Luca Spogli, lead researcher at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), has officially begun his second mandate as President of the European Space Weather and Space Climate Association (E-SWAN). The reconfirmation, which came after two years spent in the role of Vice President, reflects the consolidation of the research activities conducted by the Earth Space Observations Center (COS-INGV) and underlines the strategic importance of Italy in the study of the effects of solar activity on the terrestrial environment.
The appointment fits into an important calendar for the global scientific community. From 2 to 6 November 2026, Florence will host the European Space Weather Week (ESWW), the main European conference dedicated to space weather. The event is organized by E-SWAN with the support of the Space Weather Italian Community (SWICo) and INGV. “I am honored and deeply excited to take on this role again“, declared President Spogli, adding that the concomitance between the presidency and the event in Florence “positions our organization at the center of the European and international Space Weather and Space Climate panorama“.
INGV’s commitment in this area it does not only concern pure research, but extends to the understanding of circumterrestrial phenomena that can influence technological infrastructures, from electricity grids to satellite navigation systems. Founded in 2022, E-SWAN now has around 250 members and works to strengthen Europe’s resilience in the face of space weather events.
According to the President of INGV, Fabio Florindo: “Spogli’s guide represents an important recognition of the value of Italian research and confirms the excellence of the observation activities conducted by the Institute for years“. The synergy between national institutions and the international association aims to develop increasingly accurate predictive models, fundamental for the safety of orbital flights and terrestrial technology.