The news arrived late in the evening, with a phone call from the office of the chief of staff of the Minister of MIUR, Hon. Stefania Giannini.
The much-anticipated appointment had finally arrived: Nichi D’Amico as president of INAF!
Great joy, of course, for all the staff at the Astronomical Observatory of Cagliari, which Professor D’Amico has led with enthusiasm, passion, and dedication for 8 years since his move to Sardinia.
A full professor of astrophysics at the Department of Physics of the University of Cagliari, Director of the SRT project until last December, with a scientific curriculum of great international standing, Nichi D’Amico certainly has all the credentials to lead our institute at such a delicate time, which sees significant transformations in the structure of the Entity and Italy’s entry into major international projects like SKA and CTA.
Alongside D’Amico’s appointment, Minister Giannini also appointed two members of the Board of Directors (Eugenio Coccia and Marco Tavani from IAPS in Rome) who will complete the team formed by Enrico Capellaro and Stefano Giovannini, recently elected by INAF staff.
Thus completes the appointment process of INAF’s institutional leaders.
“We have made appointments consistent with the enhancement of merit,” declares Minister Giannini. “Best wishes to those who have left the position and even more to those starting their mandate, fully aware that this act demonstrates the Government’s attention to a sector it considers strategic for the country.”
Congratulations to the new president on this important role!
Good luck, professor!