CIRA, the Italian Aerospace Research Centre, is a company mainly of public ownership created in 1984 for the purpose of performing research in the fields of space and aeronautics.
The Centre, with headquarters and operational structures in Capua, Campania, was founded by the Italian State with the aim of promoting research and technological development in the fields of space and aeronautics matching that of other European countries, and enabling Italian enterprises to compete at high levels on the international markets.
The National Research Council, the Region of Campania (through Area Sviluppo Industriale of Caserta), and industries and SMEs of the aerospace sector who play a part in the company, all ensure that CIRA’s goals remain consistent with the strategic national guidelines and the needs of companies, thereby contributing to the economic development of the country.
Today, thirty years since it was set up, CIRA has the biggest research facilities in the field of aerospace in Italy, with testing facilities that are unique in the world and state-of-the-art laboratories used by industries and bodies in Italy and around the world.
The company specialises in the most advanced techniques of aerospace research: from the study of aeronautical craft and spacecraft able to fly autonomously and at very high speeds; to the development of innovative systems that can reduce the environmental impact of aircraft, increase flight safety, and improve the management of air traffic; and to the development of technologies for the space transport systems of tomorrow.
CIRA takes part in the main European and International research programmes, collaborates with top Universities and aeronautical and space companies in Italy and other countries, and is also a strong attractor of talent and industrial investments.
370 people currently work for CIRA, mostly in research and in scientific and technological development.
Organization
As of 7 July 2025, the President is Prof. Tommaso Edoardo Frosini. A Full Professor of Comparative Public Law at the Suor Orsola Benincasa University of Naples, Prof. Frosini is a prominent figure in the Italian legal and institutional landscape and served as Vice President of the CNR (National Research Council) from 2016 to 2021.
As of 10 December 2025, the Director General is Eng. Stefania Cantoni; she previously served as Acting Director General from 22 July 2025. An aeronautical engineer, she graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Naples, where she also earned a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering. She joined CIRA in 1996 and has since held positions of increasing responsibility, including Director of Research and Experimental Facilities.
Corporate Bodies
Board of Directors
President
Prof. Tommaso Edoardo Frosini
Directors
Prof. Sergio Vetrella
Ing. Antonietta Mormone
Ing. Laura Caputo
Dott. Giuseppe Vitagliano
Magistrato della Corte dei Conti delegato al Controllo sulla Gestione Finanziaria:
Dott.ssa Stefania Calcari
Board of Statutory Auditors
President
Dott.ssa Sora Laura
Statutory Auditors
Dott.ssa Marcucci Alessandra
Dott. De Santis Giuseppe
Deputy Statutory Auditors
Dott. Cavalieri Barbara
Dott. Fiocchi Rodolfo
Supervisory Body (odv@cira.it)
President
Avv. Pierluigi Mancuso
Members
Avv. Anna De Stefano
Avv. Maria Antonietta Nappo