Augusto Neri has focused his research on the development and application of physical-mathematical models of volcanic processes, with a particular focus on the dynamics of explosive eruptions. The most studied phenomena have been volcanic columns and jets, pyroclastic flows, blasts, Vulcanian eruptions, ash dispersion, and magma ascent in volcanic conduits.
Together with his collaborators, Augusto Neri has also developed quantitative models that have been applied to estimate the hazard of active volcanoes both in Italy (Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, Etna, Stromboli) and abroad (Mt. St. Helens, Soufriére Hills Montserrat, La Soufriére de Guadeloupe, Eyjafjallajökull, Santorini, etc.), as well as used to estimate the impact of volcanic phenomena to support risk mitigation actions.
He graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pisa and received his PhD from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. After completing studies at the National Institute of Geophysics, the University of Pisa, and the National Research Council (CNR), he was a Senior Researcher at the CNR in Pisa and since 2003 has been Research Director in Volcanism Physics at the INGV.