Stefan NielsenView profile
Professor
Professor Stefan Nielsen serves as Professor and Director of Postgraduate Studies & Postgraduate Admissions in the Department of Earth Sciences at Durham University. He has held this position since 2017, following his role as Reader at Durham (2013-2017). Prior to Durham, he was a Senior Researcher at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofsica e Vulcanologia (INGV) in Italy from 2003-2013. His extensive academic journey includes postdoctoral positions at UCSB, University of Napoli Federico II, and UCLA. Professor Nielsen's research focuses on earthquake mechanics and seismology, rock and fault mechanics, near-surface geophysics for archaeological and environmental imaging, AI for seismic signal classification, and geothermal energy. He employs a multidisciplinary approach combining laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, and field geology to investigate earthquake rupture dynamics, particularly the frictional behavior of faults during seismic slip. His recent work has expanded into near-surface geophysics applications for examining historical monuments, archaeological sites, and environmental issues. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on earthquake physics and fault mechanics, with increasing emphasis on geothermal energy applications and near-surface imaging techniques. His work spans laboratory experiments on rock friction, field studies of exhumed faults, and numerical modeling of seismic processes. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects geophysics with civil engineering, environmental science, and archaeology. Marie Curie postdoctoral grant of the European Community SCEC post-doctoral fellowship Postodoctoral fellow at UCSB Professor Nielsen actively supervises students, including Luke Macpherson, and has secured numerous research grants including NERC, ERC, and UKRI projects. His current research includes the GEMS project on geothermal energy from mines, the FARMS project on agricultural research management, and NERC-funded work on tomographic imaging of historical monuments. He leads field work in the UK's North East and Lake District, applying geophysical techniques to archaeological and environmental challenges.








