The Vita-Salute San Raffaele University expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Claudio Bordignon, a leading figure in biomedical research and an internationally recognised pioneer of gene therapy.
In 1992, at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Professor Bordignon carried out the world's first gene therapy experiment on haematopoietic stem cells, a milestone that marked a fundamental step in the development of an innovative approach destined to transform, over time, the treatment prospects for numerous genetic diseases.
Founder and first Director of the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), he played a decisive role in building a research environment capable of combining frontier science with clinical application, laying the foundations for a model that is now recognised at an international level.
Alongside his academic and scientific work, Professor Bordignon was among the first in Italy to promote technology transfer in biomedicine, contributing to the establishment of one of the country's first biotech companies and anticipating an integrated approach between research and innovation.
His commitment has left a legacy, both in scientific terms and in the training of new generations of researchers, contributing to the growth of a community that continues to carry his work forward.
The academic community of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University joins in expressing condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those who shared his scientific and personal journey, remembering with gratitude his contribution to research and patient care.
