Master of Science in Volcanology University of Naples Federico II

17/09/2026

🌋 Welcome to the Master in Volcanology!
A new academic year is about to begin, and we are pleased to welcome all our students — first and second year — to a new year of study, research, and discovery.

For our first-year students, this marks the beginning of an exciting academic journey into the study of volcanoes and volcanic processes. For our second-year students, it is an important step towards deepening your knowledge, developing your research skills, and preparing for the next stage of your professional path.

Throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts, engage with the scientific community, collaborate with your peers, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to better understand one of the most fascinating and dynamic aspects of our planet.

📍 The Master will officially begin on Monday 21st at 9:00 AM in GEO2.

Timetable: https://www.volcanology.unina.it/master/courses-timetable

We look forward to welcoming you and to sharing a new year of learning, research, and scientific exploration.

Welcome to the Master in Volcanology. We wish you all a successful and rewarding academic year! 🌋

16/09/2026

🌋 Meet our Professors – Prof. Flora Giudicepietro
Our Meet our Professors series continues with Prof. Flora Giudicepietro, Senior Researcher at the Osservatorio Vesuviano of the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) in Naples.

In this interview, she tells us about her research in volcano monitoring and geophysics, her passion for volcanology, and the experience of studying what volcanoes are “telling us” through real-time monitoring data.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself? Tell us about your current position and your main research interests?

I am a Senior Researcher at the Osservatorio Vesuviano of INGV in Naples. My research focuses on volcano monitoring and volcano geophysics, particularly on understanding the processes occurring inside active and restless volcanoes and identifying signals that may indicate changes in their state of activity.

2. Which course(s) do you teach in the Master in Volcanology, and what can students expect to learn from them?

I teach Frontiers in Multi-Parametric Volcano Monitoring. The course explores how different monitoring techniques — seismic, geodetic, geochemical, thermal and remote-sensing observations — can be integrated to obtain a more complete picture of volcanic activity. I especially like showing students how real monitoring data can be used to investigate what is happening beneath a volcano.

3. How did you become interested in volcanology? Was there a particular experience, person, or moment that inspired your career?

My fascination with volcanoes began when I was a child. My father often told me stories about the 1944 eruption of Vesuvius, which he had experienced himself. Those stories made the volcano seem both mysterious and incredibly alive, and I think that curiosity stayed with me and eventually became my profession.

4. What is the most exciting or rewarding aspect of your research?

For me, one of the most exciting aspects is working with very recent data, sometimes acquired only minutes or hours before, and trying to understand the processes currently taking place inside a volcano. There is something very special about looking at new observations and asking: What is the volcano telling us right now?

5. What advice would you give to students who are considering a career in volcanology or geosciences?

Volcanology is more than a subject: for many of us, it becomes a real passion. If you feel genuinely drawn to volcanoes and to understanding how the Earth works, follow that curiosity. It is a challenging field, but also an extraordinarily stimulating one, combining physics, geology, chemistry, technology and fieldwork.

6. If you could take your students to visit just one volcano anywhere in the world, which one would you choose and why?

There are so many fascinating volcanoes — Stromboli, Etna, Fuego in Guatemala, Campi Flegrei, and many others. But if I had to choose only one, I would choose Vesuvius. Its eruptive history is extraordinary, but what makes it truly unique to me is its deep connection with the history and identity of Naples. Vesuvius has helped shape the landscape, the culture and even the character of my city, giving Naples part of its very special uniqueness.

🌋 Thank you, Prof. Giudicepietro, for sharing your experience and passion for volcanology with us!

15/09/2026

🌋 Meet our Professors – Prof. Massimo D'Antonio

Our Meet our Professors series continues with Prof. Massimo D'Antonio, Full Professor of Geochemistry and Volcanology.

In this interview, Prof. D'Antonio tells us about his career in volcanology and his research interests, ranging from the pre-eruptive pressure and temperature conditions of magma to the geochemical characteristics of magma sources and tephrostratigraphy applied to Italian volcanoes.

He also introduces the course he teaches in the Master in Volcanology, Advanced Isotope Geochemistry, where students learn how isotopic tools and techniques can be used to investigate volcanic processes, date volcanic rocks, trace magma sources, and reconstruct volcanic activity.

From a childhood fascination with black stones collected near his home in Lucrino to his research on volcanic ash deposits across the Mediterranean, Prof. D'Antonio shares his experience, insights, and advice for the next generation of volcanologists.

Could you briefly introduce yourself? Tell us about your current position and your main research interests.

I am Full Professor of Geochemistry and Volcanology. My main research interests include investigating the pre-eruptive pressure and temperature conditions of magma, the geochemical characteristics of magma sources, and tephrostratigraphy applied to Italian volcanoes.

Which course(s) do you teach in the Master in Volcanology, and what can students expect to learn from them?

I teach Advanced Isotope Geochemistry, a course that allows students to become familiar with several isotopic tools and techniques that can be employed when studying volcanoes.

