Raffaella Bucciardini

Coordinator of PERCH Joint Action, Istituto Superiore di Sanità

Raffaella Bucciardini is Director and Scientific Coordinator of the Health Inequalities Unit at the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità – ISS). She leads numerous European and international cooperation projects aimed at tackling health inequalities and promoting global health, with a strong focus on vulnerable populations and social determinants of health. Her work supports transnational collaboration across institutions, regions, and sectors.

Since 2024, she has been coordinating the Italian Network of Cities for Health Equity, inspired by the Marmot Cities approach, which brings together municipalities, universities, and civil society organizations to reduce urban health disparities throughout Italy. Dr. Bucciardini plays a key role in defining public health strategies and developing multi-level interventions in line with major European initiatives.

Among her recent efforts, she has contributed to the implementation of prevention programs aligned with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, such as the introduction of school-based HPV vaccination pilots in selected Italian regions and in cross-border cooperation with other European countries. These programs aim to improve access to cancer prevention among adolescents, reduce inequalities, and foster innovation in public health delivery.

She has published extensively on global health and health inequalities, and is an active member of several national and international expert committees. Her experience is grounded in an inclusive, equity-oriented vision of public health that prioritizes collaboration, impact, and sustainability.

Last Updated: July 2025