The next INAF PhD School Francesco Lucchin will be held in Nicolosi (CT), during the week May 24-29 2026.
The school is intended for students currently enrolled in any PhD program in Italy. Foreigners students are also welcomed to apply, but we require them to contact us first, as the school has a limited number of participants.
The topics covered by the school are:
Exoplanets:
The field of exoplanetary science has undergone a transformative evolution over the last three decades, transitioning from a speculative hunt to a robust statistical and observational discipline. With over 6,000 confirmed planets, research now focuses on the astonishing diversity of these worlds—from gas giants to rocky planets—challenging our classical formation models and enabling the first pioneering steps in atmospheric characterization. This progress is driven by a sophisticated fleet of dedicated instrumentation, including ground-based high-resolution spectrographs and space missions like TESS and JWST, with next-generation facilities such as the ELT, Ariel, and PLATO poised to explore habitable worlds.
Gamma Astronomy:
Very High Energy Astrophysics has undergone an incredible development over the past two decades, establishing itself as a key window on the non-thermal Universe. Observations at high and very-high energies have finally revealed extreme astrophysical environments, from particle acceleration in supernova remnants and pulsar wind nebulae to relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei and transient phenomena such as gamma-ray bursts. Current ground-based Cherenkov telescopes have achieved unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution, enabling the observation of hundreds of gamma-ray sources, population studies and time-resolved investigations of cosmic accelerators. In the next few years, the field is expected to enter a new era, driven by next-generation facilities such as ASTRI and CTAO that will significantly expand energy coverage, sensitivity, and discovery potential.
This school is designed to provide PhD students with a solid and up-to-date understanding of both Exoplanetary science and Gamma-ray astronomy by balancing theoretical foundations with the most advanced observational and instrumental techniques. The program covers a wide range of topics, from planetary demographics and formation pathways to the physics of cosmic accelerators and Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes. A core component of the curriculum consists of hands-on sessions where participants will gain direct experience with Monte Carlo simulation frameworks and analysis methodologies. Through this integrated approach, students will acquire the essential expertise to interpret complex data and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries with next-generation facilities.
SOC:
- Lucio Angelo Antonelli (INAF - OAR)
- Serena Benatti (INAF - OAPA)
- Alessandro Carosi (INAF - OAR)
- Saverio Lombardi (INAF - OAR)
- Gaetano Scandariato (INAF - OACT, Chair)
LOC:
- Mariagrazia Condorelli (INAF - OACT)
- Daniela Domina (INAF - OACT)
- Nino Greco (UNICT, INAF - OACT)
- Salvatore Guglielmino (INAF - OACT)
- Luigia Santagati (INAF - OACT)
- Gaetano Scandariato (INAF - OACT)
