About Us

The department of Biomedical and biotechnological sciences is one of the four departments of the University of Catania School of Medicine. It consists of eight sections:

• Human anatomy, Hystology, and Movement sciences
• Clinical biochemistry and Medical genetics 
• Medical Biochemistry
• Biology and Genetics
• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• General clinica pathology and Oncology

Our staff also collaborates with research groups based in other departments of the University. The Department’s management and central administrative offices are located in the Biological Tower, at Via Santa Sofia 97. The same building houses the Sections of Medical Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology, and General and Clinical Pathology and Oncology. The Sections of Human Anatomy and Histology and Biology and Genetics are located at Via Santa Sofia 87.

The Department currently has an academic staff of approximately 90 faculty members representing a wide range of academic disciplines. They are involved in teaching activities for students enrolled in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes and conduct original scientific research in various biomedical fields. The Department is primarily involved in degree programmes in Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmacy and Biology. Teaching activities also include postgraduate programmes in the biomedical field.

Three international PhD programmes are available to students who already hold a Master’s degree: Neuroscience, Basic and Applied Biomedical Sciences, and Biotechnology, in addition to the Postgraduate Specialisation Schools.

The Department’s research interests cover a broad range of areas, from fundamental studies on the structure and function of membrane proteins to research into the physiology of the mammalian cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as translational projects focusing on human health, exercise and disease.

Research is supported by funding from a variety of sources, and the Department provides a stimulating and interactive environment for cutting-edge research in human and animal health, as well as access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.

Research facilities have recently been upgraded to high standards through an investment of several million euros.

The Department follows a “low-wall” approach to the organisation of research groups and centres, with the aim of encouraging interdisciplinary research and integrated approaches to major scientific challenges. This approach places the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences within a strong and productive scientific environment that promotes research and research-based training at the highest levels. The Department is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of organs and systems in the fields of anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, genetics, pathophysiology and pharmacology.

We conduct basic research with a clinical perspective, aimed at improving the diagnostic and therapeutic options currently available to patients. Research is therefore often carried out in collaboration with researchers and clinical departments. The Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences receives funding from both national and international organisations. Cooperation with industry also plays an important role in our research activities, which aim to contribute, directly or indirectly, to economic development.