Roberto Rizzo

Dr. Roberto Rizzo serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences within Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences, specializing in the Structural Geology & Electron Microscopy group. His research integrates computational methods with geological analysis to address critical energy transition challenges.

His expertise spans strain localization patterns, fault/fracture network statistics, and rock anisotropies across mechanical, hydraulic, thermal, and seismic domains. Utilizing fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling, he pioneered extensive synchrotron X-ray micro-CT research with over 40 days of beam time at major European facilities (SOLEIL, Diamond, SLS). His technical proficiency includes Python, MATLAB, computational modeling, and deep learning applications in geoscience.

Dr. Rizzo developed open-source geoscience tools including the Wavelet analysis toolbox and FracPaQ suites for statistical analysis, permeability, and connectivity. His work directly supports Utrecht's strategic research themes:

• Energy in Transition
• Science for Sustainability

Major recognitions include:

• EGU Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award (2024)
• Ramsay Medal (2019) for best Structural Geology/Tectonics paper
• AGU Outstanding Student Paper Award (2016) for PhD research

His methodological innovations in 3D reconstruction and image analysis bridge fundamental geology with practical geo-energy applications, positioning him at the forefront of computational structural geology research.