Ian Jefferson

Professor Ian Jefferson is a Professor in Geotechnical Engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham. He has held academic positions at Loughborough University (lecturer from 1992–1995) and Nottingham Trent University (Lecturer/Senior Lecturer from 1995–2001, Principal Lecturer from 2001–2002, and Reader until 2004 before joining Birmingham). His roles include teaching and research in civil engineering disciplines, with a focus on sustainability and geotechnical practices. He is affiliated with the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham, located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.

Education:

• BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, Loughborough University
• PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Professor Jefferson’s research interests revolve around collapsible soils, particularly loess, and their geotechnical implications across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the UK. He explores ground improvement techniques, including chemical stabilization and vibro-stone columns, with a focus on sustainability. His work also addresses geohazards such as rising groundwater and problematic soils like glacial tills. He investigates sustainability in urban development, sustainable geotechnical processes, and the application of geophysical methods for assessing improved ground conditions. These areas highlight his commitment to integrating environmental and geotechnical challenges in engineering solutions.

Professor Jefferson’s recent publications emphasize the intersection of geotechnical engineering and sustainability. His work explores sustainable infrastructure planning, emissions reduction in soil improvement techniques, and geophysical methods for ground assessment. Key themes include the mitigation of collapsible soils, optimizing ground improvement technologies, and sustainability indicators for urban redevelopment. His research frequently addresses environmental impacts, particularly in transportation and utility infrastructure contexts, alongside advancing methodologies for geotechnical practices.

• Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS)

In terms of grants and funding, Professor Jefferson has secured over £4 million in research grants. While his role in advising students is not explicitly stated, he contributes to academic governance through his positions as a Marker/Moderator for the Postgraduate Teaching Certificate and as the Plagiarism Officer for Civil Engineering since 2013.

Professor Jefferson is actively involved in several research initiatives, including Loess soil stabilisation, collapsibility in loess soils, and Ground Improvement using stone columns. He also leads projects on Assessment of improved ground using geophysics, Shear strength of glacial tills, and Sustainability Assessments in urban Development. His work contributes to the Sustainable urban redevelopment - Eastside project in Birmingham. These projects reflect his collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and his focus on practical, sustainable solutions in geotechnical engineering.