Stéphane Lambert | Natural Hazards | Best Researcher Award

Dr Stéphane Lambert | Natural Hazards | Best Researcher Award

Dr Stéphane Lambert, Inraa, France

Dr. Stéphane Lambert is a leading expert in mitigating gravity-driven natural hazards, focusing on the protection of civil engineering structures against rockfalls, snow avalanches, and torrent-related hazards. He applies multi-scale experimental and numerical methods to understand and enhance the mechanical response and efficiency of these protective systems. With extensive experience in both research and teaching, Dr. Lambert contributes significantly to the field through numerous publications and supervision of students and post-doctoral researchers. He is affiliated with the IGE Laboratory at INRAE in Grenoble, where he has been instrumental in advancing knowledge and technology in this vital area of study.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Expertise: Dr. Stéphane Lambert is a senior researcher with a profound specialization in mitigating gravity-driven natural hazards. His expertise spans a broad range of topics, including rockfalls, snow avalanches, and torrent-related hazards.
  2. Robust Academic Background: With a Habilitation to Supervise Research (2020), a Ph.D. in Mechanics (2007), and a Master’s in Geomechanics (1994), Dr. Lambert’s educational credentials highlight a strong foundation in relevant scientific disciplines.
  3. Significant Research Contributions: His research work is well-documented with 42 peer-reviewed articles, 90 proceedings, and 2 book chapters. His publications focus on experimental and numerical modeling, impact responses, and structural efficiencies, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to natural hazard mitigation.
  4. Innovative Work: Dr. Lambert’s recent publications, such as those on Bayesian inference for rockfall protection structures and small-scale modeling of flexible barriers, reflect his commitment to advancing the field through innovative methodologies and applications.
  5. Leadership and Collaboration: He has effectively supervised numerous PhD students, post-docs, and master students, and actively collaborates with other researchers and institutions, indicating strong leadership and collaborative skills.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Outreach: While Dr. Lambert’s work is highly specialized, expanding outreach to interdisciplinary fields could enhance the broader impact of his research. Engaging with other areas like climate change or urban planning might broaden the application and relevance of his findings.
  2. Public Engagement: Increasing efforts to communicate research outcomes to the public and stakeholders could enhance the practical application of his work and improve societal impact.
  3. Grant Acquisition: Pursuing additional research grants or funding opportunities could support further advancements in his research and expand the scope of his projects.

Education

Dr. Lambert earned his Habilitation to Supervise Research from Université Grenoble Alpes in 2020. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanics from Université Grenoble I, completed in 2007, and a Master’s degree in Geomechanics from the same institution in 1994. His educational background provides a robust foundation for his current research and contributions to the field of natural hazard mitigation.

Experience

Dr. Lambert has been a Research Engineer at the IGE Laboratory, INRAE (formerly Irstea), Grenoble since 2009. Prior to this, he was a PhD student and Engineer at the ETNA research unit, Cemagref, in Grenoble and Antony. His roles have involved conducting advanced research in rockfall and avalanche protection systems, contributing to various high-impact projects and publications. His career reflects a deep commitment to understanding and improving protective measures against natural hazards.

Research Focus

Dr. Lambert’s research revolves around the mechanical response of civil engineering structures to gravity-driven natural hazards. His work includes experimental and numerical studies on the impact responses of rockfall protection systems, the mechanical behavior of flexible barriers, and the efficiency assessment of protective structures. He aims to enhance the design and effectiveness of these systems to better protect against rockfalls, snow avalanches, and torrents.

Publications

  1. Bayesian inference based inverse analysis of the impact response of a rockfall protection structure: Application towards warning and survey 🌍🔬
  2. Flexible Facing Systems for Surficial Slope Stabilisation: A Literature Review 📚🏔️
  3. Bayesian interface based calibration of a novel rockfall protection structure modelled in the non-smooth contact dynamics framework 🔍📊
  4. Flexible barrier and flow-driven woody debris: an experimental investigation of their interaction 🌲🔬
  5. Small-Scale Modeling of Flexible Barriers. I: Mechanical Similitude of the Structure 🔧📐
  6. Small-Scale Modeling of Flexible Barriers. II: Interactions with Large Wood 🌳🔧

Conclusion

Dr. Stéphane Lambert is an exemplary candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his extensive expertise, innovative contributions, and leadership in the field of natural hazard mitigation. His research has made significant strides in understanding and improving protective structures against gravity-driven natural hazards. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, Dr. Lambert could further amplify his impact and solidify his position as a leading researcher in his field.