Stefano Lo Russo

Stefano Lo Russo is a Full Professor of Applied Geology at the Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI) at the Polytechnic University of Turin. Despite serving as Mayor of Turin and Metropolitan City of Turin since October 27, 2021, he maintains his academic position and research activities. He is also a member of the Interdepartmental Center Ec-L - Energy Center Lab and serves as Associate Editor of Geofluids (Wiley) and on the Editorial Board of Environmental Earth Sciences (Springer).

Lo Russo earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Geoengineering from the Polytechnic University of Turin in 2004, following his graduation with honors in Geological Sciences in 1999. His academic career progressed from University Researcher (2007-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2017), and ultimately to Full Professor. He served as the Rector's Representative for relations with the Russian Federation from July 2017 to October 2021 and is a member of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH).

His research spans multiple interconnected domains focused on sustainable resource management and energy transition. Key areas include shallow geothermal systems, applied hydrogeology, digital photointerpretation and remote sensing, rockfall risk analysis and mitigation, energy security, raw materials, and mining sustainability. His work demonstrates a strong emphasis on practical applications that address pressing environmental challenges while supporting sustainable development goals.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward interdisciplinary research that bridges geoscience, energy systems, and policy. His work increasingly focuses on the Mediterranean energy transition, geothermal technology applications, water resource management under climate change, and the sustainability of raw material supply chains. The publications consistently demonstrate applied research with practical implications for policy and industry.

• Associate Editor of Geofluids (Wiley, 2019-present)
• Member of Editorial Board of Environmental Earth Sciences (Springer, 2015-present)
• Co-founder and board member of EST (Energy Security and Transition Lab)
• Member of International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH)

Lo Russo actively supervises doctoral students including Fatemeh Hosseinpour, Eleonora Desogus, and Michele Mondani, whose research aligns with his interests in geothermal technology, energy transition metrics, and cryosphere-hydrogeology interactions. His research projects span competitive grants, commercial contracts, and international collaborations, particularly with Russian institutions through agreements with MGIMO University, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, and Gubkin University. He has also collaborated with institutions in Australia, including the University of Queensland and Flinders University.

As co-founder of the Energy Security and Transition Lab (EST) at the Energy Center of Politecnico di Torino, Lo Russo leads research initiatives focused on the intersection of energy systems, security, and sustainability. His work connects academic research with practical policy applications, particularly evident in his role as mayor where he implements sustainable urban development strategies.