Franck Hersant, CNRS researcher at the Laboratory of Astrophysics in Bordeaux (LAB), passed away suddenly of unknown causes in late April. He was 43 years old.
After graduate studies in fundamental physics at Paris 7 University and the University of Grenoble in 1999, Franck Hersant defended his doctoral thesis in 2002 on turbulence in the solar nebula under the direction of Bérengère Dubrulle (CEA-Saclay) and Daniel Gautier (LESIA / Obs. Paris- Meudon-Nançay). He then joined the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics in Heidelberg, Germany. After postdoctoral work at LESIA in 2005 and LAB in 2006, Hersant was recruited to the CNRS in 2008 and continued his research at the LAB on the formation of the Solar System including isotopic fractionation, turbulent mixing and the physico-chemical composition of comets and planets. He expanded his fields of expertise into gas-grain interactions, chemistry in circumstellar disks, planetary atmospheres and the interstellar medium, self-gravitating systems in rotation, planetary migration and the effects of tides. Franck was a key contributor to the success of numerous research projects and theses. The diversity of the subjects and his approaches to them reflect his brilliant, curious and lively intellect.
The scientific community has lost an exceptional researcher. Those who had the chance to know him, both professionally and personally, will remember a humble, sensitive, altruistic person, always kind, warm and deeply endearing. He leaves a huge void behind him.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Franck's family at
tribute.franckhersant@mailden.net