The ESAC’s formal designation is ESAC-ETS.

An ETS (Ente del Terzo Settore) is a legal designation under Italian law for non-profit organizations that operate within the Third Sector, meaning they pursue civic, solidarity-based, or socially useful purposes without profit. ETS entities—including associations, foundations, and social enterprises—are governed by the Italian Third Sector Code (Legislative Decree No. 117/2017) and must register in the Registro Unico Nazionale del Terzo Settore (RUNTS). This status ensures transparency, accountability, and eligibility for certain public and private funding opportunities. 

As an ETS, ESAC operates under these principles, dedicating all its resources to public interest goals in scientific research, education, and healthcare innovation.