The Società Italiana Scienza della Vegetazione (Italian Society of Vegetation Science, SISV) was founded in 2006 in continuation of the Italian Society of Phytosociology (S.I.Fs.) founded on March 7, 1964, at the Institute of Botany of “La Sapienza” University in Rome upon the proposal of Valerio Giacomini, who also served as its first president.

SISV promotes and encourages research on vegetation and habitats; fosters collaboration among researchers, nationally and internationally; cooperates with institutions involved in territorial management; organizes scientific symposia and meetings, excursions, courses and internships; edits the publication of the journal Plant Sociology formerly “Fitosociologia” and “Notiziario della Società Italiana di Fitosociologia”; and manages the vegetation database VegItaly.

SISV has a Statute and a President‘s Council, elected by the Members’ Meeting and composed of the President, five Counselors and a Secretary-Treasurer. There are currently about 200 members.