Italy invests in gifted astrophysicists It takes years for early-career researchers to establish their reputation and attract funding. An EU-funded fellowship programme was initiated in Italy to provide opportunities for career development to young astrophysicists. Space © svedoliver, Thinkstock ASTROFIT (Astronomy fellowships in Italy) provided opportunities for early-career researchers to work in Italy. Facilitated by the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), a public research organisation that coordinates astrophysics and astronomy research, the programme supported the mobility of non-residents as well as returning Italian nationals. A total of 15 fellows were assigned to INAF research structures over a 2-year period. INAF incorporates 17 research structures distributed across the country as well as observing facilities. Furthermore, it is involved in major astrophysical research programmes in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and international research organisations. All fellows were selected through two calls for proposals. The first call provided three incoming mobility and four reintegration fellowships, while the second one five incoming mobility and two reintegration fellowships. The INAF structure where they conducted their personal projects was indicated in their application along with the scientific staff member at the host institute who served as their advisor. ASTROFIT has offered fellows the chance to obtain valuable experience and strengthen their capabilities. At the same time, the programme contributed to reversing the brain drain phenomenon experienced in Italy by demonstrating the attractiveness of local research centres to talented astrophysicists who carried out research in other countries. Keywords Astrophysicists, early-career researchers, career development, ASTROFIT, astrophysics
