Network Italiano Core Facilities (NICo)

Modern scientific breakthroughs increasingly rely on advanced, capital-intensive research infrastructures and highly specialized technical expertise. In addition to the opportunity to access and participate in large national and international RIs, many Research Performing Organizations have established Core Facilities as a pillar of excellence. The Italian Network of Core Facilities (NICo) was established in 2022 as a collaborative, nationwide ecosystem connecting core facilities across universities and academic institutes.

What started as a foundational kick-off meeting with approximately 30 pioneers in Trento has rapidly expanded into a dynamic national community. Through successive national congresses in Milan, Bologna, and Chieti-Pescara, NICo has consolidated regional nodes, strengthened inter-institutional ties, and standardized operational practices.

NICo’s mission rests on six fundamental pillars:
1. Technological Excellence: Providing access to state-of-the-art platforms and instrumentation.
2. Specialized Expertise: Empowering facility managers and technical staff through continuous training.
3. Open Access: Ensuring transparent, streamlined resource sharing for the scientific community.
4. National Synergy: Fostering integrated collaboration among diverse academic and research bodies.
5. Innovation & Impact: Accelerating high-value biomedical and technological research.
6. Quality & Sustainability: Reducing structural redundancies and optimizing public investments.

Expectations from ICRI 2026:
As NICo prepares for ICRI 2026, the network aims to present its scalable integration model to the global research infrastructure community. Participation in ICRI 2026 represents a strategic opportunity to foster international cross-border facility access, benchmark open-science governance frameworks, and establish long-term global partnerships that elevate the role of national core facility networks in solving complex societal challenges.

Learn more on www.corefacilitiesitalia.it