In particular, students will learn how to date volcanic rocks, which is fundamental for understanding the history of a volcano. They will also explore isotopic tools to investigate pre- and post-eruptive processes, such as the hydrothermal alteration of volcanic rocks, as well as to determine the origin of lavas and pyroclastic rocks of different compositions.

How did you become interested in volcanology? Was there a particular experience, person, or moment that inspired your career?

I remember that when I was a little boy, I spent my summer vacations for several years with my family in a small town near Naples called Lucrino. I was curious about the black stones that I collected close to my house.

Later, I discovered that those black stones were scoria fragments emitted during the Monte Nuovo eruption, and that the small town of Lucrino is located within the Campi Flegrei caldera!

What is the most exciting or rewarding aspect of your research?

In my current research, I use radiogenic isotopes, specifically strontium and neodymium, as tracers of the source of volcanic ash deposits found in distal locations, sometimes hundreds of kilometres away from the volcanic centres.

The isotopic composition of strontium and neodymium in the ash, combined with its geochemical composition and geochronological constraints, allows us to identify the corresponding volcanic products located close to a known volcano or volcanic area.

This is particularly important for reconstructing volcanic activity and assessing the dispersal of explosive volcanic products across the Mediterranean region.

What advice would you give to students who are considering a career in volcanology or geosciences?

Be curious about the landscape surrounding you and about the appearance of rocks. Observation is fundamental.

And, last but not least, always compare your case study with other case studies.

If you could take your students to visit just one volcano anywhere in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose the island of Pantelleria, in the Strait of Sicily, firstly because its landscape is almost devoid of urbanization, and secondly because its volcanic activity has been characterized by both effusive and explosive eruptions, producing mafic to felsic rocks.

🌋 We thank Prof. Massimo D'Antonio for sharing his experience and insights with our students and future volcanologists!

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

Workshop sulla gestione dell’ansia da esame
In presenza oppure online!
✉️ Iscriviti inviando una e-mail a: [email protected]

08/09/2026

🌋 Meet our Professors – Prof. Giovanni Macedonio
Our Meet our Professors series continues with Prof. Giovanni Macedonio, Associate Researcher Emeritus and former Research Director at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) – Osservatorio Vesuviano, Naples.

In this interview, Prof. Macedonio tells us about his career in volcanology and his research focused on the development of physics-mathematical models to quantitatively understand volcanic processes — from magma dynamics in chambers and conduits to lava flows, explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, ash and gas dispersion, and ground deformation associated with dikes and sills.

He also introduces the course he teaches in the Master in Volcanology, “Physical Modeling of Volcanic Processes and Dynamics,” where students explore the fundamental physical processes driving volcanic behaviour and learn how to develop and apply quantitative models to real-world volcanic phenomena.

Could you briefly introduce yourself? Tell us about your current position and your main research interests.

I am an Associate Researcher Emeritus and former Research Director at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Osservatorio Vesuviano, Naples, Italy. My research focuses on developing physics-mathematical models to quantitatively understand volcanic phenomena, from magma dynamics in chambers and conduits to lava flows, explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, ash and gas dispersion, and ground deformation caused by dikes and sills.

Which course(s) do you teach in the Master in Volcanology, and what can students expect to learn from them?

I teach “Physical Modeling of Volcanic Processes and Dynamics.” My primary goal is to help students deeply understand the fundamental physical processes that drive volcanic behaviour. Through both simple and complex models, we connect theoretical concepts with physical quantities that can actually be measured and observed in nature or in the laboratory.

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply existing dynamical models to real-world scenarios and develop the critical skills needed to formulate scientific hypotheses and build simple quantitative models from scratch.

How did you become interested in volcanology? Was there a particular experience, person, or moment that inspired your career?

My interest in volcanology grew out of a fascination with physics and fluid dynamics. I was always drawn to understanding how physical laws operate in the real world, and volcanoes are essentially nature’s most dynamic laboratories.

The realization that mathematical equations could be used to describe something as chaotic and powerful as magma movement or explosive eruptions was the moment that defined my career direction.

What is the most exciting or rewarding aspect of your research?

What excites me most is the moment when observational data from the field, laboratory experiments, or satellites suddenly align with a physical formula.

Taking complex and sometimes messy natural phenomena and capturing their essence in an elegant physical model that explains why a volcano behaves the way it does is uniquely thrilling.

What advice would you give to students who are considering a career in volcanology or geosciences?

Stay deeply curious and embrace an interdisciplinary mindset. Earth processes do not respect academic boundaries; volcanology sits at the intersection of physics, geology, fluid mechanics, and computer science.

My best advice is to maintain a balance between natural observations and theoretical modelling: always ground your equations in real-world phenomena, and use your passion to drive your technical learning.

If you could take your students to visit just one volcano anywhere in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I would take my students to Santorini, Greece. It is an extraordinary location that combines immense historical importance with complex volcanic physics.

Standing on the edge of its spectacular caldera allows students to visually grasp the sheer scale of massive explosive eruptions and the mechanics of magma chamber collapse. Furthermore, despite its ancient history, Santorini is still a highly active and dynamic volcanic system.

