IHRR announces the appointment of internationally renowned landslide expert Dr Fausto Guzzetti

Durham University’s Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) has announced the appointment of internationally renowned landslide expert Dr Fausto Guzzetti. 

The appointment of Dr Fausto Guzzetti as Professor of Hazard and Risk is supported through the IHRR Donor Fund for Strategic Research & Outreach Initiatives. 

Professor Guzzetti joins Durham and the IHRR after a distinguished four-decade career at the Italian National Research Council, where he served as Director of the Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection in Perugia, from 2009 to 2019. From 2019 to 2023, he was Director of Technical and Scientific Activities for Risk Prediction and Prevention at the Italian Department of Civil Protection, under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, overseeing national research and development on natural and technological hazards and associated risks.  

Fausto Guzzetti is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions to the study of landslide hazard and risk. His research has advanced landslide identification and mapping, susceptibility and hazard assessment, rainfall thresholds, early warning systems, and the impacts of climate change on slope instability. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed journal papers, which have received more than 43,000 citations, and has coordinated European and national research projects.  

His leadership has been recognised with election to the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, the Academia Europaea, and the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti. He has received the EGU Soloviev Medal 2021 for his efforts to link science and natural hazards risk reduction and the International Consortium on Landslides Varnes Medal 2024. 

At the IHRR, Fausto Guzzetti will pursue a five-year programme of research and outreach, including research on hazard modelling, artificial intelligence (AI), uncertainty, and ethics, as well as practical training courses on landslide hazard and risk, early warning, and climate impacts. These are expected to engage both researchers and practitioners, including those from the Global South. 

Professor Guzzetti said: “I am honoured to join the IHRR and Durham University. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across disciplines to advance scientific knowledge and ensure that research on hazards and risk informs practice, policy, and the resilience of communities worldwide. I expect that a key part of my commitment will be to mentor the next generation of scientists and practitioners.” 

Prof. Colin Bain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) said 'I am delighted to welcome Prof. Guzzetti to the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience and to Durham University. Prof. Guzzetti is a highly distinguished international researcher who will bring valuable new perspectives to the IHRR and help to enhance its growing global reputation for innovative research and the application of that research to protect lives." 

Professor Bruce Malamud, Director of IHRR and Wilson Chair of Hazard and Risk, commented: “We are privileged to welcome Fausto to Durham. He brings unparalleled expertise in landslide and hazard research, a strong record of international leadership, and a deep commitment to linking science and society. His presence will further strengthen the IHRR’s mission to address the global challenges of hazards, risks, and resilience.” 

You can read more about Professor Guzzetti on his Durham University profile , personal website and Google Scholar page .