Eric Berton

Eric Berton Overview

Eric Berton, President at Aix-Marseille University completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering Mechanics at Aix-Marseille University, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to academic rigor and innovation. Berton focused his research on mechanics, showcasing his commitment to advancing the understanding of complex mechanical systems. His Ph.D. thesis, centered on mechanics, stands as a testament to his profound contributions to the field.

Eric Berton's professional journey is closely intertwined with Aix-Marseille University, where he has played pivotal roles in various capacities. From January 2012 to January 2020, Berton served as Vice President of Aix-Marseille University for an impressive eight years and one month. In this role, he oversaw diverse responsibilities, including technology transfer and innovation initiatives. His leadership was instrumental in nurturing startups, facilitating licensing agreements, and fostering a culture of incubation. Berton also held the esteemed position of heading the Institute of Movement Sciences at Aix-Marseille University for eight years and one month. This research laboratory played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge in the field of biomechanics and movement sciences. In recognition of his expertise and leadership, Berton served as the Dean of the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Aix Marseille University for an impressive decade, from February 2010 to January 2020. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to research and education in the domain of sports sciences. Eric Berton's academic journey culminated in his appointment as a University Professor, holding the distinguished title of Exceptional Class. His role as a professor reflects his dedication to teaching and mentoring future generations of scholars.

Eric Berton's contributions to academia and research have not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the CNRS Bronze Medal in 1998, the Medal from the Aeronautics and Astronautics Association of France in 1998, and the Jean Bouin Medal from the Regional Olympic and Sports Committee in 2014. His dedication to education and research was also recognized with appointments as a Knight in the Order of Academic Palms in 2010 and a Knight in the Order of the Legion of Honor in 2015.

Throughout his career, Professor Eric Berton has been a prolific researcher, with a notable body of work that includes over 130 publications in indexed journals and peer-reviewed works, 16 guest lectures, and 7 chapters in scholarly books. He has also contributed significantly to conference proceedings and reports, demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge in his areas of expertise.

Berton's research has delved into complex movements and the estimation of muscle tensions during multi-joint movements. This work has implications for understanding human performance and motor impairment, particularly in the context of aging. He has made contributions to the optimization and engineering of sports equipment, which has a direct impact on enhancing athletic performance and safety. Berton's expertise extends to the realm of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, contributing to our understanding of these fundamental aspects of engineering and physics.

As a distinguished academic, Berton has also played a pivotal role in nurturing future scholars. He has supervised numerous doctoral theses, with 16 thesis co-supervisions and 4 thesis supervisions. Additionally, he has served on the jury for 44 theses and 20 HDRs external to his students, showcasing his commitment to academic mentorship and guidance.

Berton's commitment to academia goes beyond research and teaching. He has also held various administrative positions, including serving as a CNRS project manager for the Engineering Sciences Department as part of the Research and Sport mission. He was an elected member of the National Research Committee for the Sciences For Department of the Engineer and served as the Scientific Secretary of section 10 of the SPI until September 2005. Moreover, he was an elected member of the CSE 74th section at the University of the Mediterranean from 2001 to 2009.