Born in 1959, graduate of Ecole Normale Supérieure and the French Agregation in physics, Doctor in astrophysics and an astronomer by profession, Fabienne Casoli takes over from Claude Catala at the head of the oldest French Observatory, situated at three different sites.
She becomes President, having acquired solid experience in the world of administrating research within major French decision-making bodies concerning astronomy and astrophysics.
From 2001 to 2007 she was Deputy Scientific Director of the National Institute of Science of the Universe INSU), CNRS, then she was director of the Space Astrophysics Institute (IAS) at Orsay. In 2007 she transfered to CNES where she was Deputy Director for the Department of Innovation, Applications and Science, and she was also Head of Science. Since 2017 she has coordinated the participation of the Paris Observatory in the giant radiotelescope SKA (Square Kilometer Array) and she is a member of the project team NenuFAR (New extension in Nançay upgrading LOFAR), a new generation radiotelescope located at the radioastronomy station in Nançay (Cher).
Aware of the necessity to share knowledge within society, she is the author of several works of scientific popularization and has participated in numerous cultural events.
Fabienne Casoli will take up her position on March 13, 2020 for a 5 year term. She will be seconded by two vice-presidents, of the administrative board and of the scientific council, to be elected shortly.
In brief
Founded in 1667, the Paris Observatory is the institutional birthplace of astronomy and astrophysics in France. It has three different sites : Paris, Meudon and Nançay and is the most important research center in astronomy and astrophysics in France. As its activities cover all aspects of astrophysics, it is considered today to be one of the most active research centers in the world in its field.
The Paris Observatory is one of nine institutions-components of PSL University.
Press contact
- Frédérique Auffret
Observatoire de Paris - PSL
+33 (0) 1 40 51 20 29
+33 (0) 6 22 70 16 44
Dernière modification le 12 janvier 2022