INGV

The Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcolologia, commonly known as INGV, is an Italian public research institution dedicated to geophysics, seismology and volcanology. It conducts research in geophysics, geology and related disciplines, focusing on understanding Earth processes, monitoring geophysical hazards, and supporting civil authorities in risk mitigation. The institute operates under the Italian Ministry of University and Research and coordinates national efforts in earthquake and volcanic monitoring.

INGV was established in 2005 by the merger of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica (ING) and the Istituto Nazionale di Geologia e Vulcanologia (IGV) to form a single national institute. It maintains a wide network for seismic and volcanic monitoring across Italy and supports field observatories and laboratories in Rome and other regional centers.

The institute conducts research across seismology, volcanology, geodesy, geology and related geochemical sciences. It operates national seismic and volcanic monitoring networks, produces hazard assessments, and disseminates data and analyses to scientists, civil protection authorities and the public. INGV collaborates with European and international organizations to share data and advance understanding of Earth processes.

INGV also supports education and outreach efforts, maintains open data services, and publishes regular bulletins on earthquakes and volcanic activity. It participates in international research projects and programs and oversees monitoring and research on Italy’s major volcanoes, including Etna, Vesuvius and Stromboli.