Standing up to cancer. Together. AIR C
2025 Social Report
A Letter from the President of AIRC In 2025, the AIRC Foundation celebrated 60 years of commitment to supporting the highest-quality cancer research. Sixty years of dedication, rigour, drive, and pursuit of outstanding achievements. Throughout the year, we organised a number of initiatives to celebrate this milestone and plan for the future. Among these, the major conference held in Rome on 30 September 2025 deserves a special mention; it was attended by numerous representatives from public institutions, as well as from the research community and the voluntary sector. This event included the presentation of reports produced by Censis, which described AIRC as a “Foundation for the Nation”, and by Cergas, a research centre at the SDA Bocconi School of Management. Both reports provided a wealth of valuable facts and guidance to shape the future of AIRC. 2025 was also a year of exceptionally positive, encouraging results for our organisation. Our 5,000 researchers produced nearly 1,900 scientific publications, contributing to advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The Foundation was also able to raise over €200 million thanks to the generosity of supporters, volunteers, companies, organisations and institutions. This revenue was generated at a fundraising cost of €30 million, confirming that AIRC is a highly efficient organisation. Our cost ratio, which measures how many cents are spent to raise each euro, stood at €0.15, in line with previous years. This outstanding result was achieved primarily through an increase in donations, which reached €49 million, higher proceeds from charitable bequests, and greater income from Italy’s personal income tax allocation scheme called ‘5 per mille’. Last year
this scheme provided AIRC with almost €72 million thanks to the contribution of more than 1.7 million Italian taxpayers. In comparison with the previous year, this means that 100,000 more people chose AIRC as the organisation to which they allocated this share of their income tax. We will do our utmost to uphold the trust placed in us through the many new research initiatives and projects we will fund in the coming years. Lastly, the 2025 financial statements also demonstrate strong growth in our asset base, which is essential to meeting the commitments AIRC makes to fund research projects. Our researchers still face a great many challenges, making it vital for us to continue increasing the support provided for their work.
Andrea Sironi President Fondazione AIRC per la ricerca sul cancro ETS
Identity
1965-2025: Our story so far “L’Azalea della Ricerca” blossoms for the first time on the streets of Italy. Founded as an association called AIRPC (Italian Association for the Promotion of Cancer Research), in 1976 its name is changed to AIRC.
1965 4
“Arance della Salute”
The 1st issue of Fondamentale, the magazine for members, is published.
take to the streets.
1984 1973
1991
The number of the Regional Committees increases to 17, covering all regions of Italy.
IFOM, the AIRC
Institute of molecular oncology, is founded. Today it is a centre of excellence at European level for the application of post-genomic technologies to oncology. First Cancer Research Day with the High Patronage of the President of the Republic. In 2012, the event expands into “I Giorni della Ricerca”.
1998 1996
Over 800,000 people support AIRC through the ‘5 per mille’ income tax allocation scheme
Income from the ‘5 per mille’ scheme launched the Clinical Molecular Oncology Programme, followed in 2011 by the Early Diagnosis and Tumour Development Risk Analysis programme.
2010 2006
“Cioccolatini della ricerca”
AIRC becomes Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul cancro (AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research)
AIRC can count on 4,500,000 supporters.
AIRC celebrates 60 years and allocates over €142 million to cancer research
make their first appearance in the streets: AIRC’s third large-scale fundraising campaign.
2014 2012
2025 2019
5
Identity
Standing up to cancer. Together. Since 1965, we have been continuously supporting the progress of cancer research, thanks to fundraising, and we have informed the public on the results achieved, on their potential for treatment, and on prevention. At the core of our mission lies a common set of shared values and principles. AIRC contributes to the progress of oncology promoting young talents, supporting the most innovative research projects, and investing in cuttingedge technologies. We are Italy’s leading private funding body for independent cancer research: in 2025 we allocated over €142 million to these activities.
Key numbers
Over
2.7 billion
20,000 volunteers
Allocated by AIRC to research projects since 1965
17 Regional offices
1965 6
the year AIRC was founded
181 employees
Cancer in numbers Every day, around 1,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Italy.
Data for 2025 estimate over 362,000 new cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). 182,300 in men and 179,800 in women.
Over
3.7 million
Italians living with a cancer diagnosis
1 in 2 people who are diagnosed with cancer today will have the same life expectancy as those who have not developed cancer
179,800
women
New cancer cases in Italy in 2025
182,300 men
These figures provide a clear picture of the social impact of a disease like cancer, which still requires a great deal of research in order to find new treatments for those who are facing cancer today, and for those who will develop the disease in the future.
