Frank Merle

Frank Merle is a University Professor and holds the Chair of Analysis jointly at CY Cergy Paris University and the Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies (IHES). His research focuses on partial differential equations and mathematical physics, with emphasis on nonlinear dispersive equations such as the Schrödinger equation and the Korteweg-de Vries equation.

His research interests include:

• Partial Differential Equations
• Nonlinear Dispersive Equations
• Mathematical Physics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Soliton Theory
• Blow-up Analysis

Merle has made seminal contributions to the qualitative study of solutions to nonlinear PDEs, pioneering the analysis of blowup solutions and soliton collisions, and resolving the soliton resolution conjecture for the radial critical wave equation in odd dimensions. His work on the compressible Navier-Stokes equation in dimension 3 established the first result of explosion for some initial data, and he resolved a classical Bourgain conjecture in the negative.

His scientific awards include:

• Bocher Memorial Prize (2005 and 2023)
• CNRS Silver Medal (2005)
• ERC Advanced Grant 'Blow-Up, Dispersion and Solitons' (2011)
• ICM Plenary Speaker (2014)
• Ampère Prize of Electricity of France (2018)
• Member of the Academia Europaea (2020)

Merle was honored with a conference "Advances in Nonlinear Analysis and Nonlinear Waves" on his 60th birthday in 2023. He leads the ERC Advanced Grant "Blowdisol" and organized a term on non-linear waves at IHES in 2016.