Tigem

TIGEM is a multidisciplinary research Institute devoted to the study of the mechanisms underlying rare genetic diseases and to the development of new therapies. The institute is one of the most important centers for fundamental life science research in Italy (https://www.tigem.it/). It is particularly renowned for its research on diseases such as lysosomal disorders, membrane trafficking defects, disorders of liver metabolism, and eye diseases. The unique funding environment of TIGEM forges important critical mass and facilitates opportunities to conduct both long-term and high-impact science that would otherwise be difficult to undertake. TIGEM is a flagship program central for Telethon’s communication and fundraising activities. Within the framework of Telethon’s mandate, TIGEM’s mission is to: • conduct distinctive fundamental, translational, and clinical research that breaks new ground and defines scientific excellence in rare genetic diseases • transform excellent scientific results into therapies available to patients with rare genetic diseases through partnership with industry when necessary • train the next generation of biomedical researchers to feed the “pipeline of researchers” on rare genetic diseases TIGEM is located in a 5,000-square meter complex in Pozzuoli, a small town on the Mediterranean coast adjacent to Naples. The campus is an historic architectural complex that used to host the old Olivetti factory. The new building sports large open-space laboratories, specialized facilities, and a large auditorium. The Institute employs 250 Italian and foreign researchers in twenty-seven independent research groups. Research at TIGEM is supported by 10 state-of- 2 the-art research core facilities. TIGEM investigators have been awarded 16 European Research Council grants (ERCs), have coordinated 14 European Union cooperation grants, and are funded by numerous national and international funding agencies.