Source: AIRTUM data 2026 7
60th anniversary special
60 years of AIRC To mark its 60th anniversary, AIRC launched a series of initiatives in 2025 to celebrate the progress made in cancer research and treatment, while looking to the future with renewed enthusiasm. • A conference celebrating research, partnerships, and the future On 30 September, the Auditorium della Conciliazione in Rome hosted a conference marking AIRC’s 60th anniversary. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the economic, social, and scientific value of six decades of investment in cancer research and communication. • 60 years of cancer research On 27 November, the Mario Negri Institute and AIRC organised the event ‘60 Years of Cancer Research’. The initiative offered an opportunity to look back at how AIRC’s support has enabled 98 researchers at the Mario Negri Institute to pursue their studies. • A stamp commemorating AIRC’s 60th anniversary On 1 July, the date on which AIRC was founded, a postage stamp dedicated to the organisation’s 60th anniversary was unveiled. The ceremony took place in the Salone degli Arazzi at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. • A major concert in support of AIRC On 5 October, the Verona Arena was illuminated in pink for a major musical event in support of AIRC’s cancer research efforts: Umberto Tozzi’s L’Ultima Notte Rosa – The Final Tour. This special evening brought together members of AIRC’s community to celebrate the organisation’s 60th anniversary. • Nessun uomo è un’isola. AIRC: 60 anni per la ricerca sul cancro As part of I Giorni della Ricerca initiative, the documentary ‘Nessun uomo è un’isola. AIRC: 60 anni per la ricerca sul cancro’ was presented. Produced by Rai Documentari and AIRC, the film traces AIRC’s journey through the voices of researchers, doctors, cancer survivors and ambassadors.
8
Cancer research in Italy To mark AIRC’s 60th anniversary, in 2025 CERGAS, a research centre at Bocconi University, published the report Alle fonti della ricerca (At the Source of Research), which examines the state of funding for cancer research. The report revealed that approximately €2.47 billion was allocated to cancer research in Italy between 2016 and 2023. The amount allocated by AIRC accounted for approximately 70% of national funding for competitive cancer research in Italy.
Source: Compagni A, Broccolo G (eds.), Alle fonti della ricerca, Egea, 2025
€ 2.47 billion: funding for cancer research in Italy between 2016 and 2023 7%
OTHER
20%
EUROPEAN UNION
47%
NON-PROFIT
26%
ITALIAN MINISTRY OF HEALTH
AIRC’s share of total national competitive research funding 65%
2016
70% 70% 58%
2017
2018
2019
72% 61%
2020
60%
2021
2022
69%
66%
AVERAGE
2023
9
60th anniversary special
From fear to awareness: AIRC’s role in changing public perceptions of cancer In 2025, AIRC also commissioned Censis to conduct a survey examining the social value generated by its 60 years of activity. According to the report, today 88.8% of Italians believe that investing in scientific research is the best way to find an effective cure for cancer. This high level of public confidence in research also extends into the future. Among those surveyed, 70.1% said they were confident that scientific research would eventually discover treatments that would make it possible to cure cancer in almost all cases.
Italians’ views on investment in scientific research as the key approach to defeat all types of cancer
Italians who believe that scientific research will eventually lead to cures for all types of cancer, by age
5.3%
81.5%
NO, INVESTING IN RESEARCH IS NOT THE BEST OPTION
5.9%
I DON’T KNOW
64.1%
65.9% 70.1% AVERAGE
88.8%
YES, INVESTING IN RESEARCH IS THE BEST OPTION
Source: Censis Survey, 2025
10
18-34 years old
35-64 years old
65 years old and over
A letter from the Scientific Director In November 2025, AIRC’s Board of Directors approved funding to renew ongoing projects and support the research projects selected during the year. This marked the conclusion of a selection process based on rigorous, independent and merit-based evaluation, involving both the review of projects already underway and the selection of new research initiatives from among more than 1,400 proposals submitted by researchers working throughout Italy. These projects span the full spectrum of cancer research, from basic to translational and clinical research. Together they reflect the complexity of cancer, a disease influenced by genetic, biological, immunological and environmental factors. Their shared goal is to translate scientific knowledge into increasingly effective tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The projects selected focus on identifying new therapeutic targets, investigating the mechanisms underlying treatment resistance, and seeking biomarkers that can guide more targeted treatment decisions. They will investigate cancers with high incidence and mortality rates, including breast, lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancer, as well as blood cancers, alongside rare or difficult-to-treat tumours, addressing clinical needs that remain unmet. There is also a growing focus on early diagnosis and patient stratification through the use of liquid biopsy, advanced technologies that enable researchers to investigate molecular signatures of cancer, and tools exploiting artificial intelligence. Particular attention will be devoted to cross-cutting biological processes, including the role of metabolism, chronic inflammation, the microbiota and ageing in tumour progression and in the response to treatment.
