A Vision for Health.
In 2001, Eurac Research and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano initiated a programme to lay the foundation for biomedical research in the region. The GeNova project, which enrolled participants in the first population-based cohort MICROS (Micro Isolates in South Tyrol), marked the beginning journey to explore the relationships between genetics, and complex diseases, along with their associated traits.
Local studies for the international research community.
Building on the GeNova project, the Institute for Genetic Medicine of Eurac Research was founded in 2004 to advance population health through multidisciplinary research. We began assembling experts in molecular biology, genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, and bioethics for collaborative projects. International collaborations and partnerships have been pivotal to our growth since our inception. From 2006 onwards, starting with EUROSPAN's network of population isolates, we have progressively joined the leading global consortia in large-scale genetic epidemiology studies, with ongoing studies for health-related traits now involving millions of participants worldwide. Our scientists are leading some of these initiatives, that are identifying promising targets and new treatments across many health-related traits. MICROS opened a door to let us grow beyond a small local study.
It all started with a few engaged people, now we are over 80 researchers and collaborators at the Institute
Credit: Eurac ResearchWith CHRIS towards health-centered research.
In 2011, our research reached an important milestone: the launch of the CHRIS study. CHRIS (Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol) is a long-term population study involving nearly 13,400 people from the Vinschgau Valley, conducted in close collaboration with SABES, the South Tyrolean Health Authority. With its data, we could begin to understand how health evolves over time and uncover the factors that contribute to chronic diseases. In 2019, the follow-up phase of the study began, providing valuable longitudinal data to track health trajectories and risk patterns across the years. In parallel, we built the region’s largest biobank, now located in Merano and Bolzano to house biosamples from the CHRIS study, and have set up state-of-the-art laboratories for molecular and cellular biology studies including an extensive cell-culture suite for advanced human cell models.
A new name, a new home.
As our institute has grown, we have also increasingly refined our focus. In 2017, we became the Institute for Biomedicine of Eurac Research. And in 2022, we moved into our new home at the NOI Techpark Bolzano, a space designed to bring research science and innovation together, with high-tech labs, open offices, and constant dialogue across disciplines. Being here allows us to collaborate with other research institutions, start-ups, and companies working at the intersection of research, translation and innovation in biomedical research.
Since 2022 the Institute is located at NOI Techpark
Credit: Eurac Research | Annelie BortolottiOur mission: Precision Health.
Today, our shared mission is to advance Precision Health research and translation, through two main pillars: Health Data Science and Translational Biology. By combining deep mining of health data with innovative molecular research and technologies, within a strong ethical and legal frameworks, we aim to translate health insights into innovative approaches for disease prevention and novel therapies.
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