2026 Academy of Sciences: 3 Distinguished Scientists

  • Award
  • Institutional
  • Research
Published on November 12, 2026 – Updated on November 12, 2026
Dates

on the November 4, 2026

academie des sciences 2026
academie des sciences 2026

At the 2026 Academy of Sciences Awards Ceremony, held on October 27 in Paris, three scientists affiliated with Université Côte d’Azur were honored for their contributions to research: Diane Rivet in seismology, Patrick Michel in astrophysics, and Pierre Bernhard in applied mathematics.

Diane Rivet, Winner of the Michel Gouilloud SLB Grand Prize

Diane Rivet, an assistant physicist at the Géoazur laboratory (Université Côte d’Azur/CNRS/IRD/OCA) and a seismologist, has received the Michel Gouilloud SLB Grand Prize from the French Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on a new approach to underwater seismological observation based on the use of fiber-optic cables. This technology makes it possible to detect low-intensity seismic signals that were previously difficult to observe. Her work contributes to improving the monitoring of active faults and opens up new possibilities for the development of faster and more accurate earthquake and tsunami warning systems.




Patrick Michel, Winner of the “CNES Astrophysics & Space Sciences” Award

Patrick Michel, a research director at the CNRS at the Joseph-Louis Lagrange Laboratory (Université Côte d’Azur/CNRS/OCA), received the “CNES Astrophysics & Space Sciences” Award from the Academy of Sciences. An internationally recognized expert in the study of asteroids, he develops numerical simulations of collisions between celestial bodies and contributes to several major space missions dedicated to the exploration of asteroids and small bodies in the Solar System. In particular, he has participated in the DART, Hera, Hayabusa2, OSIRIS-REx, and MMX missions.



Pierre Bernhard, recipient of the Medal for Applications of Science

As a visiting research director at the Inria Center at Université Côte d’Azur, Pierre Bernhard received the Medal for Applications of Science from the French Academy of Sciences. His work focuses primarily on the mathematical theory of dynamic games and its applications, as well as on the algebraic theory of systems and robust control. His research finds applications in a variety of fields, including combat modeling, telecommunications networks, finance, population dynamics, and animal behavior. He is also interested in mathematical management and economics, particularly as they relate to satellite constellations.