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David Lafrenière is a Quebec astrophysicist known for his work in the field of exoplanets. In 2008, he, along with Christian Marois and René Doyon, was awarded the title of Radio-Canada Scientist of the Year for capturing the first image of a planetary system beyond our own. Their team developed a differential angular imaging technique that allowed them to photograph three Jupiter-like planets orbiting the star HR 8799, located 130 light-years from Earth. Currently, he is a professor at the Department of Physics at the Université de Montréal. His research primarily focuses on direct imaging of exoplanets using infrared imaging techniques to measure their physical properties and characterize their atmospheres, particularly those of 'hot Jupiter' planets. His group is also involved in studies of brown dwarfs, stellar multiplicity, and searching for young low-mass stars in the solar neighborhood. Lafrenière's notable work has contributed significantly to our understanding of planetary systems and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Université de Montréal • Montréal, QC, Canada
Teaching and conducting research in astrophysics and exoplanets, developing new imaging techniques.
Department of Pharmacology and Physiology - Research intensive with options in Neuropharmacology and Pharmacogenomics.