The INFN Istituto nazionale di fisica nucleare
INFN: mission and origins
 The
INFN - the National Institute of Nuclear Physics - is an organization
dedicated to the study of the fundamental constituents of matter,
and conducts theoretical and experimental research in the fields
of subnuclear, nuclear, and astroparticle physics.
Fundamental research in these areas requires the use of cutting-edge
technologies and instrumentation, which the INFN develops both
in its own laboratories and in collaboration with the world
of industry.
Moreover, the INFN promotes the application of the skills,
methods, and experimental techniques developed in the course
of its own research to research in other fields, such as medicine,
artistic preservation, and environmental protection. These activities
are conducted in close collaboration with the academic world.
Groups from the universities of Rome, Padua, Turin, and Milan
founded the INFN on August 8, 1951 for the purpose of building
upon the scientific tradition established during the 1930’s
by Enrico Fermi and his school, with their theoretical and experimental
research in nuclear physics.
During the latter half of the 1950’s, the INFN designed
and constructed the first Italian accelerator—the electron
synchrotron developed in Frascati, the birthplace of the Institute’s
first national laboratory.
During the same period, the INFN began to participate in research
into the construction and use of ever-more powerful accelerators
being conducted at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear
Research, in Geneva. Today, INFN researchers make important
contributions to research not only in various European laboratories,
but also in numerous research centers worldwide.
INFN: organization
 Research
activity at the INFN is carried out at two complementary types
of facilities: the Divisions (Sezioni) and the National Laboratories.
Each of the 19 Divisions is located at a university physics
department. The Divisions thus provide a direct connection between
the Institute and the academic world. The four Laboratories—in
Catania, Frascati, Legnaro, and at Gran Sasso—are home
to major facilities which are available to the national and
international scientific community.
The INFN workforce includes about 2000 of its own employees,
almost 2000 university employees involved in research conducted
by the Institute, and 1300 young researchers, including undergraduate
and graduate students and research fellows.
 The
organization of the INFN represents an effective balance between
centralized and decentralized management and is the product
of customs established and strengthened over the years. The
main decisional body of the Institute is the Council of Directors,
comprised of the President and the Executive Board; the Directors
of the four National Laboratories and 19 Divisions; and representatives
from other institutions.
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