The funds allocated support researchers at every stage of their careers, fostering the development of new research groups and strengthening established expertise. This support will reach 96 research institutions across Italy, predominantly public institutions, further consolidating a truly integrated research ecosystem. This commitment is made possible by the trust of our donors and is guided by a shared goal: to improve quality of life and life expectancy through cancer research.
Anna Mondino Scientific director of Fondazione AIRC per la ricerca sul cancro ETS
11
Research and treatment
AIRC allocated more than €142 million to cancer research. In 2025, AIRC funded 676 research projects, 98 fellowships and 5 special research programmes. At the end of 2025, AIRC approved funding for a total of €142,114,652.73 to support cancer research. This includes €12,072,422.29 euros for the special programmes funded by the ‘5 per mille’ scheme dedicated to the study of metastases, which last 7 years. The rest of the income from the ‘5 per mille’ scheme was used to support hundreds of research projects submitted in response to the annual calls for proposals.
How quickly AIRC funds reach their destination The following diagram shows the average time that elapsed between approval of the funding allocation and disbursement of these funds.
Fun dd is
nt times me e s r bu
1-6 months
12
78%
13%
12+ months
6%
7-12 months
3%
Reserves set aside for multi-year projects
Funds for cancer research in 2025 € 5,995,000 FELLOWSHIPS IN ITALY FIRST STEPS IN THE LAB Awarded mainly to recent graduates and researchers who have already completed their PhDs, these training grants may help a young researcher to learn the basics of research in a complex field like oncology and gain experience at a leading Italian laboratory. € 821,913.14 INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS A PASSPORT FOR RESEARCH Awarded to young researchers who have already gained experience in a laboratory, these grants allow for a further period of training in a foreign country where the facilities are considered at the forefront of oncological research. € 11,713,788.04 MY FIRST AIRC GRANT Awarded to researchers who have already gained cancer research experience in Italy or abroad, this grant provides researchers with the opportunity to run their own project independently at a centre of excellence in Italy, progressively becoming self-reliant. € 4,549,603.88 START–UP GRANT Awarded to outstanding researchers who have already matured a significant scientific experience in a laboratory abroad. These grants will allow them to set up a new laboratory in Italy and carry out their research activities independently. € 599,725.78 BRIDGE GRANT Awarded to the most deserving researchers who are about to conclude a MFAG or a Start-Up Grant, Bridge Grants enable them to carry on their studies for one year, so that they are better prepared to apply for a grant for established researchers.
13
Research and treatment
€ 4,367,182.33 NEXT GEN CLINICIAN SCIENTIST GRANT Next Gen Clinician Scientist Grants are awarded to young clinician researchers, enabling them to develop and run an independent clinical research project with a view to optimising clinical practice. € 1,479,260.35 SOUTHERN ITALY SCHOLARS GRANT Southern Italy Scholars grants are awarded to independent researchers who plan to set up their own laboratory and conduct their own research at an institution in southern Italy or on the Italian islands, fostering a collaborative network with research groups in the rest of Italy or abroad. € 70,376,299.95 INVESTIGATOR GRANT Investigator Grants are intended for established researchers and cover the research costs and the salaries of the staff involved in the project. € 12,072,422.29 ‘5 PER MILLE’ SPECIAL PROGRAMMES TO STUDY METASTATIC DISEASE The special programmes funded by the ‘5 per mille’ scheme last up to 7 years and put the very best of Italian oncology research at work, with the aim of identifying more effective therapies and new prevention and early diagnosis methods. € 78,300 BEPPE DELLA PORTA AWARD AND OTHER INSTITUTIONAL GRANTS This award is conferred on young researchers based in Italy who have particularly distinguished themselves in the development of new therapeutic approaches to cancer.
€ 29,000,000 IFOM IFOM is a state-of-the-art research centre devoted to studying the formation and development of cancer at the molecular level, with a view to rapidly transferring scientific results from the laboratory to patient care.
