ACT4

The ACT4 Project (MI462) will develop three lines of activity (actions) in the fields of innovative diagnostic technologies and 4P medicine (predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory) regarding communicable and non-communicable diseases. The project is funded by the “National Research, Innovation, and Competitiveness Programme for the Green and Digital Transition 2021–2027” (PN RIC 2021–2027), an initiative supported by the European Union via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and managed by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) in conjunction with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE)—

The three Actions

Action 1.1.2 – ACT4HEALTH

The growing incidence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, together with the resulting urgent need for faster, more effective, and accessible diagnostic tools, has contributed to a paradigm shift towards the so-called 4P (predictive, preventive, personalised, and participatory approaches) Medicine, which aims to transform healthcare systems from reactive to proactive. The large-scale implementation of this approach still faces significant challenges, including the ability to rapidly and accurately identify disease biomarkers, the standardisation of protocols, interoperability, and the secure management of data and information among users, healthcare professionals, and institutions.

In this context, ACT4HEALTH aims to establish an operational value chain that combines applied research and innovation in diagnostics, thereby bridging the current gap between the generation of “omics” big data and its application in clinical practice. This will promote the adoption of the 4P Medicine model by facilitating the identification and characterisation of biomarkers in communicable and non-communicable diseases and, leveraging the results obtained, the implementation of new, rapid, and standardised methodologies for the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases.

ACT4HEALTH will also facilitate cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaborations among national and international stakeholders, supporting the valorisation and dissemination of project outputs and thereby strengthening strategic R&I value chains in the field of public health.

Action 1.1.3b – ACT4TECH

Modern medicine is increasingly adopting  the so-called “4P Medicine”. This approach enables rapid diagnosis and tailored therapies for complex diseases. ACT4TECH aims to facilitate this transition by creating a distributed, open, and accessible technological innovation hub that integrates cutting-edge infrastructures and expertise to meet the growing technological needs of diagnostic research in the less-developed regions of Southern Italy.

The main objective is to establish a system integrating the most advanced technologies and expertise, offering a portfolio of innovative technological services for the implementation of increasingly rapid, effective, and accurate diagnostic protocols. These services will be complemented by a digital portal showcasing the available infrastructures and providing an access system designed to ensure an effective match between needs and technologies.

Prior to the conclusion of the project, a roadshow covering multiple locations will provide an opportunity to showcase the potential of the Distributed Technological Innovation Hub and its value chains, as well as to discuss potential partnerships.

Under the leadership of the INF-ACT Foundation, ACT4TECH will therefore provide cutting-edge technologies for the implementation of increasingly rapid, effective, and accurate diagnostic protocols.

Action 1.4.3 – ACT4TRAIN

ACT4TRAIN will develop an advanced training programme focused on innovative diagnostic approaches and technologies for communicable and non-communicable diseases, with the ambition of becoming a benchmark model in the field of health R&D. The programme is designed to update the skills of highly specialised professionals, increase the competitiveness and innovation capacity of strategic value chains in Southern Italy, and reduce territorial disparities. 

Twelve Operational Units will contribute to the creation of the ACT4TRAIN-ACADEMY by delivering theoretical and practical training modules. These will enable the development of an advanced, customisable programme consisting of a high-level theoretical training course (at least 3 training modules/60 hours, selected from those included in the syllabus), combined with intensive hands-on training sessions and study visits. 

The teaching staff will consist of experts from a wide range of public and private organisations.

The content will be updated and adapted annually in line with scientific and technological advances and the needs of businesses, in order to ensure that the training remains up to date, targeted, and consistent with the requirements of the sector.

Realized with the contribution of the European Union under the National Research, Innovation and Competitiveness Programme for the Green and Digital Transition 2021–2027 (PN RIC 21–27), Call for Proposals DD 307 of 18 March 2025,