In this section, we outline the management architecture and the operational pillars guiding our Unit. You will find a summary diagram of the structure and its representative members in theinfographic at the bottom of the page..
Governance and Central Organization
The organizational structure of USC-C website is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, with a planned rotation of roles every 2-3 years. Strategic management is structured across two main levels:
Technical-Scientific-Operational Board: This is the primary planning and control body. Led by the Head of the USC—operating in agreement with the Scientific Directorate—it includes the coordinators of the four Implementation Sectors and a group of scientific and technological experts, including external consultants.
Advisory and Support Committee: This broader committee integrates the Board with a wider institutional and project-based vision. It includes a member appointed by the Board of Directors and representatives from major national INAF projects where computing and data management play a key role.
Additionally, the Head of USC-C, in consultation with the Scientific Director and the Advisory Committee, is responsible for appointing the Time & Space Allocation Committee (CAT&S).This body defines access criteria and usage policies for the computing and archiving infrastructures as they become available.
The Four Implementation Sectors
The operational core of USC-C is divided into four specialized sectors, each led by a dedicated coordinator:
Critical Computing (HPC/High-End Computing): Focused on managing high-capacity infrastructures that exceed the local resources of individual INAF Research Structures.
Data Curation (Data Stewardship): Covers the development of the Virtual Observatory (VO), implementation of FAIR principles Fair Principles ((Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable),and the promotion of Open Access for scientific data.
Synergies for Research and Development (R&D): Dedicated to technological innovation and strengthening relationships with industrial partners and external stakeholders.
IT Services: This sector evolves the functions previously managed under the “ICT” umbrella. This transition marks the end of “ICT” as a standalone entity in INAF, integrating these services into a systemic vision dedicated to research.
A heartfelt “thank you” goes to all the colleagues who managed the ICT area with great commitment and expertise over the years.
È inoltre prevista la nomina di un Comitato di Allocazione del Tempo & Spazio (CAT&S), incaricato di definire i criteri di accesso e le policy di utilizzo per le infrastrutture di calcolo e archiviazione messe a disposizione dall’Unità.
Evolution and Future-Proofing
It is understood that the organizational structure represented is not to be considered static. On the contrary: variations may be made, based on initial experience and the emergence of new needs, just as a rotation between the people mentioned in the various roles is desirable, on a time scale of 2-3 years.
Training: A Strategic Pillar
It is also noted that in all 4 sectors there is an item linked to training. This is one of the cornerstones of USC-C. Growing the expertise of the INAF community in all reference sectors is a priority objective to ensure that the members of the organisation, and in particular the younger ones, have in their hands in the coming years the “tool manual” to make the best use of the technological developments, expected to become almost indispensable to remain at the forefront of astrophysics research.