in incidence recorded over recent decades is likely due to an increased use of screening (including opportunistic screening) rather than a shift in population risk factors. Screening based on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) measurements, even when spontaneous and non-systematic, has likely contributed to earlier diagnosis, showing an increase in low-risk cases. The rise of clinically silent cases with low biological aggressiveness has made the interpretation of epidemiological studies and the evaluation of potential risk factors more challenging. Among these, those most backed by scientific evidence are ethnicity, age, family history, certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA), diet, lifestyle, and obesity. Despite its high prevalence and incidence, organized population screening is not currently included in national healthcare planning due to the risk of overdiagnosing clinically silent forms that would not require treatment. Patients with metastatic disease should be initiated on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the timing of which must be evaluated based on tumor burden and the presence of symptoms. The potential combination of ADT with other treatments, their sequence, and general supportive therapies must take into account patient age, comorbidities, disease extent, symptoms, overall clinical presentation, and patient/family expectations. ADT, which is the backbone of treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), is used in combination with next-generation hormonal therapies (ADT + ARSI doublets) and chemotherapy (ADT + ARSI + docetaxel triplets). These therapeutic regimens have drastically changed the life expectancy of patients with mHSPC. LHRH-A monotherapy remains an option only for patients deemed "unfit" for combination treatments. When defining the strategy for the next stage of disease—metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)—it must be considered whether the patient is naïve to ARSIs or docetaxel, having received only ADT for castration-sensitive disease, or has already been exposed to ARSIs or docetaxel. Furthermore, in mCRPC patients with somatic and/or germline BRCA1/2 mutations, a PARP-inhibitor (PARPi) treatment is indicated. In the absence of a somatic and/or germline BRCA1/2 mutation, treatment with radioligands may be considered for patients pre-treated with ARSIs and docetaxel.
Project Costs: €30,000.00/year - €60,000.00 Total
Project Duration: 2 years
Project Objectives: From a personalized medicine perspective, the main objective will be to facilitate the pathway for every patient with locally advanced or metastatic neoplasia requiring multidisciplinary discussion, both ab initioand at crucial decision-making junctures of their therapeutic pathway. The multidisciplinary aspect involves the collaboration of multiple specialists in oncology, surgery, interventional radiology, and radiotherapy. Our facility hosts scheduled weekly meetings with various professionals aimed at improving the quality of care offered through a more accurate decision-making process.
Activity Site: SODc Oncology – Careggi University Hospital, Florence. (Published on 06/13/2025)

Project Title: Development and evaluation of new rapid methods for the diagnosis of sepsis

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Gian Maria Rossolini
Project Summary: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Blood culture remains the gold-standard approach for the microbiological diagnosis of BSIs. However, pathogen isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing require a relatively long turnaround time (often exceeding 2-3 days), during which patients are treated with empirical antimicrobial therapy. This path carries the risk of using unnecessary broad-spectrum antimicrobials or ineffective drugs (especially in settings with higher resistance rates), impacting clinical outcomes, resistance selection, toxicity, and costs. Recently, new rapid methods have been introduced for diagnosing sepsis from whole blood or blood cultures, but their clinical impact is still being evaluated.
Objective: This project aims to develop and evaluate new rapid methods for the diagnosis of sepsis. (Published on 05/22/2025)

Project Title: Training of a young cardiologist in management pathways for patients with heart failure

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Iacopo Olivotto
Project Summary: YOUNG CARDIOLOGIST TRAINING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – OLIVOTTO(Published on 04/15/2025)

Project Title: Exposure to antineoplastic drugs: development of miniaturized sample preparation methods and mass spectrometry analysis applied to occupational monitoring in hospital environments

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Nicola Mucci
Project Summary: Antineoplastic drugs are a heterogeneous and widely used class of compounds with a fast-growing market. They are primarily used as chemotherapeutic agents in treating neoplastic diseases, but they also play an important role in treating other pathological conditions. Their diverse mechanisms of action usually involve genetic damage to cancer cells without a specific target, which inevitably causes significant side effects to healthy cells, affecting both treated patients and healthcare personnel. Despite significant steps forward over the last decade regarding handling safety regulations and the introduction of Antineoplastic Drug Units (UFAs)—facilities dedicated to the controlled and safe production of anti-cancer therapies—the mutagenic effect of these drugs still presents a tangible risk for occupational exposure due to potential skin absorption from contaminated surfaces, which is the most common route of occupational exposure in hospital settings. Both Directive 2022/431/EU and its resulting guidelines, "Guidance for the safe management of hazardous medicinal products at work" (published in 2023), encourage the development of both environmental monitoring and biological surveillance methods for occupationally exposed personnel. While sampling work surface contamination remains an important tool for identifying incorrect procedures and increasing hospital operator awareness, biological monitoring is the only way to evaluate substance absorption and identify possible pathological correlations; nowadays, antineoplastic drugs can still frequently be found in the biological fluids of exposed healthcare personnel.
Objective: The objective of this research project is to use new extraction and automation technologies to develop analytical methods for monitoring antineoplastic drugs. These methods will expand the panel of compounds monitored at both environmental and biological levels, maintaining a competitive sensitivity and specificity with methods described in the literature, while adhering to Green Chemistry guidelines. (Published on 04/14/2025)

Project Title: Efficacy and safety of BIC/F/TAF: a multicenter comparative study in an ART-naïve HIV migrant population

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Alessandro Bartoloni, Director of the Infectious and Tropical Diseases SOD – Careggi University Hospital, Florence
Project Summary: HIV infection remains a global public health priority. In Europe, migrant populations account for about 40% of new HIV diagnoses (ECDC, 2021), with a similar proportion observed in Italy. In this cohort, late diagnoses, major difficulties in accessing healthcare services, and higher rates of loss to follow-up are more frequently observed compared to the non-migrant population. These issues are attributable to complex factors—language barriers, legal status, economic vulnerability, and stigma—that compromise timely diagnosis and therapeutic continuity. Within the migrant population, certain key sub-populations, such as transgender individuals and sex workers, are of particular note, presenting an even higher risk of HIV acquisition and loss to follow-up. Their conditions of increased marginalization and discrimination make full adherence to diagnostic-therapeutic and care pathways even more difficult. In recent years, the Bictegravir/Emtricitabina/Tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/F/TAF) combination has emerged as one of the most frequently prescribed first-line regimens upon entry into care for individuals with newly diagnosed HIV, due to its excellent efficacy, tolerability, and simplicity of use. However, systematic data regarding its efficacy and safety in migrant populations and vulnerable sub-populations remain scarce, particularly in high-income contexts like Italy. This study was established to bridge this knowledge gap, analyzing—from a Tuscan multicenter and real-life perspective—the virological outcomes and safety profile in ART-naïve migrants compared to the non-migrant population.
Objective: To evaluate, from a Tuscan multicenter and real-life perspective, the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the BIC/F/TAF antiretroviral regimen in ART-naïve migrants, comparing outcomes with those of the non-migrant population, with specific focus on vulnerable sub-populations, particularly transgender individuals and sex workers.
Project Design and Duration: Multicenter retrospective observational study conducted across the Infectious Diseases centers of the USL Toscana Centro and Careggi University Hospital.
Observation Period: January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2026.
Location and Coordination: Infectious and Tropical Diseases SOD – Careggi University Hospital, Florence, in collaboration with the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence. (Published on 03/25/2025)

Last update

03.06.2026