photo credit: Jean Mouette /IAP-CNRS-SU
Dr. Michèle Gerbaldi, a long time friend and collaborator of the Office of Astronomy for Development, has been awarded the Chevalier of the National Order of Merit (Chevalière de l’Ordre National du Mérite) by France for her contributions to astronomy. The Order of Merit rewards distinguished merit acquired either in a public, civil or military service and is awarded by the President of the French Republic
Dr. Gerbaldi is a retired senior lecturer from Paris-Saclay University and researcher at the Institut d’astrophysique de Paris (IAP). She became a member of the IAU in 1976, serving as deputy director and then director of the International School for Young Astronomers (ISYA) that are aimed at students from “astronomically developing” countries. At the OAD, Michèle Gerbaldi, together with Jean-Pierre DeGreve, developed the Astrolab (Starlight in the University Lab) project that exposed students to the scientific method and research process through a practical activity in astronomy. The OAD has supported several Astrolab projects since 2013, building teaching capacity at universities across Africa and South America and training hundreds of students. Currently Michèle serves as a reviewer on the OAD evaluation committee for the call for proposals.
In 2022, Dr. Michèle Gerbaldi was the first laureate of the “Astronomy for Development” Prize created by the International Astronomical Union that was awarded for her leading role in the establishment of numerous international schools for young astronomers.