The National Institute for Astrophysics, INAF, is the main Italian research institute for the study of the Universe. It promotes, implements and coordinates research, nationally and internationally, in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. It designs and develops innovative technologies and state-of-the-art instrumentation for the study and exploration of the Cosmos. More than 1,400 people work in INAF between researchers, technicians and administrative staff. INAF is involved in large research infrastructures like the LBT (Large Binocular Telescope) in Arizona. It also makes available to the community, the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo in the Canaries. At the TNG, the instrument HARPS north operates and it is excellent in measuring chemical abundances thanks to its high resolution. INAF contributes to upgrade scientific instrumentation at the VLT and it is busy in programs that will define the future of astronomy and astrophysics: E-ELT, SKA (Square Kilometre Array) and Euclid.

Web page

• http://www.oats.inaf.it/index.php/it/

ChETEC contact person

• Gabriele Cescutti (gabriele.cescuttiinaf.it)