The ongoing processes, such as magma intrusions and measurable ground deformation beneath the caldera, provide a perfect real-world context for applying the physical-mathematical models we study in class.

07/09/2026

🌋 Predicting the Unpredictable: Living on a Fault Line
We are proud to share a documentary featuring Professor Warner Marzocchi, one of the lecturers of our Master’s Degree in Volcanology, together with Dr Anna Tramelli from INGV – Sezione di Napoli (Osservatorio Vesuviano), Dr Lucia Margheriti Director of the Earthquake observatory from INGV, and Professor Rui Pinho, President of the EUcentre Foundation.

🎬 Predicting the Unpredictable: Living on a Fault Line explores some of the most challenging questions surrounding natural hazards, scientific research, and our ability to understand and manage the risks associated with earthquakes and volcanic activity.

We are delighted to see the expertise of our lecturers and collaborators contributing to an important conversation on natural hazards and the relationship between scientific research and society.

🎥 Watch the documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zewPO3k99yA

Italy sits on the boundary where the African tectonic plate is divi...

07/09/2026

🌋 The new academic year is about to begin!
We are excited to welcome our 1st- and 2nd-year students to the MSc in Volcanology at the University of Naples Federico II! 🎓🌋

📅 Classes start on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The timetable for the 2026/2027 academic year is now available online, including courses for both the 1st and 2nd year and the elective courses.

👉 Check the full timetable here:
https://www.volcanology.unina.it/master/courses-timetable

Get ready for a new year of learning, research and, of course, volcanoes! 🌋🔥

Welcome to all our new and returning students — see you in class!

During the first term, classes are held in person from Monday to Friday, with weekends and the early part of January available for field trips and other educational activities.

07/09/2026

🌋 Meet our Professors – Prof. Francesca Bianco
Our Meet our Professors series continues with Prof. Francesca Bianco, Research Director at the Osservatorio Vesuviano – INGV and former Director of INGV’s Volcanoes Department and of the Osservatorio Vesuviano.

In this interview, Prof. Bianco tells us about her career in volcanology and her research on volcano seismology, multiparametric analysis of volcanic processes, the detection of eruption precursors, seismic hazard in volcanic areas, and the dynamics of volcanic unrest and pre-eruptive processes.

She also introduces the course she teaches in the Master in Volcanology, “Volcano Seismology and Geodesy,” where students learn how seismic and geodetic data can be integrated to better understand the current state and dynamics of a volcano.

Could you briefly introduce yourself? Tell us about your current position and your main research interests.

I am a Research Director at the Osservatorio Vesuviano – INGV. I previously served as Director of INGV’s Volcanoes Department and as Director of the Osservatorio Vesuviano. My main research interests include volcano seismology, multiparametric analysis of volcanic processes, detection of eruption precursors, seismic hazard in volcanic areas, and the dynamics of volcanic unrest and pre-eruptive processes.

Which course(s) do you teach in the Master in Volcanology, and what can students expect to learn from them?

I teach “Volcano Seismology and Geodesy.” In this course, students learn about the different types and characteristics of seismicity occurring in volcanic areas and how seismic and geodetic data can be used together to improve our understanding of the current state and dynamics of a volcano.

How did you become interested in volcanology? Was there a particular experience, person, or moment that inspired your career?

Since I was three years old, I used to climb up to the crater of Vesuvius with my father and his friends, at least once a month. I was always very curious to understand the processes that could transform such a beautiful place into a dangerous and potentially devastating environment. As I grew up, this curiosity led me to study those processes and eventually become a volcanologist.

During my PhD, I began working on the problem of identifying the physical precursors of volcanic eruptions. At the same time, I became increasingly aware of the profound impact that eruptions can have on the lives of people living near active volcanoes. This was a turning point for me, because I realized that advancing our knowledge of active volcanoes is not only a fascinating scientific challenge, but also an important contribution to volcanic risk mitigation, giving our research a strong social value.

What is the most exciting or rewarding aspect of your research?

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects is presenting my research results to colleagues and discussing them openly. I particularly value constructive criticism and scientific debate, as they provide new perspectives and help me improve the quality and robustness of my research.

What advice would you give to students who are considering a career in volcanology or geosciences?

For students considering a career in volcanology or geosciences, I would recommend building a solid background in geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Volcanology, in particular, is a highly interdisciplinary field, because understanding complex volcanic phenomena requires integrating knowledge, methods, and data from many different disciplines.

I would also encourage students to remain curious, always open-minded, and meet and collaborate with researchers with different scientific backgrounds. Volcanology is a continuously evolving science, and approaching a problem from different perspectives is an essential part of becoming a good scientist.

If you could take your students to visit just one volcano anywhere in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Mt. Etna! It is a fantastic natural laboratory. The enormous amount and variety of data collected there provide an exceptional opportunity to understand what a volcano is doing and how we can observe and interpret its behaviour. There is so much to learn simply by visiting Mt. Etna and looking at it through the eyes of a volcanologist. And, of course, it is also an extraordinarily beautiful place.