Michael Berhanu

Dr. Michael Berhanu is a Senior CNRS researcher at the Laboratory Matières et Systèmes Complexes (MSC) within Université Paris Cité, where he has been working since 2010. Previously a CNRS researcher at the same institution (2010-2024), he specializes in fundamental aspects of non-linear physics and out-of-equilibrium systems, with particular focus on fluid mechanics problems related to environmental and natural phenomena across various scales.

He earned his PhD in Physics from the École Normale Supérieure in 2008, with his thesis titled 'Turbulent Magnetohydrodynamics in liquid metals' supervised by Professors Stéphan Fauve and Nicolas Mordant. Prior to this, he completed a Master's degree in Physics from the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon in 2005. Between 2008 and 2010, he served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Clark University, Massachusetts, USA, working in the Complex Matter and Nonlinear Physics Laboratory under Arshad Kudrolli. In December 2020, he successfully defended his habilitation thesis on 'Wave interactions and wave turbulence in presence of dissipation'.

Dr. Berhanu's research spans multiple interconnected domains within fluid mechanics and non-linear physics. His primary focus areas include hydrodynamics of erosion by dissolution with applications to geomorphology, gravity-capillary surface waves and wave turbulence phenomena, turbulence in free surface flows, granular gas of magnetized particles as models for out-of-equilibrium statistical physics, and surface wave generation by underwater moving bottoms. His work often bridges laboratory experiments with natural phenomena, creating valuable analogs for understanding complex environmental processes. Notably, he has conducted research on capillary waves in microgravity as part of experiments aboard the International Space Station.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on wave dynamics, fluid-structure interactions, and pattern formation in natural systems. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between fluid mechanics, statistical physics, and geophysical processes. He frequently employs experimental approaches combined with theoretical modeling to investigate nonlinear phenomena, with particular attention to dissipation effects and non-equilibrium dynamics. His research has important implications for understanding natural phenomena ranging from erosion patterns to wave dynamics in various environmental contexts.

Dr. Berhanu actively participates in scientific outreach, including talks for physics teachers, presentations at the Pint of Science festival, and leadership in the French Physicists' Tournament. He has also organized professional development sessions for high school teachers and regularly participates in the 'Fête de la Science' events. His laboratory, MSC, is part of Université Paris Cité, which was formed in 2020 through the merger of University Paris Diderot and University Paris Descartes.