Alessandro Morbidelli

Alessandro Morbidelli is a Professor at the Collège de France, holding the Chair in Planet Formation: from Earth to Exoplanets, and a Researcher at the C.N.R.S. within the Lagrange Laboratory at the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur. Born in Italy in 1966, he earned his Master’s in Physics from the University of Milan and his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Namur, Belgium. His roles include Director of the French National Programme for Planetary Science (2010–2018) and Deputy Director of the Lagrange Laboratory.

His research focuses on Celestial Mechanics, Solar System and extrasolar planet formation, and dynamical systems. Key contributions include studies on planetesimal dynamics, planetary migration, and the origin of water in the Solar System. Morbidelli has advised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, mentoring over 20 scholars since 1994.

His awards include the ERC Advanced Grant (2020), Urey Prize (2000), and Bronze Medal from C.N.R.S. (1995). He has authored over 250 refereed publications and a seminal textbook, Modern Celestial Mechanics. His work bridges theory and observation, influencing planetary science paradigms.

Morbidelli leads projects like the HolyEarth ERC initiative and coordinates the C4PO consortium. He actively participates in international conferences, editorial roles, and outreach, including the MOJO Project educational videos on planet formation.