The Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS) is the main Italian research institute in the biomedical and public health field. It is the technical and scientific body of the Italian National Health Service.
The Institute collaborates on research activities and clinical trials with national institutions performing public health functions such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry for the Environment, regions, local health units, hospitals and scientific institutes for research, hospitalisation and healthcare. It is also involved in a wide range of international activities including scientific and technical support to the European Commission and its Member States, to WHO, EFSA, ECDC, IARC, OECD, OIE, UNEP, and other organizations, and to developing countries, to countries with economies in transition, and to those suffering natural emergencies or war situations.
National Centre on Addiction and Doping (www.iss.it/ofad) is National reference point for research, surveillance, prevention, advice, free helplines and awareness-raising activities on addiction and doping (tobacco, drugs of abuse, alcohol, doping agents, and gambling). Support to national public health policies and to international regulatory authorities. Early warning system on new psychoactive substances. WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Health Promotion on Alcohol and Alcohol-related Health Problems.