The GNB history

The Italian National Group of Bioengineering (GNB) was founded in 1981. As stated in its statute, the association was established with scientific, cultural, and outreach purposes, aimed at promoting, supporting, and coordinating studies, research activities, and reflections in the field of bioengineering.

The origins

GNB was created to serve as a national reference point for a research and training area that is inherently interdisciplinary—one that connects engineering, medicine, and life sciences—by enhancing research and fostering dialogue among groups and institutions.

A history built on community and training

Over the decades, GNB has shaped its identity around initiatives focused on the growth of the community, with particular attention to early-career researchers:

• GNB Annual School, one of the association’s most recognizable training and scientific exchange initiatives (in 2025, the 44th edition took place).
• GNB Awards for Master’s theses and PhD dissertations, designed to recognize the scientific quality and commitment of students and young researchers.
• GNB Biennial Conference, where the bioengineering units within the GNB network meet to share research results, discuss new scientific and technological directions, build collaborations, and encourage dialogue across generations—from early-career researchers to well-established groups.

Today: continuity and evolution

Today, GNB continues to pursue its statutory aims, strengthening communication tools and channels to keep the community more connected and informed, and to facilitate access to calls, opportunities, events, and scientific initiatives.