Myriam Benisty

Myriam Benisty serves as Director of the Planet and Star Formation Department at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, where she leads cutting-edge research on planetary birth environments and newborn planet detection. Her work integrates multi-wavelength observations from space and ground-based telescopes with advanced theoretical modeling of protoplanetary systems.

Her primary research domains include:

• Planet Formation
• Star Formation
• Exoplanet Characterization
• Protoplanetary Disk Dynamics
• High-Contrast Imaging Techniques
• Next-Generation Instrumentation Development

Currently directing the ERC Consolidator Grant 'PROTOPLANETS', Dr. Benisty plays a pivotal role in developing the METIS and PCS instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will transform observational capabilities in planetary science. Her department focuses on bridging observational astronomy with theoretical frameworks to decode planetary system origins.

Key recognition:

• ERC Consolidator Grant (PROTOPLANETS)

As department head, she oversees research strategy and instrumentation development while mentoring emerging scientists in one of astronomy's most dynamic fields. Her leadership positions MPIA at the forefront of exoplanet discovery through synergistic observational-theoretical approaches.