FIF – Fondazione Italiana Fegato

Founded in 2008 in Trieste, the Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS (FIF) is a center of excellence in the field of translational hepatology research. Recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) as a non-profit research institution, FIF is strongly committed to biomedical innovation and academic training. The Foundation integrates advanced scientific expertise for the study and treatment of liver diseases. FIF stands out for its international collaborations and the support of prestigious public and private institutions.

FIF is dedicated to translational hepatology research, investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying liver diseases. Its research leads in several areas: liver oncology (Liver Cancer Unit), metabolic-associated liver diseases (MASLD Unit), bilirubin-induced neuronal damage (Liver-Brain Unit), and the genetics of inherited liver syndromes (Genome Engineering & Biotechnology – GEB Unit). Each year, the Foundation hosts numerous PhD students, young researchers, and trainees, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to education.

With over 20 partner countries, FIF fosters excellence and knowledge mobility.
The Impact Factor, or IF, measures the average number of citations received by published articles and is an indicator of the performance and impact of a publication. FIF’s IF exceeds 100 points annually, reflecting the outstanding level achieved by research in its laboratories.

FIF organizes scientific events, including the “Yellow Webinars” and DOTYR. Communication is a key pillar, with initiatives aimed at both specialists and the general public, as well as schools, to promote nutritional education and prevention from an early age.

FIF is based in the AREA Science Park in Trieste, with state-of-the-art laboratories and a highly qualified team made up of senior researchers, administrative staff, and technicians.

FIF includes three molecular biology laboratories, two laboratories for cell culture, and additional labs dedicated to solution preparation. The facility is equipped with advanced and diverse instrumentation to support planned experiments. A dark room is available for light-sensitive experiments, and a cold room is used for conducting procedures at low temperatures.

The structure also enables interaction with clinical departments, allowing the conduction of clinical studies and the collection of biological samples. The laboratory benefits from a network of core facilities and services, as well as access to a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animal facility located within the same building. A confocal microscope is available at the University of Trieste, and FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting) facilities are accessible at ICGEB, approximately 5 km away. These collaborations and resources further expand the operational capacity of the center, enabling a wide range of technological and experimental applications.

FIF collaborates with scientific institutions in over 20 countries, promoting the exchange of researchers, scientists, and doctoral students. The Foundation is accredited by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) to establish hosting agreements for researchers from third countries.

International cooperation represents a strategic pillar for academic mobility and the development of joint projects. FIF has welcomed more than 100 scholars and consolidated a network of collaborations with prestigious research centers, particularly from Argentina, Mexico, the United States, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

These partnerships allow FIF to share best practices and develop innovative research projects. The extensive international network highlights the global significance in educational and scientific fields and enables the Foundation to spread the values it stands for worldwide: excellence in research and education.

• Curricular internships (aimed at preparing the thesis for students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences and Technologies, Master’s Degree in Functional Genomics, Master’s Degree in Medical and Diagnostic Biotechnology)
• Short-term fellowships (up to 6 months)
• PhD courses in Molecular Biomedicine
• Postdoctoral courses and Post-doc opportunities
• Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Sandwich Doctorate Program with the Philippine government

Students/researchers are assisted by administrative staff with visa and residence permit procedures for research/study, travel and arrival support, health insurance, personalized assistance with bureaucratic and practical matters, and accommodation search. We also participate in the initiatives of the Welcome Office FVG.