HIGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The Observatory promotes training for European researchers in the field of astrophysics through activities in support of vocational courses, graduation theses, PhDs and post-PhD training. The internal research personnel cooperates with University professors to develop teaching programs within the graduate and PhD courses in physics, IT and engineering. INAF-OAPa offers to young people about to graduate, and young PhDs, the possibility to carry out research and pursue a traineeship for the purpose of gaining university credits. Post-graduate and post-PhD advanced research is directly financed by the Observatory by means of scholarships and non-tenure-track fellowships that usually allow students to spend short spells (weeks or months) at European and North American Universities or Colleges. Since 2000, the European Union has also channelled direct funds for post-doctoral research activities to scientists coming from member or extra-European partner countries. In particular, funds from the Sixth European Framework Program, the CONSTELLATION, PHOENIX and ISHERPA projects, have allowed European researchers to exchange their knowledge. These and more recent projects have made and continue to make INAF-OAPa an international, stimulating and scientifically productive working environment.