Information Systems
The Unit is responsible for the development and maintenance of information systems and software applications that support the activities of the Institute, with a particular focus on the SILAB system, as well as for meeting the needs of external clients within the National Health Service—from the Ministry of Health to the competent national authorities of EU member states, WOAH, WHO, and FAO, or upon request from these same international organisations. The unit implements the specialist technical-scientific guidelines related to software development, supporting research, development, and innovation activities in line with institutional strategies defined at national and international levels. In particular, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, the unit ensures the development and maintenance of national veterinary information systems, livestock registries, and the information system for pharmacovigilance and electronic veterinary prescriptions.
The , part of the ICT Laboratory, is responsible for analysing requirements and gathering information necessary for the development of information systems and software applications requested by both internal and external clients. The unit develops and maintains information systems and applications to support the technical-scientific and administrative activities of the Institute. This includes the development, testing, and implementation of innovative applications to manage veterinary activities, using cutting-edge technologies and addressing specific needs from diagnostic departments—particularly through SILAB, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, the unit develops and maintains the national livestock databases (BDN), the electronic veterinary prescription system (REV), and the national companion animal registry (SINAC), along with related veterinary information systems. It ensures the continuous operation of these applications, providing reliable software solutions that support animal health and food safety across the National Health Service.
The unit conducts research and development in web-based systems and mobile applications, with a particular focus on emerging technologies such as blockchain for document certification, generative AI for innovative services and process automation, and the development of web services and APIs to ensure interoperability across information systems.
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Mara Cianella
Head
Born in Teramo in 1968, she graduated in Information Science from the University of L’Aquila. Since 2002, she has been working as a Technical Manager at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, where she currently heads the Information Systems Unit.
Born in Teramo in 1968, she graduated in Information Science from the University of L’Aquila.
Since 2002, she has been working as a Technical Manager at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, where she currently heads the Information Systems Unit.
With a solid and well-rounded career, she has held key roles in the development and management of complex information systems in the field of veterinary public health.
Since 2018, she has been involved in functional analysis, system design, and team coordination for platforms such as the Electronic Veterinary Prescription System and the Pet Animal Registry, applying Agile and SCRUM methodologies to streamline processes and ensure regulatory compliance. Previously, she managed projects in food safety and animal health, including systems for vaccination plans and on-farm disease control programmes.
Her experience spans more than twenty years in public health IT systems, with particular expertise in integrated platform design, application interoperability, and data migration.
She also participates in working groups established by Office IV and Office VI of the Directorate-General for Animal Health and Veterinary Medicines (DGSAF), focusing on pet animal identification and registration (I&R) systems and pharmacovigilance activities.
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