14
Communication and outreach As we stand up to cancer, knowledge is key and AIRC is well aware of this. Over the years, we have increasingly publicized the findings of our research, as soon as laboratories make new data available. Central to this strategy is our magazine Fondamentale, together with the AIRC website and our social media channels.
Roughly
Over
1,000,000
4,800,000 copies of Fondamentale magazine mailed out
copies of Fondamentale special edition distributed in the streets
203,150
38,322
Instagram followers**
TikTok followers**
69,913
LinkedIn followers**
576,912
Facebook followers**
4,374,630
users on the AIRC website*
2,184,000 *unique visitors represent the number of visitors counted once during the period from 1 January to 31 December 2025. **as of 31 December 2025.
553,255
subscribers to our newsletter**
minutes watched on YouTube (organic views)
15
Communication and outreach
Media relations In addition to supporting the progress of oncological research by funding high-quality projects, AIRC is committed to disseminating scientific information every day through its channels and with the essential support of the media. Media outlets are strategic allies in this dual mission, because they help to keep our audience up to date on the results of research while also emphasizing the importance of the contribution everyone can make in the fight against cancer.
In 2025, we were featured in
293
print publications
90
TV channels
1,690 websites
290
TV mentions and interviews
2,933+ print articles
16
radio stations
radio mentions and interviews
1,446+
Figures for print and web include citations and the overall media coverage tracked by Mimesi. For print media, the figures relating to the press do not include the local editions of national and regional newspapers The figures regarding radio and television refer to the total number of editorial mentions, space dedicated to testimonials, in-depth features, scientific insights involving researchers and related follow-ups, as monitored by Mimesi.
34
11,455+ web pages
The future of research starts in the classroom We need everyone’s help to stand up to cancer, and schools are undoubtedly ideal places to develop this awareness. This is why AIRC has been working with schools for many years, from preschool up to secondary schools and on to the university through the AIRCampus project, with the aim of bringing young people closer to science and the world of cancer research. In order to expand our audience, over the last few years we have increased our presence at major science festivals.
19,312
users visited the website isoladeifumosi.airc.it
We took part in 40 festivals, reaching
13,112
22,000
university students engaged
37,500
students involved in the project "Una costellazione luminosa. Le parole di AIRC per stare bene"
people
Over
1,400
schools participated in "Cancro io ti boccio"
17
Fundraising
Our fundraising By investing every single Euro effectively, we put our promises into practice, ensuring competitiveness and innovation in oncological research taking place in Italy. The wide range of initiatives in place along with the involvement of all sections of the community free us from dependence on donors, ensuring that fundraising continues to progress together with our strategic aims.
200.8
Our sources of income in 2025
(all numbers are expressed in million euro)
71.8
49.1
‘5 per mille’ Donations income tax allocation scheme
4.6
Arance della salute
2.4
Nastro Rosa
18
4.6
Local events
2.2
I Giorni della Ricerca
48.4
Charitable bequests
4
Cioccolatini della Ricerca
11
Azalea della Ricerca
2.7
Natale AIRC
Fundraising efficiency index This indicator describes the expenditure per euro received. In 2025, for every euro received, only 15 cents were spent on fundraising costs.
2025
(values expressed in million euro)
Total fundraising
€ 0.85
Efficiency based on € 1.00
net fundraising
200.8
Fundraising cost
30.0
Net fundraising
170.8
Relationships with people
€ 0.15
fundraising cost
Without people, AIRC would not exist. Our supporters empower us, so we can stand up to cancer every day. This is why we want to be close to the people who believe in research. All our fundraising and awareness-raising initiatives underscore the link between our work and the commitment of those who believe in us.
4,500,000 supporters
212 haritable bequests received
912 personal fundraisers
387 major donors
19
Fundraising
Our fundraising campaigns on the streets of Italy
1990
bags of oranges distributed
1984
560,367
2012
2,266
first edition
first edition
20
170,610
first edition
azalea plants
locations and 220 schools
75,209 jars of honey
12,200
of which distributed by Amazon
223,713
boxes of chocolates given out in town squares and schools
70,456 jars of jam
4,075
In locations and 25 schools
20,000
boxes of chocolates distribute in the branches of Banco BPM
Le Arance della Salute 2025
1,975 locations
1,212 schools
On the ground Sport
L’Azalea della Ricerca 2025
175
Dinners and gala evenings
49
Auctions and lotteries
14
Information and awareness-raising
Events for volunteers
4,812
of which distributed by Amazon
I Cioccolatini della Ricerca 2025
488
Total events
7
Art, Culture & Entertainment
63
Street markets and handing out gadgets
11
Food & Wine events
Other
18
137
14
21
Fundraising
A sense of community Thanks to the provisions of the Finance Act, since 2006 hundreds of thousands of people have chosen to support cancer research using a mechanism that allows taxpayers to donate 0.5% of their personal income tax to AIRC.
