FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI GENETICA MOLECOLARE INGM

Their core work

INGM is a Milan-based molecular genetics research institute focused on understanding disease mechanisms at the genetic and cellular level. Their work spans genome editing for neurological disorders (Huntington's disease), antibody engineering for vaccines and therapeutics, and host-pathogen interactions including tuberculosis. They combine deep expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, high-throughput screening, and B cell biology to develop both diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches rooted in molecular understanding of disease.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

INGM's early H2020 work (2018) centered on genetic disease modeling — using CRISPR/Cas9 and stem cells to study Huntington's disease at the molecular level. By 2020, the focus shifted decisively toward immunology and infectious disease: antibody engineering for vaccines (ENGRAB) and combating intracellular pathogens like tuberculosis (PANDORA). This trajectory suggests a move from gene editing as a research tool toward translational immunology with direct therapeutic and vaccine applications.

INGM is moving toward translational immunology — antibody design, vaccine development, and anti-pathogen therapies — making them a strong partner for infectious disease and biologics projects.

How they like to work

INGM operates as both a project leader and a specialist contributor, having coordinated one major ERC Advanced Grant (ENGRAB, EUR 2.5M) while participating in two others. Their consortium network is small (2 unique partners across 2 countries), which is typical of ERC grants that fund individual research teams rather than large consortia. This suggests INGM works best as a focused scientific contributor rather than a large-consortium orchestrator.

INGM has collaborated with 2 unique partners across 2 countries, reflecting the individual-PI nature of ERC grants rather than a broad European network. Their collaboration footprint is concentrated and selective.

What sets them apart

INGM combines molecular genetics expertise with an increasingly strong immunology program, bridging genome editing tools (CRISPR) with antibody and vaccine research. Their ERC Advanced Grant in antibody engineering (ENGRAB) signals deep, PI-driven scientific excellence — the kind of fundamental research that produces intellectual property and breakthrough methodologies. For partners seeking world-class molecular and immunological expertise from a focused Italian research institute, INGM offers specialist depth rather than broad-consortium capacity.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ENGRAB
  Largest project (EUR 2.5M ERC Advanced Grant) and INGM's only coordinated project, tackling antibody engineering through natural selection and rational design for vaccine and therapeutic applications.
• PANDORA
  Addresses the urgent problem of drug-resistant intracellular pathogens including tuberculosis, combining nanomedicine with host-pathogen biology — a topic with strong pandemic-preparedness relevance.