Italy

The construction of large, world-class research infrastructures is one of five strategic priorities for the structuring and development of the European Research Area. Under Action 13 "Infrastructures" of the Italian National Research Programme 2010-2012, the tool to define the specific steps, the Italian Roadmap, linked to the European ESFRI Roadmap, was developed by an assessment committee comprised of Italian and international experts. This roadmap is defined on the basis of a thorough evaluation of scientific proposals that take into account both scientific excellence and possible socioeconomic impacts. It was also important to take note of synergies between infrastructures proposed and other initiatives and actions of the National Research Programme, in particular technology districts, centers of excellence and internationalization of research. The Italian Roadmap will be published in 2010.