Tucson Standard

Pierre Deymier, a professor at the University of Arizona College of Engineering, has been selected as one of eight scientists to join the second class of fellow-ambassadors for France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). The CNRS launched this program in 2023 to enhance its research initiatives and international presence. The announcement was made in March.

The program invites renowned scientists to spend at least one month per year for three years working in French laboratories. This initiative is inspired by the tradition of visiting professors. The first group included notable figures such as Saul Perlmutter, a Nobel laureate in Physics. Deymier's cohort includes Ardem Patapoutian, another Nobel recipient, and Nicola Spaldin from ETH Zurich, who received the L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science International Award.

Deymier emphasized the significance of his role: "It's not just a fellowship," he stated. He sees it as an opportunity to connect scientific research between the U.S. and France. As a native of France with longstanding collaborations there, he now has more resources through CNRS' $4.3 billion budget and extensive network.

His fellowship will bolster ties with scientists at the University of Lille and CNRS' Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology. Their work on topological acoustics could lead to advancements in technology like faster computers and improved medical testing.

"Many French laboratories are doing really cutting-edge research in this field," Deymier noted. These collaborations are expected to benefit both French labs and the New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center at the University of Arizona, which Deymier leads with support from a $30 million National Science Foundation award.

Sammy Tin from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering praised Deymier's appointment: "Being elected as a CNRS fellow-ambassador enables him to conduct pioneering research related to acoustic metamaterials."

Deymier joined the university faculty in 1985 and has contributed significantly across various fields including materials theory and thermodynamics. He holds numerous patents and has published extensively.

Reflecting on his new role, Deymier expressed pride: "I'm proud of this because it shows the international standing of the research." Sammy Tin also lauded his achievements: "I cannot think of a person more deserving."