SIFO 2025: a congress shaped by AI, sustainability and new participatory formats
The SIFO 2025 National Congress – dedicated to the theme “Protagonists of Change” – brought more than 2.800 hospital pharmacy professionals to Genoa from 6 to 9 November, filling the Porto Antico Congress Centre with four days of scientific exchange, community engagement and cross-disciplinary activities.
A future-focused programme centred on AI
The overarching theme of change, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, guided the entire scientific programme.
Each session explored how AI is reshaping the role of hospital pharmacists across therapeutic areas.
This year’s congress accepted 1.045 posters and 10 oral communications—an extraordinary number that reflects the strong commitment of the community to scientific contribution and continuous knowledge-sharing.
The programme also featured a new edition of L.I.F.E. – the Interactive Laboratory for Expert Pharmacists, accredited for CME.
SIFO Village: an open arena for dynamic formats
Among the most appreciated elements was the return of the SIFO Village, an open-space arena within the exhibition area designed for short, smart sponsored talks.
This informal setup offered an alternative to traditional symposia and encouraged fluid interaction between participants and industry partners.
SIFO Future Games: celebrating talent and creativity
The congress once again hosted the SIFO Future Games, a competition among Hospital Pharmacy Specialisation Schools from across Italy.
After a selection process based on both scientific and artistic submissions, four finalist schools competed on 8 November in a live quiz-style contest held at the SIFO Village.
The University of Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro” was awarded first place during the closing ceremony on 9 November.
A social programme that brought the community together
Networking and social engagement were strengthened through a rich programme of events:
- Opening cocktail following the inaugural ceremony
- Faculty Dinner on 7 November at Villa Lo Zerbino (300+ guests)
- Social Dinner on 8 November for 1.200 participants at Palateknoship
In addition, an art exhibition curated with SATURA and CALC showcased 50 artworks alongside the artistic contributions created by the schools involved in the Future Games.
SIFO 2025 Forest: a concrete commitment to sustainability
Among the most meaningful initiatives was the creation of the SIFO 2025 Forest, developed with Treedom:
100 trees were planted in the Liguria region, with several adopted by SIFO committee members who became symbolic “Custodians” of their trees.
The congress also eliminated printed programmes entirely, relying solely on the mySIFO app, significantly reducing paper consumption.
The high level of participation, the strong integration of the AI theme, the success of the SIFO Village and the enthusiasm around the Future Games—together with an exhibition area exceeding 1.000 m²—confirm SIFO as a leading national event for the hospital pharmacy community.
With a balanced combination of scientific excellence, interactive experiences, cultural initiatives and sustainability actions, the 2025 edition demonstrated how the SIFO community continues to evolve, innovate and create value for the profession.