We envision biosafety as a system, we act as a Foundation.

The Human Biosafety Health Foundation ETS is a non-profit organization established with the mission of promoting biological safety and global health through scientific research, prevention, training, and international cooperation.

The Foundation represents the natural evolution of the Human Biosafety Health ETS Association, which, since 2021, has carried out intensive training activities. Over these years, through the implementation of the Global Biohazard Management format—already ISO 9001 certified—more than 17,000 healthcare professionals have been trained in advanced biocontainment protocols and techniques, thus making a concrete contribution to strengthening the Italian healthcare system’s capacity to respond to biological emergencies. In parallel, over 500 law enforcement officers in Sicily have been trained through dedicated programs on biological risk and safety procedures in high-exposure operational scenarios.

The transformation into a Foundation, with the adoption of a statute compliant with Legislative Decree no. 117 of July 3, 2017, addresses the growing need to face emerging biological threats in a structured, integrated, and multidisciplinary manner. In an era marked by increasingly complex risks—epidemics, pandemics, zoonoses, bioterrorism, and CBRNe threats—the Foundation positions itself as a Mediterranean center of excellence for specialized training, applied research, institutional support, and cooperation at both national and international levels.

The mission of the Foundation is to bridge operational and strategic gaps in the management of biological risk, promoting a culture of prevention and strengthening the resilience of health and security systems.

In this regard, the Foundation supports public and private institutions in the definition of operational plans, in the training of qualified personnel, in raising public awareness, and in countering disinformation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring effective measures for the protection of public health.

Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee of the Foundation serves as a high-level advisory body, tasked with supporting the President and the Board of Directors in defining strategic directions in the scientific field, evaluating research projects, and developing institutional activities in the areas of science and education.

Its composition reflects a structured and synergistic integration of military and civilian expertise. Military medical officers contribute their extensive experience gained in complex operational contexts, with specific qualifications in the management of health emergencies. Of particular significance is their expertise in high-level biocontainment medical transport of patients affected by highly transmissible infectious diseases, using ground assets, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft.

In parallel, civilian professionals—experts in the scientific, medical, technological, and managerial fields—contribute with advanced know-how, strategic vision, and strong expertise in research and innovation.

The result is one of the most authoritative and qualified technical-scientific platforms in the sector, fully serving the mission of the Foundation.

Dott. Marco Lastilla

Colonel Marco LASTILLA is a Permanent Service Military Medical Officer in the Aeronautical Health Corps. A specialist in Infectious and Tropical Diseases as well as in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, he also serves in academia as an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Microbiology at La Sapienza University of Rome.

He currently holds the position of Head of the Office of the Chief of the Aeronautical Health Corps and Head of the Technical Coordination Office of the Health Service. Previously, he directed the Specialized Aeromedical Center of the Aerospace Medical Institute and served as Director of the Defense Epidemiological Observatory. He has also been certified as an Aeromedical Examiner (AME).

He has obtained three Master’s degrees: in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence (1999), in Healthcare Services Organization at La Sapienza University of Rome (2002), and in Global Strategy and Security Studies at the University of Turin (2022). He also graduated with honors from the 72nd IASD course (Institute of Advanced Defense Studies) in the Academic Year 2020/2021.

He is a member of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Human Biosafety Health Foundation (formerly HBH Association), the Scientific Committee of the Aeronautical Military Studies Center (CESMA), and the Board of Directors of the Italian Association of Aerospace Medicine (AIMAS).

For his professional and scientific commitment, he has received several awards, including the Certificate of Merit in Public Health and the Silver Medal of Merit of the Italian Red Cross. He is the author of more than 60 scientific publications in the medical and aerospace fields and is an international expert in the transport of patients under high-level biocontainment.

Dott. Marco Lastilla

Medico del Corpo Sanitario dell’Aeronautica Militare

Dott. Ulrico Angeloni

Dr. Ulrico Angeloni is a Medical Executive specializing in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine at the Italian Ministry of Health, where he serves as Director of Office 3 – Health Emergencies within the Department of Prevention, Research, and Health Emergencies.

From 2011 to 2019, he was National Medical Director of the Italian Red Cross, where he coordinated public health programs, biocontainment operations, and responses to national and international health emergencies, including migration crises, the Horn of Africa emergency, the Emilia earthquake, and the management of the national antidote stockpile. Previously, he held various senior positions in hospitals and healthcare institutions, gaining extensive experience in healthcare management, hygiene, and preventive medicine. His responsibilities included the management of the national strategic stockpile of COVID-19 vaccines, the organization of training programs and NBC (with a biological focus) exercises—particularly in border areas—and the design of an Operational Health Emergency Center model for managing potential health alerts in coordination with other directorate offices and relevant institutions.

