L'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. These activities are conducted in close collaboration with the academic world.

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.

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. More historic information can be found in Section's history.

The Institute is now organized in 20 Sections, 5 National Laboratories and connected Research Groups.

For more information: www.infn.it