Franck Marchis

Franck Marchis is a prominent astronomer and planetary scientist, currently serving as the Director of Unistellar Citizen Science at the SETI Institute. He is also the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Unistellar, where he focuses on developing citizen science initiatives, education, and outreach programs related to astronomy.

Background and Education

Born on April 6, 1973, in Caen, France, Marchis earned his Ph.D. in planetary science from the University of Toulouse in 2000. His doctoral research involved extensive travel and observations at various observatories, including the European Southern Observatory in Chile. After completing his Ph.D., he moved to the United States, where he held a postdoctoral position at the University of California, Berkeley, before joining the SETI Institute in 2011.12

Research Contributions

Marchis is well-known for his research on asteroids, exoplanets, and Io's volcanism. He has made significant discoveries, including the identification of the first triple-asteroid system and the first moonlet companion around a Trojan asteroid. He has co-authored over 380 scientific publications and has been involved in the development of advanced astronomical instruments, particularly those utilizing adaptive optics for high-resolution imaging.123

Role at Unistellar and SETI Institute

At Unistellar, Marchis leads initiatives that engage amateur astronomers in scientific research, particularly in the observation and characterization of exoplanets. His work emphasizes the importance of public participation in scientific discovery, leveraging the capabilities of citizen scientists to enhance astronomical research.45

In addition to his research and outreach efforts, Marchis actively participates in various scientific committees and has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including being named a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences in 2023.35

Personal Life

Marchis balances his professional commitments with personal interests, including family and fitness, as indicated by his involvement in CrossFit.6 He remains a passionate advocate for science communication and education, inspiring future generations of scientists through his work at the SETI Institute and Unistellar.