Dr. Franck Marchis, distinguished for his role as a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute and as Chief Science Officer at Unistellar, is renowned for his significant contributions to astronomy and science outreach. Following his Ph.D. completion in France and his move to the U.S. in 2000, Marchis made groundbreaking discoveries including the first triple-asteroid system in 2005 and the direct imaging of a Jupiter-like exoplanet in 2015, utilizing advanced adaptive optics technologies. His work has been celebrated in major scientific journals and has led to the naming of asteroid (6639) Marchis in his honor.

In addition to his research, Marchis is an avid science communicator and entrepreneur, founding Unistellar in 2017 and Dope Space in 2023 to promote space science to the public. He has contributed to over 400 scientific publications and served on numerous prestigious committees, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of astronomy and fostering the next generation of scientists. His recognition as a fellow of the California Academy of Sciences in 2023 underscores his impact on both scientific discovery and education, making him a pivotal figure in the exploration of our universe.

Outside of work, Franck is a devoted father to both his children and dog, a CrossFit enthusiast, and an avid hiker and traveler who delights in exploring Earth’s diverse civilizations and cultures.