In this precis of his paper, the author discusses the establishment of the Centro Richerche Interdisciplinari sul Suicidio (CRIS); the problem of suicide in Italy; for instance, the increase in suicide for all age groups & the greater number of male suicides (about 70%); the complexity of suicidal behavior; the need for research & information; the creation of the retrospective (1970-85) computerized bibliography available at the centre & plans for updating it. (GW)