Italy

The researches in astrophysics in Italy are mainly performed by INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, National Institute for Astrophysics), a national research institute and by University Departments. Another major funding agency is ASI (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, the Italian Space Agency). All these public bodies act under the supervising authority of MIUR (Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca, Ministry of University and Research) which also provides for their running costs.

Main Scientific Institutions

INAF is made up of 19 Institutes, namely 12 astronomical Observatories and 7 Institutes formerly belonging to CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, National Research Council), located in 12 different cities. It manages the participation of ground-based facilities like TNG, LBT and radio telescopes and promotes researches in all astrophysical fields. Its long-term strategy is defined in a Long-Term Plan, drafted by the INAF Science Council.

There are 4 Astronomy/Astrophysics University Departments in Italy, but astronomical research is also carried on in 30 Physics Departments. Many Universities offer a degree of some level in Astronomy or Astrophysics as well as a Ph. D. course in Astronomy. Part of these initiatives is directly funded by INAF.

A very small number of astronomers perform research activities within ASI, which also includes the management of the ASI Science Data Center.

Other public bodies performing related researches are INFN (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, National Institute for Nuclear Physics) for astro-particle physics and INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, National Institute for Geophysics and Volcanology) for space weather.

Funding

The main ground-based infrastructures are funded by INAF and by targeted funds provided by the Minister.

ASI directly funds the participation to major projects for the development and exploitation of space-based instruments.

The Ministry of Research allocates further funding for research projects, through nation-wide competition calls with no pre-defined allocation for the different disciplines. Both, researches at INAF and at the Universities, can typically participate for funding requests. ASI funds research and exploitation of science data through targeted contracts.

The Italian membership at ESO is appointed and funded by Ministero degli Affari Esteri (Ministry of the Foreign Affairs). The ESA membership is appointed and funded by ASI.

Personel

Research staff positions in Universities and Research Institutes have three different levels (Full Professor/Research Managers, Associate Professor/First Researcher, Researcher).

The total number of University Professors that are active in astronomy are about 380. Within INAF, the total number of involved astronomers are about 570 (staff) and 320 (non-permanent positions).

Recruitment for permanent positions are made independently of INAF and of each University. Both INAF and the Universities are free to define the number and level of positions, given some budget constraints. University selections are local.