Istituto Superiore di Sanità

ISS is the National Institute of Health of Italy, known also as Istituto Superiore di Sanità. It is the leading technical-scientific institution of the Italian National Health Service (SSN). Its core mission is to protect and promote public health through research, surveillance, and technical assistance. It develops and implements health policies, monitors disease trends, and coordinates responses to health emergencies. The institute conducts epidemiological studies, laboratory analyses, and health promotion initiatives. It serves as the primary source of scientific advice for the Ministry of Health and regional health authorities. Its work encompasses infectious disease control, chronic disease prevention, environmental health, and veterinary public health, reflecting a comprehensive approach to population health.

ISS distinguishes itself as a national reference center for public health, housing specialized laboratories and expertise that support the entire Italian health system. It operates national reference laboratories for key pathogens, providing diagnostic confirmation and genomic surveillance. The institute plays a pivotal role in health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where it led surveillance efforts, evaluated interventions, and communicated risk to the public. It also develops guidelines and standards for clinical practice, health promotion, and disease prevention. Through its research programs, ISS contributes to the scientific evidence base both nationally and internationally, collaborating with organizations like the World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and other European health agencies. Its staff includes experts in epidemiology, microbiology, toxicology, and social sciences, enabling interdisciplinary approaches to complex health challenges. It also provides training and capacity building for health professionals and public health workers, strengthening the overall workforce.

Structurally, ISS is a public institution under the authority of the Italian Ministry of Health. It is headquartered in Rome and functions as an autonomous agency with its own governance, including a president and a scientific board. The institute is not a subsidiary of any corporation; it operates as a state-funded research and public health organization. Its budget is primarily allocated through the Ministry of Health, ensuring alignment with national health priorities. While it maintains collaborations with universities, research institutes, and international bodies, ISS remains the central hub for public health expertise in Italy, bridging scientific research and health policy implementation. Its position within the national health framework allows it to influence health strategies and ensure that scientific evidence guides public health decisions across the country.