There are five lines of research at INFN, and the conduct of scientific activity is coordinated by as many Scientific Committees that act as advisory bodies to the governing board of the institute.
This line of research investigates elementary particles and fundamental forces. Research is conducted through experiments with high-energy accelerators, such as the LHC at CERN in Geneva. Research activities are coordinated by Scientific Committee 1.
Stemming from the combination of particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics, this line of research studies aspects of fundamental physics involving cosmic rays, neutrinos, dark matter and dark energy, gravitational waves and the origin of the universe. Research activities are coordinated by Scientific Committee 2.
Its research investigates the atomic nucleus and its components, the structure and dynamics of nuclear matter, as well as the processes that take place in the core of stars. In particular, the most current studies concern quark and gluon plasma, exotic nuclei and nuclei under extreme conditions. Research activities are coordinated by Scientific Committee 3.
Starting from current knowledge, theoretical research develops hypotheses, mathematical and numerical methods also based on supercomputing and AI, models and theories to explain experimental results already acquired or to propose solutions to questions still unsolved, also opening up new scenarios for future physics. Research activities are coordinated by Scientific Committee 4.
This line of research focuses on technologies developed for research in fundamental physics, designing and implementing applications in other fields, such as medicine or cultural heritage. Research activities are coordinated by Scientific Committee 5.