Summary

François Roddier (1936-2023), professor at the Université de Nice, then the University of Arizona and the University of Hawaii, is known as one of the founding fathers of high angular resolution in astronomy. By adapting Kolmogorov’s theory, he developed the fundamental statistical properties of turbulent atmospheric optics. He is also the author of major instrumental advances in coronography and adaptive optics. His influence and links with LIRA’s HRAA group were profound and numerous: student exchanges, instrumental collaborations and more.
Since retiring from academic life in 2000, François Roddier has focused on the application of statistical physics, and in particular the thermodynamics of open systems, in a number of fields traditionally covered by biology (metabolism, evolution) or the humanities (economics, finance, social evolution, ecology). His work enables us to formulate fertile conjectures, and offers a highly relevant framework for tackling some of the major problems of the contemporary world. As such, he has become a benchmark for ecological transition think tanks.
The aim of this multi-disciplinary day, to be held in the Salle Denisse in Paris on the dates (TBC) of June 5 and 6, 2025, is to attempt to build bridges between these two aspects of François Roddier’s scientific life. It will also be an opportunity for those who knew him and worked with him to evoke his memory.

Scientific justification

The day’s scientific ambition is to stimulate, through abundant discussion, new avenues of interdisciplinary research into the applications of open systems thermodynamics to the human and social sciences.

Preliminary program

First day (June 5 afternoon):
– evocation of a colleague and friend, social moment (wine & cheese)
Second day (June 6):
– Prospects opened up by François Roddier’s work in turbulent optics and instrumentation for adaptive optics
– Assessment by specialists in economics, biology, finance etc. of the impact of the application of open systems thermodynamics to their discipline.
– Discussion