He graduated in Medicine and Surgery at La Sapienza University of Rome and specialized in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine at Tor Vergata University of Rome, with top marks and honors. Alongside his institutional duties, he has carried out extensive teaching and training activities in both academic and professional contexts, holding teaching assignments at La Sapienza University of Rome, Tor Vergata University, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and the Luiss Business School, in addition to numerous training courses organized by the Ministry of Health and the Italian Red Cross.

An expert in biocontainment and highly transmissible infectious diseases, he has participated as a member of the ministerial team in international missions, including the Wuhan mission for the biocontainment repatriation of Italian citizens. Author of numerous training and educational initiatives, Dr. Angeloni is recognized for his contribution to the management of health emergencies and the development of prevention strategies at both national and international levels.

Dott. Ulrico Angeloni

Ministero della Salute

Dott. Antonello Furia

Dr. Antonello Furia
Graduated in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Turin, he specialized in Aerospace Medicine at the University “La Sapienza” of Rome. Since 2010, he has been a member of the Medical Expert Group and MEST Auditor of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and since 2016 he has served as Secretary General of the European Society of Aerospace Medicine (ESAM). He is also the Italian Focal Point for ICAO–CAPSCA and a member of the Medical Appeal Commission of the Italian Ministry of Health, where he served as Vice President from 2014 to 2018.
At the international level, he has taken part in ICAO’s main working groups, including the ICAO Mental Health Working Group and the Health Issues Outbreaks in Aviation Task Force, contributing to the development of global guidelines on aviation health. Previously, he was a member of the European Aviation Medical Assessors Council and participated in several JAA and ICAO technical groups on Dangerous Goods and operational regulations (JAR-OPS1).
Author of numerous scientific publications in aerospace medicine, he has participated as a lecturer, moderator, and speaker in international congresses and training courses, with contributions across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. His professional activity focuses on the intersection between medicine, flight safety, and public health, with particular attention to risk prevention and the management of public health emergencies in civil aviation.

Dott. Antonello Furia

Italian Civil Aviation Authority

Prof. Antonio Cascio

Prof. Antonio Cascio is Full Professor of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the University of Palermo and Director of the Unit of Infectious Diseases (UOC) at the University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, where he also coordinates the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team. He holds a degree in Medicine and Surgery, with specializations in Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, and earned a PhD in Infectious Diseases at La Sapienza University of Rome.

His academic career began at the University of Messina, where he served as Associate and later Full Professor, before moving to the University of Palermo. There, he directs the Postgraduate School of Specialization in Infectious Diseases and teaches in the degree programs of Medicine and Surgery, MEDIT, and Nursing.

Prof. Cascio’s scientific activity includes over 500 publications, of which 437 are indexed in Scopus, with more than 9,400 citations and an H-index of 51. His research has focused primarily on zoonotic infectious and parasitic diseases, such as leishmaniasis, brucellosis, and rickettsiosis, with contributions published in leading international journals, including Lancet Infectious Diseases, Clinical Infectious Diseases, and Clinical Microbiology and Infection.

He serves as Principal Investigator in numerous clinical and scientific studies and is an active member of the Italian Society of Infectious Diseases and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID).

Prof. Antonio Cascio

Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico Paolo Giaccone

Dott. Paolo Fazio

Lieutenant Colonel Paolo Fazio

Medical Doctor, Specialist in Internal Medicine
Holds a Master’s in Healthcare Management and a Managerial Training Certificate for General Directors of Healthcare Institutions and other National Health Service Bodies from the LUISS Business School.

He is a Permanent Service Officer of the Italian Air Force.
• 2004–2015: Head of the Regimental Infirmary of the 17th Wing, Italian Air Force
• 2015–2025: Head of the Health Operations Planning Section within the Technical Coordination Office of the Italian Air Force Health Service

He is responsible for logistical and operational planning activities related to high-level biocontainment capacity, actively engaged in training, education, and teaching, as well as in managing external relations at both international and interagency levels, with a focus on the management of assets, assessment of operational versatility, and enhancement of capability utilization.

Dott. Paolo Fazio

Medico del Corpo Sanitario dell’Aeronautica Militare

Dott.ssa Chiara Iaria

Dr. Chiara Iaria
Director of the Complex Operative Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at ARNAS Civico Hospital in Palermo, Dr. Chiara Iaria is a medical doctor, specialist in Infectious and Tropical Diseases, and holds a PhD in Infectious Diseases and Immunological Therapies from La Sapienza University of Rome. She also obtained a Second-Level Master’s Degree in Antibiotic Stewardship from Policlinico Gemelli in Rome and received the National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor in Infectious Diseases.

