Joel Smethurst

Professor Joel Smethurst holds the position of Professor of Geotechnical Infrastructure at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, where he also serves as Director of Programmes for Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on geotechnical infrastructure longevity under environmental and operational stresses, including climate change impacts on transportation earthworks and flood defenses. He completed his PhD in Geotechnical Engineering at Southampton in 2004, advancing through roles as Research Fellow, Lecturer, and Associate Professor before attaining his current rank.

His educational leadership includes re-accreditation of undergraduate programs (2023-24) and integrating Engineering Council AHEP4 standards. Research has been funded by EPSRC and industry partners like Network Rail and National Highways. Notable projects include the EPSRC ACHILLES Programme Grant investigating weather-driven earthwork deterioration.

Advancing geotechnical knowledge through field monitoring (e.g., 20-year slope data) and numerical modeling, his work bridges theory and practice. External roles include editorial board memberships and invited expert presentations on slope stabilization and climate effects.