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About

A. Gendotti is a key figure in the development of next-generation ground-based gamma-ray astronomy, with a primary focus on the **FACT (First G-APD Cherenkov Telescope)** project. Their major contribution lies in pioneering the operational use of **silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs or G-APDs)** in Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs). By successfully deploying FACT on the former HEGRA CT3 mount at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, Gendotti helped demonstrate that solid-state photon detectors could replace traditional photomultiplier tubes, offering greater stability and robustness. This work has been cited over a dozen times, establishing a foundation for future SiPM-based instruments. Beyond the hardware, Gendotti’s research has been instrumental in advancing **robotic and remote operation** of IACTs. Since summer 2012, FACT has been routinely operated from remote without an on-site crew—a first for its class—showcasing the potential for fully autonomous, reliable monitoring of variable gamma-ray sources. This achievement not only reduces operational costs but also enables long-term, high-cadence observations, marking a significant step toward the next generation of automated Cherenkov observatories.