INGV appoints new directors of scientific departments

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology ( INGV ) has identified the new directors of its scientific departments and research sections for the three-year period 2025-2028 . It announced this in a press release. From September 2025, the three scientific departments will be led by Maria Fabrizia Buongiorno for the Environment Department , Salvatore Stramondo for the Earthquake Department , and Stefano Felice Branca for the Volcanoes Department.

The new or reappointed directors of the Sections and Observatories are Micol Todesco of the Bologna Section; Tomaso Esposti Ongaro of the Pisa Section; Giuseppe Di Stefano of the Rome 1 Section; Vincenzo Romano of the Rome 2 Section; Lucia Pappalardo of the Vesuvius Observatory of Naples; Annamaria Vicari of the Irpinia Section; Salvatore Gambino of the Etna Observatory of Catania; and Antonio Paonita of the Palermo Section. The directors of the National Earthquake Observatory, Lucia Margheriti, and of the Milan Section, Francesca Pacor, remain in office as their terms were not expiring.

"I am pleased to extend my best wishes for their future endeavors to the new Directors appointed by the INGV Board of Directors. Over the next three years, they will lead the research, monitoring, and surveillance activities of the Departments, Sections, and Observatories," stated Fabio Florindo, President of the Institute. "These selected colleagues will serve as points of reference for the Institute's scientific community, which has always been committed to monitoring, assessing, and mitigating seismic, volcanic, and tsunami risks throughout Italy."

"By participating in high-profile European and international research projects, the Institute's facilities will be able to continue their work implementing infrastructure networks that allow us to increase our knowledge of how the planet works : from the study of earthquakes and volcanoes to that of the Earth's internal structure, with a focus also on the effects of climate change, space, and sustainable energy resources," Florindo concludes. Giovanni Torre, Director General of the INGV, echoing the President's best wishes, emphasizes the fundamental role of dialogue between Department and Section Directors and the Institute's Administration in addressing current challenges in scientific research and identifying the best ways to fulfill the Institute's mission.