About
Joël Brugger is a Professor of Synchrotron Geosciences at Monash University, where he is affiliated with the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment. He earned his PhD from the University of Basel in 1996 and has held academic and research positions at the University of Adelaide and South Australian Museum before joining Monash in 2014. His research leverages advanced synchrotron techniques to investigate geochemical processes in natural and anthropogenic systems.
His research interests include:
- Synchrotron-based geochemistry
- Formation of rare earth element deposits
- Biogeochemical cycling of critical and toxic elements (e.g., tellurium)
- Environmental behavior of radioactive particles (e.g., plutonium at Maralinga)
- Mineral-microbe-fluid interactions
- Sustainable mineral extraction technologies
His recent publications highlight the use of high-energy X-rays to study ore formation, nanoparticle dynamics, and environmental contamination. These works demonstrate a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, experiment-driven geochemistry with implications for renewable energy and environmental safety. His research is frequently published in high-impact science communication platforms and peer-reviewed journals.
Scientific awards and recognitions include:
- No specific awards listed in the source material.
He actively engages in research supervision, consulting, and media outreach. His work is supported by the Australian Research Council and industry partners in the mining sector. He leads a multidisciplinary team and collaborates internationally, particularly in synchrotron science facilities in Europe. He has contributed to studies involving nanoscale imaging, environmental risk assessment, and clean technology development.
He is involved in research teams and labs such as:
- Minerals, Microbes and Solutions research group (formerly at University of Adelaide)
- Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy
- Collaborations with Diamond Light Source (UK) and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (France)
