Michel Dennefeld

Michel Dennefeld is an astronomer at the Institute of Astrophysics of Paris (IAP) and affiliated with Sorbonne University (formerly Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 6). He holds a agrégation in physics and is an alumnus of École Normale Supérieure de Cachan.

Research interests include:

• Chemical evolution in Local Group galaxies, particularly planetary nebulae in the LMC/SMC and M33.
• Star formation and nuclear activity in galaxies, analyzed through infrared properties, optical spectra, and X-ray emissions.
• Variable sky phenomena such as supernovae (collaborating with the PESSTO team), quasar variability, and Gaia Alerts follow-up.
• Instrumental developments for ground-based telescopes.

Former responsibilities encompass roles like Fellow/Staff at ESO (1973-1980), Associate Director of IAP (1990-1994), founder of the Neon Observing Schools (1999-2017), and leadership in IAU commissions for telescopes and finance.