Nathalie Cotte receives the CNRS Crystal Medal 2023

Nathalie Cotte, research engineer in Earth sciences and director of the Observatoire des sciences de l’Univers de Grenoble, was awarded the CNRS Crystal Medal in May 2023. This distinction rewards research support staff who, through their creativity, technical expertise and sense of innovation, contribute alongside researchers to the advancement of knowledge and the excellence of French research.

After a PhD in seismology and a post-doctorate in the United States, Nathalie Cotte joined the CNRS to strengthen the space geodesy activities in the field of Earth sciences. She developed geophysical observation sites in the Alps and in other countries, in particular in Mexico where she played an important role in the understanding of the seismic cycle and slow earthquakes, a flagship project for her laboratory ISTerre. In addition to the numerous field missions, she also worked on calculations and analysis of geodetic data. She also directed ISTerre’s geophysical networks technical service before becoming its deputy director from 2015 to 2020. In 2021, she will take over the management of the OSUG, a unit of 34 people and a research federation of 1,400 people in Grenoble and Chambéry in the fields of Earth, Universe and Environmental sciences. Not hesitating to think outside the box, Nathalie Cotte is dynamic, benevolent and determined in the management of the OSUG and the administration of its staff.

Article originally published by the CNRS.