Massimo Pinzani appointed new ISMETT Scientific Director

Palermo, 19 January 2024. ISMETT and UPMC are pleased to announce the appointment of Massimo Pinzani, MD, PhD, FRCP, FAASLD, MAE, as the new Scientific Director of IRCCS ISMETT.

Massimo Pinzani is a Professor of Medicine at University College London (UCL), Founder/Director of the UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health and, until June 2023, Sheila Sherlock Chair of Hepatology at UCL. Professor Pinzani is internationally acclaimed as an authority in the field of hepatology and translational gastroenterology. Professor Pinzani, whose academic and clinical career spans more than four decades, has distinguished himself for his crucial contribution to scientific research, winning international awards and accolades. His appointment as head of research at ISMETT is a significant step in the Institute’s path to growth and development.

While commenting on his appointment, Professor Pinzani stated: “It is an honor for me to take on the role of Scientific Director of ISMETT. ISMETT is globally acknowledged for its excellence in the provision of state-of-the-art care and for its high-level research in the field of transplantation and end-stage organ failure. I am excited at the prospect of working with the ISMETT team to continue improving the quality of the care provided and contributing to the progress of medical science.”

Angelo Luca, Director of IRCCS ISMETT, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Professor Pinzani. His expertise in translational research and technological transfer will be joined by that of another eminent scientist, Professor Giulio Superti-Furga, recently appointed by Ri.MED Foundation and UPMC to lead the Biomedical Research and Biotechnology Center (BRBC) in Carini, Palermo. These two internationally-renowned scientists strengthen the global significance of our project to make Sicily an international hub of biomedical research and highly specialized therapies, bringing significant economic and social advantages to the whole Region.”

Professor Pinzani succeeds Professor Giulio Conaldi, whose contribution as former scientific director has been extraordinary, leading ISMETT with passion and dedication. Professor Conaldi will not cease supporting the growth of ISMETT.

ISMETT was established more than 25 years ago through an international public-private partnership between the Region of Sicily and UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Over the years,

it has received international acknowledgments in the field of transplantation and highly specialized therapies.