CSFNSM is a public organization founded in 1955 by the three state universities of Sicily (Universities of Catania, Messina and Palermo) and other institutions. Presently it is under the control of the University of Catania and the University of Messina and is governed by a board of representatives of these universities. The mission of CSFNSM is to sustain scientific research in physiscs and to promote the diffusion of scientific knowledge.