A significant investment is poised to transform healthcare innovation in Puglia, Italy, with the approval of funding for OMNIA – Omics and Medicine for New Intelligent Applications. The project, which will bring over €10.5 million to the region, aims to create a robust ecosystem connecting research, medicine, industry, and education. Leading the initiative is Professor Sabina Tangaro of the University of Bari.
OMNIA builds upon the success of the Tuscany Health Ecosystem, a project already underway in Tuscany funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The goal is to replicate this model in Southern Italy, fostering collaboration to translate research into tangible solutions for patient care. The University of Bari Aldo Moro will play a central role, contributing to the development of new technologies, coordinating research activities, and providing training in partnership with other academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and businesses.
The project is structured around three key components. BRIDGE4SOUTH will focus on strengthening research laboratories and developing technologies ready for clinical testing and commercial application. INNOVATION4SOUTH will establish a health innovation hub, bridging the gap between universities, research institutions, and the private sector to support startups and small to medium-sized enterprises. EXCELLENCE4SOUTH will prioritize advanced training and skills development.
A core focus of OMNIA is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and nanotechnology to improve diagnosis and treatment. Initial efforts will concentrate on two key areas: autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and colorectal cancer. This reflects a growing trend in healthcare towards leveraging advanced technologies for more precise and personalized medicine.
The project’s impact extends beyond research, with plans to launch three specialized Master’s programs. These programs will focus on digital health, nanotechnologies applied to healthcare, and the management of autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. This investment in education aims to cultivate a skilled workforce and drive innovation within the region.
Professor Tangaro, an associate professor of Applied Physics at the University of Bari, is coordinating the project for UniBa. Her expertise is crucial to the success of OMNIA, as the initiative relies heavily on advanced data analysis and technological innovation. The University of Bari’s involvement, encompassing two Departments of Excellence led by Professors Roberto Bellotti and Maria De Angelis, underscores its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and translational research.
The development of “explainable” AI algorithms is a key component of the University of Bari’s contribution. These algorithms are designed to support physicians in cancer diagnosis through advanced image analysis. This focus on explainability is particularly important, as it aims to build trust and transparency in AI-driven medical tools, allowing clinicians to understand the reasoning behind AI-generated recommendations.
This project aligns with broader European efforts to combat cancer, notably the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP). The European Cancer Imaging – EUCAIM initiative, of which the University of Bari is now a partner, is dedicated to advanced analysis of oncological images. This collaboration will provide access to thousands of biomedical data and images, facilitating the development of innovative diagnostic methods and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The EUCAIM project emphasizes the creation of a network for sharing data between major European databases, enabling doctors, researchers, and innovators to access large volumes of oncological imaging data. This data-sharing approach is expected to foster the development of new tools for personalized medicine, improve data interoperability, and maintain high standards of data security and privacy.
The OMNIA project also builds on previous research conducted by Professor Tangaro’s group, including a PRIN-PNRR project focused on developing a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) detector prototype for dose measurements in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). This demonstrates a continued commitment to innovative medical technologies and a synergistic approach to research and development.
The investment in OMNIA represents a significant step forward for healthcare innovation in Puglia and Southern Italy. By fostering collaboration, promoting advanced technologies, and investing in education, the project aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that will improve the health and well-being of patients for years to come. The focus on translating research into practical applications, coupled with a commitment to ethical data practices and explainable AI, positions OMNIA as a model for future healthcare initiatives.