From 2013 to 2021, she served as a member of the National Board of Directors of SIMIT (Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases), and she actively participates in several national study groups on antimicrobial resistance, HIV/AIDS, and emerging infections. Since 2017, she has been Associate Editor of the scientific journal Le Infezioni in Medicina.

Clinically, she directs a ward with beds dedicated to both COVID and non-COVID patients, and oversees specialist outpatient clinics for HIV and PrEP, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and opportunistic infections. She serves as Regional Coordinator for the prescription of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies against HCV and chairs the Regional Technical Working Group for the National Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (PNCAR).

Author of numerous scientific publications in indexed international journals, and a frequent speaker and moderator at national and European congresses, Dr. Iaria has developed a professional path that integrates clinical expertise, scientific research, and managerial skills, with a particular focus on infection prevention and control, care of immunocompromised patients, and the promotion of innovative antimicrobial stewardship models.

Dott.ssa Chiara Iaria

A.R.N.A.S. Ospedali Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli

Dott. Simone Teodonio

Major (CSArn) Simone Teodonio

In 1996, he earned a Classical High School Diploma.

He graduated in Medicine and Surgery at La Sapienza University of Rome on March 4, 2004, with full marks (110/110 cum laude), and obtained his professional license in July of the same year.

In 2004, he was admitted to the Specialization School in Urology at La Sapienza University of Rome, a five-year program, and in November 2008 he completed his specialization in Urology with highest honors (70/70 cum laude).

Professional Experience

Winner of the 4th AUFP competition, he served as a Fixed-Term Officer from August 7, 2012, to November 6, 2014, as Head of the Regimental Infirmary at the School of Marshals/Airport Command of Viterbo.

Appointed Lieutenant in Permanent Service within the Aeronautical Health Corps, he was initially assigned to the Multinational Medical Joint Training Center at the Military Health and Veterinary School, and later to the Italian Air Force Health Service.

Since 2018, he has been Head of the Men’s Health Project, aimed at the prevention and treatment of urological diseases among Defense personnel. In this role, he carries out clinical, ultrasound, endoscopic, and surgical activities.

From 2015 to 2018, he served as Lecturer in Urology (1 ECTS) at the Military Health and Veterinary School, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery – Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Tor Vergata University of Rome.

In addition to his specialist duties, since joining the Air Force he has been involved in the technical and training aspects of high-level biocontainment medical transport, contributing to the organization of conferences and training courses for healthcare personnel of the Air Force and other Armed Forces.

Dott. Simone Teodonio

Medico del Corpo Sanitario dell’Aeronautica Militare

Dott. Marco Palmeri

Dr. Marco Palmeri graduated in Medicine and Surgery and specialized in Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care at the University of Palermo. He currently serves as Consultant Anesthesiologist-Intensivist at ARNAS Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli Hospital in Palermo, assigned to the SUES 118 Operations Center for the Palermo–Trapani district.

With over twenty years of experience in emergency and urgent care, he has developed specific expertise in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), operating from the bases of Palermo, Pantelleria, and Lampedusa. He has served as Head of 118 Fleet Management and of the Centralized Coordination of the Helicopter Emergency Service of the Sicilian Region, as well as Ministry of Health Liaison Officer for the SNAR19 (National Regional Antidote Stockpile). He has also undertaken assignments in the NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) field, with particular focus on biocontainment and health security.

Alongside his clinical work, he has held numerous roles as lecturer and instructor in training programs for physicians, emergency medical personnel, and healthcare staff, collaborating with CEFPAS, the University of Palermo, and the Italian Ministry of Health. He has authored publications and presented at national and international conferences on emergency medicine, aeromedical evacuation, and biological risk management.

His professional career integrates clinical practice, education, and applied research in emergency medicine, with a continuous commitment to strengthening best practices in aeromedical transport and in the management of non-conventional emergencies.

Dott. Marco Palmeri

Centrale Operativa SUES 118 Pa-Tp A.R.N.A.S. Ospedali Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli.

Governance Structure

Francesco Bongiorno

President of the Foundation

Dr. Francesco Bongiorno has extensive experience in the fields of health security, emergency management, and biocontainment. Since 2022, he has served as Safety Manager in the airport sector, with responsibilities for the management of Airport First Aid Units at several national hubs and for the coordination of emergency procedures, with particular focus on biological and infectious risks.

Since 2019, he has acted as Scientific Advisor on biological risk and CBRNe emergencies for the Palermo Medical Association, where he developed the Global Biohazard Management training program. Previously, he held key positions at the Department of Health of the Sicilian Region, contributing to the development of the Migrant Health Contingency Plan in collaboration with the WHO and the Italian Ministry of Health. This plan—later adopted at the European level by Frontex—enabled the management of more than 700,000 migrants arriving on Sicilian shores, including during the Ebola outbreaks in several African countries.

