Christophe Gaudin

Christophe Gaudin is a Professor at the School of Earth and Oceans, The University of Western Australia, and serves as the Director of the UWA Oceans Institute since October 2022. He also holds leadership roles as Director of Marine Energy Research Australia (MERA), and former Director of the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems (COFS) and Head of the Oceans Graduate School.

Education:

• Bachelor of Engineering, University of Nantes, 1992
• Master of Science, University of Nantes, 1998
• Master of Engineering, Ecole Centrale de Nantes, 1999
• PhD in Soil Mechanics, Ecole Centrale de Nantes, 2002

Professor Gaudin's research focuses on offshore renewable energy, particularly the geotechnical challenges of infrastructure in marine environments. His work spans physical modelling using centrifuge facilities, soil-structure interaction, and the development of anchoring systems for floating renewable energy devices. He has pioneered research in wave energy conversion and offshore wind foundation systems, with a strong emphasis on translating laboratory findings to real-world applications.

His recent publications highlight a trend towards addressing the geotechnical aspects of offshore renewable energy, with a focus on centrifuge modelling of complex seabed interactions, anchor performance in challenging soils, and the effects of seabed conditions on infrastructure. This body of work supports the development of reliable and cost-effective offshore renewable energy systems.

Scientific Awards:

• C. A. Hogentogler Award (2017)
• Telford Premium Prize (2016)
• Best Paper for Q2 2015 in Géotechnique Letters (2015)
• Geotechnical Research Medal, Institution of Civil Engineers, UK (2012)
• ICE Bishop Medal (2012)

Professor Gaudin has supervised 23 PhD students (15 completed), 4 Master students, and over 24 honour students. He has secured substantial research funding, including over $15 million from industry and $46 million from government sources. Notable grants include a $4 million grant from the WA State Government for the Albany Wave Energy Research Centre, a $1.5 million ARC grant for the National Geotechnical Centrifuge Facility, and leadership roles in the $14 million ARC Centre of Excellence in Geotechnical Science and Engineering and a $10 million ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub.

He leads the UWA Oceans Institute, a multidisciplinary group of 350 researchers, and founded the National Geotechnical Centrifuge Facilities (NGCF) and Marine Energy Research Australia (MERA). His teams collaborate internationally with institutions such as Oxford University, Plymouth University, and Oregon State University, and with industry partners in the offshore energy sector.