Prof. Lyesse Laloui

Professor Lyesse Laloui is a world-renowned expert in geomechanics, sustainability, and geo-energy. His distinguished career encompasses leading academic positions, groundbreaking research contributions, and influential leadership roles within the geotechnical engineering and environmental fields. Professor Laloui’s extensive experience, qualifications, and achievements have advanced the frontiers of knowledge and developed innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Lyesse Laloui – Director of the Soil Mechanics Laboratory.

Lyesse Laloui is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology at Lausanne (EPFL) where he directs the Laboratory for Soil Mechanics.

He is a world-renowned expert in geomechanics and geo-energy. Inspired by the intricate systems of the natural world, his groundbreaking research into the physical mechanisms of geomaterials has unlocked innovative technologies crucial for addressing climate change, resource optimization, and the widespread adoption of renewable energy.

His impact is underscored by prestigious awards, including an Advanced ERC Grant (2018), an ERC Proof of Concept Grant (2020), and an EiC Transition Grant (2023). Prof. Laloui’s international recognition is further solidified by two honoris causae (Heriot-Watt University, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca) in recognition of his sustainability leadership.

Prof. Laloui holds influential positions within the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences, Academia Europaea, and the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects and serves as European Vice President for the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. As Director for Europe of the International Associated Research Centers for the Urban Underground Space, he advances global efforts in sustainable urban development.

As founder and Honorary Editor-in-Chief of Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, Prof. Laloui shapes the field’s discourse. His vast publication record (13+ books, 400+ papers, 20,000 citations, h-index 70+) includes internationally celebrated works. He is a sought-after keynote speaker (>50 conferences) and the recipient of numerous awards, including the Interpore Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lectureship Award (2026), ASCE Kersten Lecture (2020), Vienna Terzaghi Lecture (2022), the DFI John Mitchell Lecture (2025) and more.

Prof. Laloui’s commitment to innovation extends beyond academia, holding several patents and founding five EPFL startup, with Enerdrape ranked within the Swiss Top 100 (2023, 2024). This underscores his ability to translate cutting-edge science into impactful technologies, often drawing inspiration from nature’s own solutions.