MOTION OF OPPOSITION BY THE STAFF OF THE CAGLIARI ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY
Following the meeting with the President and the main governing bodies of the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF), the staff of the Cagliari Astronomical Observatory (OAC) confirms their unwavering opposition to the merger of the OAC with the Institute of Radio Astronomy in Bologna (IRA), both already 2nd Level Structures of a single entity. In this regard, the staff reiterates that:
INAF has all the statutory tools to effectively manage the coordination and international representation needs required by Italian radio astronomy, without resorting to demoralizing and ineffective solutions.
It is at least questionable whether a merger of two structures so geographically distant can be effective, economical, and thus in line with the spirit of the Spending Review.
The operation would make Sardinia the only Italian region, despite hosting significant INAF facilities, not to have a 2nd Level Structure, precisely in a context where the Autonomous Region of Sardinia is strategically committed to supporting Italian radio astronomy.
In five months, the terms of the current governing bodies of INAF will expire. Reforms are not made just before leaving.
These considerations are decisive for us, and we believe that the scientific authority and passion that characterize the OAC demand respect for the staff’s will. We confirm our openness to consider alternative solutions for the coordination of Italian radio astronomy, but only those that do not deprive the OAC of its current definition as an INAF 2nd Level Structure in Sardinia, with its territorial planning.
The staff of the Cagliari Astronomical Observatory – unanimous motion
March 11, 2015