Highlights of DAMA

DAMA is an observatory for rare processes and it is operative deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N.. In particular, the DAMA/NaI setup (similar or equal to 100 kg highly radiopure NaI(Tl)) has effectively investigated the model-independent annual modulation signature. The data of seven annual cycles (total exposure of 107731 kg x day) have offered 6.3 sigma C.L. model-independent evidence for the presence of a Dark Matter particle component in the galactic halo. Some corollary model-dependent quests for the candidate particle have been investigated. In particular, in addition to WIMPs, also light bosonic candidates can account for the model independent DAMA/NaI result. At present, the second generation DAMA/LIBRA set-up (similar or equal to 250 kg highly radiopure NaI(Tl)) is in data taking