He holds degrees in Environmental Sciences and in Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as a Master’s in HSE Management. He is a licensed Biologist and is listed in the AGENAS Register of Experts in the epidemiology area.

Acknowledged by both civilian and military institutions for his professional commitment, he has made a significant contribution to advancing the culture of health security and to the training of professionals operating in both civilian and defense contexts.

President of the Foundation

Dott. Francesco Bongiorno

Elio Costanza

Vice President

Avv. Carmelo Elio Costanza

Attorney Carmelo Elio Costanza has been a member of the Palermo Bar Association since 1983 and is the senior partner of his law firm. He specializes in civil law (maritime, banking, insurance, financial, and corporate), contract law, public and private international law, European Union law, and EU procedural law. He has been admitted to practice before the Court of Cassation and the Higher Courts (since 1998) as well as before the Court of Justice of the European Union. From 1982 to 1988, he served as an Honorary Judge, holding the office of Deputy Conciliator in Palermo.

Alongside his professional career, he has pursued an academic path: a tenured university researcher at the Chair of History of Treaties and International Politics in the Faculty of Law, he taught at the Faculty of Political Science of Palermo courses in History of European Integration and History of European Political Institutions (1999–2011), Political Doctrines (graduate program, with courses on Italian International Cooperation, OECD Guidelines, and Governance Ethics), Public Policy Analysis, and History of International Relations (2011–2016). He also took part in international training activities, including an internship at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on the topic “Civil Societies and International Terrorism: Nuclear, Bacteriological, and Chemical Attacks.”
Since 2016, he has been retired from university service due to age limits.

In his professional practice, he has provided legal advice to public entities such as the Ministry of Economic Development, the Finmeccanica Group, the Presidency of the Chamber of Deputies, the Presidency of the Sicilian Region, and the Ministry of the Interior. He has also collaborated with multinational corporations and foreign companies in the fields of large-scale distribution, maritime transport, and international logistics, assisting in entrepreneurial start-up projects, project financing, and renewable energy plants. In 2019, he advised the Embassies of Gabon and Sierra Leone on projects concerning bio-containment and health emergencies; since 2023, he has been providing legal consultancy on agri-photovoltaic plants in Sicily. Since 2024, he has served as consultant for G7 International, a global leader in security and risk management services.

Main Scientific Publications
1. The Right of Legation of International Organizations (a study on diplomatic and consular law).
2. Bordering States in International Law, Palermo.
3. Clarification on the Private International Law Regulation of “Res in Transitu”, in Economia e Credito, no. 2, 1974.
4. The Rules Applicable to an Employment Relationship Not Framed Within the Legal System of the Forum, in Annuario di Diritto Comparato e Studi Legislativi, vol. XLVI, 1975; and in Economia e Credito, no. 1, 1976.
5. Community Regulations and National Rules in Constitutional Court Decision No. 232 of October 30, 1975, in Rivista di Diritto Europeo, no. 2, 1976.

Vice President

Avv. Elio Costanza

Dott. Alessandro D'Acquisto

Tesoriere

Lawyer Alessandro D’Acquisto
Attorney and executive expert in healthcare law and emergency services management, he holds a degree in Law and a Master’s in Advanced Managerial Training from the Gruppo Sole24 Ore in Milan.
For over twenty years, he has worked in the healthcare sector — first with Siciliana Servizi Emergenza – S.U.E.S. 118, and later at the Regional Department of Health, focusing particularly on emergency and urgent care in smaller islands and disadvantaged areas.
Throughout his career, he has held positions of responsibility such as Chairman of the Examination Commission for the Regional Project “Trinacria”, member of technical committees for the modernization of the 118 emergency system, and Legal and Administrative Manager of the Single Response Center NUE 112 for Eastern Sicily.
Since 2017, he has collaborated with AGENAS (National Agency for Regional Health Services) as an expert in the economic–managerial, legal–administrative, and managerial training areas, also taking part in joint AGENAS–ANAC initiatives for the National Anti-Corruption Plan in Healthcare.

Treasurer

Dott. Alessandro D’Acquisto

Operational Headquarters

The operational headquarters of the Foundation is located at Villa Magnisi, a prestigious historic residence in Palermo, Via Rosario da Partanna, 22 – Palermo. Villa Magnisi also hosts the Order of Physicians and Dentists of the Province of Palermo (OMCeO Palermo) as well as the Order of Veterinarians of the Province of Palermo, thus providing an institutional and cultural setting of great significance, fully aligned with the mission and activities of the Foundation.