ENTE OSPEDALIERO SAVERIO DE BELLIS IRCCS

Their core work

The De Bellis Institute is an Italian IRCCS (clinical research hospital with scientific recognition) based in Castellana Grotte, Puglia, specializing in gastroenterology and oncology research. Their H2020 footprint reveals capability in point-of-care diagnostic device development, specifically microfluidic systems for monitoring chemotherapy drug levels in patients. Beyond research, they actively participate in regional science communication through the European Researchers' Night program in Apulia. Their primary value lies at the intersection of clinical medicine and diagnostic technology development, bridging hospital-based patient data with biomedical device innovation.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their earliest H2020 involvement (2015) was research-driven, coordinating DiaChemo — a technically ambitious project developing microfluidic diagnostic devices for chemotherapy monitoring. From 2018 onward, their H2020 participation shifted entirely to public engagement through three consecutive European Researchers' Night events. This likely reflects the institute's broader mission as an IRCCS rather than a pivot away from research, as clinical research hospitals typically pursue medical device and clinical trial funding through national or other EU instruments.

Their H2020 portfolio shifted from technical R&D coordination to public engagement participation; future collaborators should verify whether they are actively pursuing new research projects through other funding channels.

How they like to work

They coordinated their one research project (DiaChemo) but joined as a participant in all three outreach projects, suggesting they can lead when the topic aligns with their clinical research mission. With 21 unique partners across 5 countries, their network is moderate but largely shaped by the ERN-Apulia consortium structure. They appear to be a regional anchor institution that joins regional multi-partner initiatives rather than seeking diverse international partnerships independently.

They have worked with 21 partners across 5 countries, though most of this network comes from shared participation in the Apulia Researchers' Night consortia. Their independent research network (from DiaChemo) is likely smaller and more clinically focused.

What sets them apart

As an IRCCS (a designation reserved for Italian hospitals conducting translational research), De Bellis can offer something rare: direct access to clinical environments and patient data for validating diagnostic technologies. Their DiaChemo coordination shows they can lead medical device development from the clinical end — useful for technology developers needing a hospital partner who understands both the science and the patient workflow. For consortium builders, they bring clinical credibility in Southern Italy, a region underrepresented in H2020 health projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DiaChemo
  Their only research project and sole coordination role — a microfluidic point-of-care device for chemotherapy drug monitoring, with EUR 293,636 funding (92% of their total H2020 budget).
• ERN-Apulia
  First of three consecutive European Researchers' Night participations, showing the institute's sustained role as a regional science engagement anchor in Puglia.