His Excellency the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove, and his wife, Lady Cosgrove, today visited the Headquarters of INAF, the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics. In the framework of the official visit to Italy and the Holy See, the Governor-General also met the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, Pope Francis, and Italian and Australian entrepreneurs.

The Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, together with Australian Ambassador to Italy Dr Greg French, met the President of INAF, Professor Nichi D’Amico, and his senior staff, who explained the role of INAF and highlighted the close links between astrophysicists in the two countries who work together on global challenges to develop world-class research infrastructure. Such projects include the Square Kilometre Array, the largest radio telescope in the world whose low frequency array will be deployed in Western Australia, where INAF intends to focus a significant fraction of its involvement in the project.

“It’s a great honour for the Italian astronomical community to be visited by His Excellency the Governor-General”, said Nichi D’Amico. “This visit is a sign of the close relations between Australia and Europe, and the special role that Italy plays in this relationship”.

The Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove were fascinated by Villa Mellini, the historic building that houses the INAF Headquarters, and by the unique exhibition of ancient astronomical instruments, as well to hear about the next-generation research infrastructure that will observe the universe, such as SKA, EELT and CTA. These projects will increase knowledge of the universe and strengthen the relations which Australian scientists enjoy with INAF, a global player in astronomy and astrophysics research.

During the visit the Governor-General said "Australia and Italy are partners in the pursuit of greater knowledge about our universe. It was wonderful to hear how INAF's work, in collaboration with Australian scientists and researchers, will help make important future scientific discoveries."