PALERMO-Magistrates have asked trial for Palermo university cardiology chair Salvatore Novo and Pro-rector Giacomo de Leo on charges of fraudulently hiring Novo's daughter as a researcher.

 The Palermo case is one of many that have been investigated by Bari magistrates since 2004 where a number of lecturers have been accused of having organized the appointments of relatives and friends in the cardiology departments of various Italian universities.

 In 2004, the University of Palermo appointed Novo’s daughter, Giuseppina, to the position of cardiology researcher. Novo, the director of Palermo’s Cardiology department at the time, is under investigation on charges of fraud.

 Novo and De Leo were allegedly involved in rigging a public competition to ensure Novo’s daughter, who is currently not being investigated, was awarded the position.

  De Leo said: "It is a very old matter but I look forward to hearing the outcome of the investigation. There is a misunderstanding because I'm not part of the scientific sector to which the competition references. I'm sure that everything will become clear."

 Magistrates also recommended the trial of Alberto Balbarini, a professor of cardiovascular diseases at Pisa University, as he was a member of the committee responsible for appointing the roles.