Massimo Vergassola

Massimo Vergassola is Professor of Physics at École Normale Supérieure (ENS-PSL) and CNRS Research Director, leading the Quantitative Biology Center. His research bridges physics and biology, focusing on navigation strategies, embryonic development, and collective behavior.

Research combines theoretical modeling and experimental approaches to study biological information processing, from olfactory navigation in insects to glider flight optimization. Recent work examines developmental waves in Drosophila embryogenesis and sensory-motor integration in navigation.

Awards include the Grand Prix EADS from the French Academy of Sciences and CNRS Bronze Medal. Research is supported by ANR, NIH, Simons Foundation, and Fondation de la Recherche Médicale.