• January 23, 2025

SUS-MIRRI.IT Strengthening the MIRRI Italian Research Infrastructure for Sustainable Bioscience and Bioeconomy

SUS-MIRRI.IT Strengthening the MIRRI Italian Research Infrastructure for Sustainable Bioscience and Bioeconomy

SUS-MIRRI.IT Strengthening the MIRRI Italian Research Infrastructure for Sustainable Bioscience and Bioeconomy 1024 548 SUS-MIRRI.IT

SUS-MIRRI.IT: Two Years of Advancing Microbial Research in Italy

Two years after its inception, the SUS-MIRRI.IT project reached a key milestone with its second intermediate meeting on January 20, 2025, held at the CNR headquarters in Rome. The event brought together approximately 150 researchers, PhD students, and technical staff from all 24 Operational Units, with participants joining both in person and remotely.

An Ambitious Research Endeavor

SUS-MIRRI.IT, coordinated by the University of Turin, is a groundbreaking research project dedicated to strengthening Italy’s network of microbial collections (MIRRI-IT). Supported by €17 million in EU funds under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the project’s overarching goal is to preserve and leverage the biotechnological potential of microbial biodiversity for sustainable development.

Structured into six Work Packages (WP), the project involves 15 research institutions across Italy, working collaboratively to achieve a vision of excellence in microbial research.

Highlights from the Meeting

The meeting opened with remarks by Dr. Moretti (CNR-ISPA) and Prof. Varese, the project’s Scientific Coordinator, who announced a major achievement: the establishment of the Italian National Node of the European Research Infrastructure for Microbial Resources (MIRRI-ERIC) is underway.

Presentations from the six WPs followed, showcasing progress and achievements, including:

  • Governance and Sustainability: Prof. Prigione (WP1, University of Turin) emphasized the steps taken to ensure the long-term viability of the research infrastructure.
  • Technological Advancements: Dr. Perrone (WP2, CNR-ISPA) detailed the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the implementation of quality and safety protocols for microbial collections.
  • Digital Transformation: Prof. Beccuti (WP3, University of Turin) highlighted advancements in the FAIR-compliant digitalization of Italy’s microbial resource database and the development of bioinformatics workflows.
  • Microbiome Studies: Prof. Cocolin (WP4, University of Turin) shared insights into microbiome conservation and valorization efforts.
  • Training and Services: Prof. Buzzini (WP5, University of Perugia) announced the launch of a Transnational Access call, enabling global researchers to utilize cutting-edge technologies at Italian microbial biobanks.
  • Communication and Dissemination: Prof. Gullo (WP6, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) showcased successful outreach activities, including publications, workshops, and media campaigns.

Achievements and Challenges

SUS-MIRRI.IT has achieved remarkable progress in its first two years:

  • Creation of a national microbial catalogue containing over 37,000 strains of fungi, bacteria, yeasts, microalgae, and plant viruses.
  • Delivery of 25 training courses and development of 56 new services for microbial analyses.
  • Publication of 48 scientific papers, along with significant participation in national and international conferences.
  • Recruitment of 50 specialized researchers and technicians and investment in cutting-edge laboratory equipment.

Read the press release below: