Zdenek Bazant

Zdenek Bazant is the McCormick Institute Professor and Walter P. Murphy Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University, with courtesy appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. He has been at Northwestern since 1969, serving as Director of the Center for Geomaterials (1981–1987) and holding leadership roles in multiple academic organizations. His research focuses on mechanics of materials, fracture, and structural safety, with contributions to probabilistic mechanics, nano-mechanics, and concrete technology. He holds 7 honorary doctorates and prestigious awards including NAS membership, NASAE, and medals from ASME and ASCE. His work includes over 575 refereed articles and 6 books, achieving a Google Scholar H-index of 94 and 39,000 citations.

• Education: PhD in Prague (1963)
• Positions: Editor of ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, President of Soc. of Engineering Science, and Founding President of IA-FRAMCOS

Research interests span quasibrittle fracture mechanics, size effects, and structural safety. Key contributions include scaling laws for structural strength and microplane models for concrete behavior. His work on hydraulic fracturing and creep in concrete has influenced engineering practices globally.

Notable awards include the Timoshenko Medal (ASME), von Karman Medal (ASCE), and Prager Medal (SES). He has been honored with Special Issues of major journals and birthday workshops. Current affiliations include memberships in multiple national academies and editorial roles.