Excellence in Scientific Research
ONE MORE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
The Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Foundation and the University of Milan established the Pediatric Research Center on September 30, 2016.
Commitment
Pursuing once again its commitment to supporting research, the Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Foundation, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its legal recognition, generously funded the development of the Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Pediatric Research Center.
The Facility
Within the ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco and in collaboration with the V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, the Research Center offers 700 square meters of laboratories equipped with the most modern instruments for the study of cellular, molecular, and structural biology in service of a new personalized medicine approach for pediatric patients.
Fiorina Group Archive
The Fiorina Group of the Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Pediatric Research Center collects in this archive its scientific publications dedicated to the study of diabetes and metabolic diseases in pediatric age.
Cereda Group Archive
The Cereda Group of the Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Pediatric Research Center collects in this archive its scientific publications dedicated to the study of nutrition and metabolism in pediatric age.
Bandi Group Archive
The Bandi Group of the Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Pediatric Research Center presents in this archive its scientific publications dedicated to the study of molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric diseases.
Pelizzo Group Archive
The archive collects and showcases the scientific production of the Pelizzo Group of the Pediatric CRC, with the aim of documenting and disseminating the results of clinical and translational research in pediatrics.
4
+RESEARCH GROUPS
9
+YEARS ACTIVE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
45
+RESEARCH STAFF MEMBERS
127
+SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
ROMEO AND ENRICA INVERNIZZI FOUNDATION
The Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Foundation was established in the early 1990s by the will of Cavaliere del Lavoro Romeo Invernizzi, one of the most brilliant and innovative entrepreneurs in the Italian food industry, and his wife Enrica Pessina, a constant presence in Milanese social life, to provide a reference point in Lombard scientific research and promote progress and societal well-being through knowledge.
By statute, the Foundation has always supported initiatives in the fields of Economics, Food Sciences, and Medicine and Surgery.
Collaboration with three major Milanese universities (State University, Catholic University, and Bocconi University) has led over the years to funding numerous research projects and supporting the activities of internationally renowned researchers.
PROF. GIANVINCENZO ZUCCOTTI
Professor Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Director of the Department of Pediatrics at V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, serves as the scientific coordinator of the Center.
To create an integrated scientific network and a center of excellence for basic, translational, and clinical research in the following areas of interest: Type 1 Diabetes, Bacterial Genomics, regenerative therapies for congenital malformative pathologies, rare metabolic and neurological diseases.
The Center
The Center constitutes a unique cutting-edge hub for integrated multidisciplinary basic, translational, and clinical research: this ensures young patients not only quality care but also state-of-the-art assistance in terms of result transferability.
The Center, which works in close collaboration with V. Buzzi Children's Hospital and is also available to other Italian pediatric facilities, enables Milan to achieve international levels of excellence in pediatric care as well.
From the Laboratory to the World
IDEAS THAT CHANGE LIVES
THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES
Led by Professor Paolo Fiorina, this team intends to explore innovative research lines focused on the treatment of type 1 diabetes and its complications, prevention strategies, new cell replacement therapies, and application of new technologies.
The goal is to become a center of excellence and reference for clinical and experimental studies at the national and international level for type 1 diabetes.
- Fiorina Group
GENOMIC AND EXPERIMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY PLATFORM
The group coordinated by Prof. Claudio Bandi focuses on:
pathogenic microorganisms; microbial communities such as the human intestinal microbiota; arthropod vectors of infectious diseases; microorganisms usable as vaccine platforms or as sources of post-biotics with immunomodulatory action.
Specifically, the study of pathogenic microorganisms is carried out using genomic methodologies with the aim of reconstructing diffusion patterns and epidemic outbreaks, and identifying virulence and pathogenicity factors.
Microbiota investigations aim to highlight the association and potential role of certain microbiota components in the genesis of pathological alterations.
In the entomological field, the study of vector insects (particularly mosquitoes) has the dual purpose of monitoring the presence of species involved in pathogen transmission to humans, and developing new control methodologies.
- Bandi Group
RARE DISEASE RESEARCH STUDY
The group’s interests are primarily dedicated to developing two research lines related to the study of rare diseases, focusing on metabolic and neurological conditions.
Activities are focused on studying the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the above conditions using primary cellular models derived from tissue, iPSCs, and cell lines.
The group is multidisciplinary and includes biologists, biotechnologists, bioengineers, and bioinformaticians, who channel their specific activities into available omics platforms (genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics).
The study of pathogenetic mechanisms also enables the development of advanced therapies for the treatment of rare diseases.
- Cereda Group
PEDIATRIC SURGICAL CLINIC
The group, coordinated by Prof. Gloria Pelizzo, has focused studies on translational research as an essential objective to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application in pediatric surgery.
In particular, molecular mechanisms useful in regenerative therapies for congenital malformative pathologies are investigated.
The group can offer comprehensive support for translating laboratory research results into clinical applications aimed at improving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pediatric surgical diseases.
The integration of basic research techniques with application in daily clinical practice plays a fundamental role in developing personalized therapies and advancing clinical practice.
- Pelizzo Group
Clarity and Sharing of Scientific Results
To learn more about published scientific research publications, we invite you to consult the respective archives of the center's groups.
We believe that knowledge should be shared: here we collect the progress status of our publications in development in the current year to make them accessible to professionals, patients, and the community.
A Concrete Gesture for the Center
Concrete Impact
Every contribution, small or large, translates into real actions that improve people's lives
Supporting Research and Innovation
Donations fuel projects that generate new solutions to complex problems
Enhancing the Community
Donation strengthens social bonds and supports those who, without help, would not have the same opportunities
Social Responsibility
Donating means actively participating in change and taking on a role in building a more just society
Creating a Better Future
Contributing today means investing in a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive tomorrow.
Leaving a Mark
Donating is a way to leave a positive and lasting imprint that continues to live beyond the single gesture
Donate Your 5X1000 to the Foundation
LIKE A FAMILY
Scientific Research Projects
The Fondazione Amici dell'Infanzia directly conducts or funds scientific research activities and projects, organizes training courses and conferences that can facilitate the exchange of scientific information at the national and international level.
Collaborations
Collaborates with legislative bodies and the Government to implement legislative projects and measures for the study and treatment of childhood diseases.
Mission
It is also actively engaged in disseminating information and knowledge related to diseases typical of pediatric age, emphasizing their social value.
WORKSHOP
Research comes to life through meetings, ideas, and people
RESEARCH AMONG US
26/02/2026
MAIN HALL – BUZZI HOSPITAL
3:00 PM-3:15 PM Introduction: Prof. Zuccotti G. – Moderators: Prof. D’Addio F., Prof. Veggiotti P.
3:15 PM-4:15 PM Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- General overview of the disease and treatment – Bonaventura
- Monitoring and management of internal medicine issues – Mandelli
- Neonatal Screening present and future – Montrasio
4:15 PM-5:15 PM New Therapeutic Targets in Diabetes
- Multiomic Profiling of Extended Honeymoon Unveils New Therapeutic Target – Assi
- IGFBP5 Signaling Axis Is a Novel Potential Therapeutic Target in Fibrosis – Zocchi
