FAQs

16/06/2015

General questions

  • What is INAF?

    The National Institute for Astrophysics, INAF, is the main Italian research institute for the study of the Universe. It promotes, implements and coordinates research, nationally and internationally, in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. It designs and develops innovative technologies and state-of-the-art instrumentation for the study and exploration of the Cosmos. It promotes the dissemination of scientific culture through educational projects and the popularization of astronomy for schools and society. For further information, please visit: www.inaf.it

  • What research areas is INAF focused on?

    INAF research scientific research areas focused on the following sectors:

    • Galaxies and Cosmology
    • Stars, Stellar Populations and Interstellar medium
    • Sun and Solar System
    • Relativistic and Particle Astrophysics
    • Advanced Technology and Instruments
    • any other astrophysics subject (e.g.: exoplanets, astrobiology, etc.), relevant for INAF scientific activities.

  • How many fellowships IAF Programme offers?

    The program for this call offers 20 annuities of grant to be assigned to biannual or triannual proposals. The duration will be proposed by the applicant according to her/his research program. The number of fellowship will depend upon the ranking of the proposals being a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10. Other similar calls are expected to follow in incoming years.

Eligibility Criteria

  • What does “reseach experience” means?

Three years of documented research experience are required for the applicant not holding a PhD degree. “Research experience” means activities connected to the search for and creation of new knowledge. Every kind of research experience, whether institutionalised or independent, is relevant; however, applicants must be able to produce proof/records (such as publications, etc.). Periods of time spent doing something other than research (such as attending taught classes, teaching, etc.) do not count to reach the requested 3 years of full-time research experience (alternative to a PhD degree) allowing applicants to be eligible to apply to the call for proposals. Accordingly, periods of time spent doing research on a half-time basis only count half.

  • The 3 years of full-time research experience are they calendrical years?

    The three years mentioned above are calendrical years, not academic years. Thus, every month counts. It is therefore not sufficient for applicants to state that they have obtained their relevant degree in the respective academic year (e.g., 2020/2021), it is also important to give the specific date (e.g., 2 August, 2020).

  • Can I submit the application if, due to the cumulative limit of “Assegni di ricerca”, I would reach such limit before completing the 24 or 36 months fellowship?

The Law establishing “Assegno di ricerca” (Law 20 December 2010, n. 240, art. 22) fixes for each researcher a cumulative limit of 6 years for this type of employment contract, therefore INAF cannot award the fellowship to whom is not able to enforce the above mentioned limit and the duration of the fellowship. It means that the answer is NO.

Applications

  • How do I apply?

    Details regarding the application, the template of the application form and the letter of commitment (to be signed by the Director of the INAF host structure) can be found in the How to apply.

  • Is it possible to choose an Organisation associated to INAF as hosting Research?

    No it is not, because the project has to be carried out at one of the INAF research structures broadly distributed in Italy.

  • Can the Supervisor work in an other institution than INAF and be only associated to INAF scientific activities?

    The Supervisor has to be either a INAF staff member or and INAF associate to the INAF Structure chosen by the fellow.

  • Who are the “Referees” indicated by the applicant in the application form?

    The two referees are international experts in the research field of the project different from the supervisor.

  • Can I submit my application before having the referee letters?

    Yes, because the letters have to be submitted to a different email address afinaf@inaf.it , but in any case within the deadline of the call for proposals.

  • Has INAF specific requirements regarding the letters of reference?

    The only requirement is that they have to be dated and signed  by the referees and sent to afinaf@inaf.it before the deadline of the call for proposal. The subject of the email shall contain the name of the applicant.

Grant in general

    • What is the salary offered by INAF? What types of expenses are covered?

      The employment contract for the fellows will fix a yearly reference rate for monthly living allowances of 50.000 EUR/year. This amount, paid in different monthly installments, includes the provisions for all compulsory deductions under national applicable legislation and social charges (Law 20 December 2010, n. 240, art. 22). The host INAF structure will receive from the INAF headquarter a yearly amount of 8.000 EUR for the benefit of the fellow (Research cost contribution). The enrollment in the Italian National Health System, if the selected candidate is not already enrolled, will be paid by INAF in favour of the fellow.

    • Who will evaluate my application?

      Each application shall be evaluated by a selection committee of five components. The Selection Committee will be appointed according to the following criteria:

      • internationally recognized experience in astrophysics related fields;
      • significant experience in international research projects in astrophysics related fields;
      • high level and wide range of competencies in astrophysics;
      • one per INAF recognised Research Area (Raggruppamento Scientifico Nazionale)
      • gender balance.

    • Which are the most important evaluation criteria for the Selection Committee (SC)?

      The committee will have 100 points to assign, 70 of which according to the guidelines established in the call which are:

      • Relevance of the proposal with respect to the institutional activities of INAF – maximum 10 points
      • Coherence and clarity of the deliverables – maximum 10 points
      • Scientific and/or technological excellence of the research program –  maximum 10 points
      • Capability of execution of the proposed program –  maximum 10 points
      • Level of innovation represented by the proposal – maximum 10 points
      • Potential impact of the results on INAF Activities –  maximum 10 points
      • Evaluation of the CV of the applicant and the letters of reference –  maximum 10 points

      In order to be admitted to the Colloquium the applicant shall obtain a minimum of 35 points and shall not obtain less than 5 points in more than two of the above criteria. 30 points will be assign for the colloquium.

    • When the selection procedure will be concluded?

      The selection procedure will be concluded not later than six (6) months from the first meeting of the Selection Committee if no delays occur.

    • Can I reapply at a future call, if my application has already been evaluated as unsuccessful at this call for proposals?

      Yes, it is possible. However, all the documents will have to be submitted again.

    • When can I start my research project?

Expected starting date of the fellowship will be agreed between INAF and the applicant  within the limit of six (6) months from the award of the fellowship (on the 1st day of the month). Exceptions due to force major or objective impediment can be examined. If the candidate does not sign the contract at the agreed date, he/she will surrender his/her entitlement to the research fellowship.