Support for AIRC through the ‘5 per mille’ scheme (values expressed in million euro)
40.5
23.9 7.5
Ministry of University and Research
Taxpayers who chose specifically to support AIRC 22
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
1,763,993
Corporate Fundraising Our work depends on the generous and committed support of companies which share our values and mission. The corporate fundraising programme offers the business world an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the community by contributing to projects and initiatives that promote the common good. Together we create tailored partnerships and meaningful collaboration, working to achieve research goals and to improve people’s lives. These carefully customised initiatives also comply with corporate social responsibility requirements.
PARTNERSHIP This process brings together the core values of the participating company and AIRC’s goals, which are translated into communication programmes, cause related marketing, and fundraising projects focusing on common goals. The AIRC team guides the company throughout all the stages of the partnership.
LET’S STAND UP TO CANCER TOGETHER WITH COMPANIES Supporting cancer research is a commitment we should all feel inspired to make. This is why we appeal to virtuous businesses, asking them to join the effort to increase the resources available for our common goal: finding increasingly effective ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Every year, over 10,000 companies answer our call and choose to support the work of thousands of researchers in hospitals, universities and research institutes throughout Italy. Companies and researchers together, alongside cancer patients and their families, building a future where cancer is increasingly curable.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPANIES AIRC works closely with companies in its national campaigns and during the implementation of initiatives to supplement occupational welfare benefit programmes. This includes team-building activities and sport, ranging from health education to awareness-raising programmes on disease prevention, putting the wellbeing of company employees firmly at the centre of AIRC’s and our partners’ attention. 23
AIRC Regional offices ABRUZZO – MOLISE Viale Regina Elena, 126 65123 Pescara Tel. 085 352 15 - 347 240 4964 com.abruzzo.molise@airc.it
LOMBARDIA Viale Isonzo, 25 20135 Milano Tel. 02 779 71 com.lombardia@airc.it
BASILICATA c/o Azienda Calia Italia Contrada Serritello la Valle 75100 Matera Tel. 0835 30 37 51 - 347 233 43 37 com.basilicata@airc.it
MARCHE Via Antonio Giannelli 2A 60123 Ancona Tel. 071 280 41 30 com.marche@airc.it
CALABRIA Viale degli Alimena, 3 87100 Cosenza Tel. 0984 41 36 97 com.calabria@airc.it CAMPANIA Via dei Mille, 40 80121 Napoli Tel. 081 40 32 31 com.campania@airc.it EMILIA ROMAGNA Via Castiglione, 4 40124 Bologna Tel. 051 24 45 15 com.emilia.romagna@airc.it FRIULI – VENEZIA GIULIA Via del Coroneo, 5 34133 Trieste Tel. 040 36 56 63 com.friuli.vg@airc.it LAZIO Viale Leonida Bissolati, 3 00187 Roma Tel. 06 446 33 65 - 347 233 69 91 com.lazio@airc.it LIGURIA c/o Fondazione Carige Via David Chiossone, 10 16123 Genova Tel. 010 277 05 88 com.liguria@airc.it
PIEMONTE – VALLE D’AOSTA Via Isonzo 8/2 10141 Torino Tel. 011 824 20 84 com.piemonte.va@airc.it
UMBRIA Via Brufani, 1 06124 Perugia Tel. 075 583 81 32 - 324 776 83 55 com.umbria@airc.it VENETO – TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE Via Gaetano Trezza, 30 37129 Verona Tel. 045 825 02 34 com.veneto@airc.it
PUGLIA Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 30 70121 Bari Tel. 080 521 87 02 com.puglia@airc.it SARDEGNA Via De Magistris, 8 09123 Cagliari tel. 070 66 41 72 com.sardegna@airc.it SICILIA Via Libertà, 171 90143 Palermo Tel. 091 611 03 40 com.sicilia@airc.it DELEGAZIONE CATANIA Via San Marco, 6 95030 Tremestieri Etneo (CT) Tel. 095 50 68 48 del.catania@airc.it TOSCANA Viale Gramsci, 19 50121 Firenze Tel. 055 21 70 98 com.toscana@airc.it
Printed in June 2026 by Stamperia Artistica Nazionale