Marina Pirulli

Marina Pirulli is a Full Professor in the Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG) at the Polytechnic University of Turin. She is a member of the SISCON Interdepartmental Center for Safety of Infrastructures and Constructions and serves as Academic Advisor for the Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is also a member of the College of Civil and Building Engineering and an invited member of the College of Mathematical Engineering.

Her research interests include geotechnics, landslides, numerical modeling, risk mitigation, artificial ground freezing, and the mechanical behavior of permafrost. These are further detailed in her work on rock mass monitoring, underground works, and landslide stabilization systems. Her expertise spans both theoretical and applied aspects of geotechnical engineering with a strong focus on natural hazard resilience.

Her recent publications reflect a consistent focus on debris flows, granular flow dynamics, and numerical modeling of slope instabilities. These works emphasize mitigation strategies, including structural and vegetative defenses, and the impact of climate-related phenomena such as freeze-thaw cycles on soil stability. The interdisciplinary nature of her research integrates computational modeling, experimental validation, and practical risk assessment for infrastructure protection.

She has supervised PhD students Giulia La Porta and Andrea Pasqua, whose research aligns closely with her own in numerical modeling and artificial ground freezing. She leads significant research projects such as RETURN (PNRR) and MHYMESIS, demonstrating leadership in securing competitive funding for geohazard science and mountain territorial protection.

Marina Pirulli teaches across multiple programs, including doctoral courses on numerical modeling of granular flows and master’s courses on slope stability and landslide risk mitigation. She also contributes to courses in mechanics of porous media and soil mechanics at both undergraduate and graduate levels, reflecting her broad educational impact.