A project for a centre of excellence in astrophysics at Unical

A centre of excellence for the study of astrophysics, the protection of national space assets and the development of cutting-edge technologies with direct benefits for industry. This is the project for a new laboratory, the result of collaboration between the University of Calabria and the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), presented today at the Rende campus in the presence of the Minister for Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, the President of the Calabria Region, Roberto Occhiuto, the Rector of Unical, Gianluigi Greco, and the President of INAF, Roberto Ragazzoni.

The project also involves the installation at Unical of an antenna belonging to the international ‘Solaris’ network, designed to study plasma in the upper atmosphere. The centre will also be involved in the European Space Agency’s major international missions, including the Plasma Observatory, NewAthena and multi-messenger astronomy research linked to the Einstein Telescope and LISA. “Today,” emphasised Rector Gianluigi Greco, “is a great day for the university and for the institutions that have joined forces. We are starting straight away with an initial laboratory, equipped to accommodate 20 people, with the medium-term aim of expanding to 50. This means research, economic growth and new families choosing to live and work in Calabria.”

The president of INAF, Roberto Ragazzoni, highlighted how the project represents “a springboard for creating a scientific centre of excellence with strong links to the world of small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of high-tech components and sensors”. From a logistical and employment perspective, the new facility is already ready to welcome its first researchers.