The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) with 14 departments and centers is the leading technical and scientific public body of the Italian National Health Service. Its activities include research, control, training and consultation in the interest of public health protection. The Institute conducts scientific research in a wide variety of fields, from cutting-edge molecular and genetic research to population-based studies of risk factors for disease and disability up to Bioethical areas. Research priorities are based on those set forth in the National Health Plan. Together with research, ISS does certification of the chemical and biological purity of drugs and vaccines, as well as inspection and quality control of medical and diagnostic devices and equipment, food products and packaging