Lyesse Laloui

Lyesse Laloui is Full Professor and Director of the Soil Mechanics Laboratory at EPFL's School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering. A world-renowned expert in geomechanics and sustainability, his research develops nature-inspired solutions for climate change mitigation and renewable energy adoption. His distinguished career includes ERC Advanced and Proof of Concept Grants, two honoris causa doctorates, and leadership roles in Academia Europaea and International Society of Soil Mechanics.

Research focuses on:

• Thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of energy geostructures
• Bio-inspired geotechnical solutions for soil improvement
• Radioactive waste repository safety
• CO₂ sequestration caprock integrity
• Urban underground space utilization

Recent publications demonstrate innovations in geothermal metro station design, shale behavior characterization for energy applications, and bio-mediated soil stabilization. His laboratory has supervised over 35 PhD graduates now advancing geotechnical engineering globally.

Professor Laloui founded 5 EPFL spin-offs including Enerdrape (Swiss Top 100 startup) and serves as European Director of the International Associated Research Centers for Urban Underground Space. His awards include the ASCE Kersten Lecture and InterPore Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lectureship.