Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)

Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is a scientific research centre established by law in 2003 by the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, with the mission to promote excellence in both basic and applied research and facilitate the economic development at national level. IIT scientific activities started in 2006, they are multidisciplinary and with a very strong focus on technology transfer. Research is carried out at the Central IIT Research Laboratories in Genoa (headquarters), in 16 centres across Italy, and in 2 outstations in the USA. The scientific vision of IIT is interdisciplinary and is based on the concept of “translating evolution into technology”, which mimics natural solutions to develop new technologies in the fields of robotics, materials science, and life sciences. Currently, IIT is implementing its 2024-2029 scientific plan, which prioritizes Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare and Earthcare. Research is organized into four research domains: Computational Science, Life Technologies, Nanomaterials, and Robotics. In addition, the new strategic plan introduces five Flagship Programmes that address large-scale problems requiring extremely transversal skills and large collaborative teams, i.e., Technologies for Sustainability, Brain and Machines, RNA Technologies, Teaching Science to Computers, and Technology for Healthy Living.

The Centre for Nano Science and Technology (CNST) is one of the nodes of the network established by IIT together with Italian academies in 2009 to foster synergy in national research. The CNST mission is "innovation", therefore, the goal of the CNST scientific team is to transfer new fundamental knowledge into new applications. CNST focuses on material science and is able to cover the complete production line from conceiving and realizing new materials to their applications in different devices (e.g., solar cells, transistors, and LEDs) through comprehensive characterization. The CNST competence areas include Materials Chemistry, Molecular Electronics, Printed Electronics, Nanotechnology Fabrication, Optical-Photophysical-Morphological and Theoretical Characterization.