With Ministerial Decree of 12 January 2026, the Italian Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, confirmed ISMETT’s status as a government‑approved research hospital (IRCCS) in the area of transplantation. This recognition further strengthens ISMETT’s role within Italy’s network of 54 IRCCS.The decree, adopted with the President of the Region of Sicily, Renato Schifani, formally acknowledges ISMETT’s excellence in patient care, management, and research.
The decree confirms ISMETT’s IRCCS status also extending it to ISPEMI (Institute of Preclinical Research and Molecular Imaging), a preclinical research platform developed by Ri.MED Foundation, ISMETT, and IZS Sicilia with funding from the 2007–2013 PON R&C program, and hosted at the Experimental Zootechnical Institute (IZS) in Palermo. This step further enhances research and the integration between clinical care and translational research in the field of transplantation.
“The confirmation of ISMETT’s status as an IRCCS in the transplantation area, and the extension of this recognition to the ISPEMI research facility,” stated Angelo Luca, Director of ISMETT, “is an important milestone and reinforces an integrated model in which translational research accelerates the transfer of innovation into clinical practice, with the aim of improving outcomes and enhancing quality of life for transplant patients.” “We are committed,” Dr. Luca added, “to fostering even stronger collaboration with Ri.MED and its Research Center soon to open in Carini, and expanding partnerships across the region, including IZS, through a network‑driven approach that promotes research and innovation guided by a One Health vision.”
The IRCCS status confirmation and extension was announced after a site visit conducted by the Ministry’s Evaluation Commission on September 13, 2024 after verifying all the necessary requirements were fully met. Maintaining an IRCCS status in Italy today requires undergoing a rigorous monitoring: every two years, hospitals must demonstrate scientific excellence, high‑quality clinical data, active patient mobility, and economic and financial sustainability.
