CIRA (Italian Aerospace Research Centre) is a public-private company based in Capua, in the Campania region of southern Italy. Established in 1984, it is a consortium whose main shareholders include the National Research Council (CNR), which holds the majority stake, the Campania Region and Italian aerospace companies.
In 1989, the Italian Government entrusted CIRA with the implementation and management of the Italian National Aerospace Research Programme (PRO.R.A.), aimed at promoting:
- The development and enhancement of scientific skills and expertise in the aerospace sector;
- The development, construction and operation of strategic research and testing facilities;
- The implementation of strategic aerospace research programmes.
Thanks to PRO.R.A., CIRA has developed:
- The largest set of aerospace research infrastructures in Italy, including world-unique testing facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories used by national and international research organisations and industries;
- Scientific and technological expertise that has established CIRA as an internationally recognised centre of excellence in aeronautics and space research.
The approval of the updated PRO.R.A. in 2020 marked the beginning of a new multi-year cycle of strategic research and technological development. This programme includes the development of new research projects, laboratories and testing facilities, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and technological excellence of Italy's industrial and research ecosystem.
CIRA's evolving scientific and technological activities focus on key strategic areas, including sustainable and safe air transport, Advanced Air Mobility, innovative propulsion systems, access to and exploration of space, and environmental monitoring.
CIRA participates in major European and international research programmes, collaborates with leading aerospace research organisations, universities and industries worldwide, and is an active member of major international aerospace associations.
CIRA currently employs approximately 370 people, most of whom are involved in scientific research 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
Eng. Antonietta Mormone
Eng. Laura Caputo
Dr. Giuseppe Vitagliano
Magistrate of the Court of Auditors responsible for overseeing financial management:
Dr Stefania Calcari
Board of Statutory Auditors
President
Dr. Sora Laura
Statutory Auditors
Dr. Marcucci Alessandra
Dr. De Santis Giuseppe
Deputy Statutory Auditors
Dr. Cavalieri Barbara
Dr. Fiocchi Rodolfo
Supervisory Body (odv@cira.it)
President
Dr. Pierluigi Mancuso
Members
Dr. Anna De Stefano
Dr. Maria Antonietta Nappo