MEET OUR RESEARCHERS

As a Civil Engineer specializing in wind loading calculations for steel towers and foundations, Marc has brought extensive expertise to our collaborative platform. In our interview, Marc shares his journey, from the motivations behind joining FRONTIErS DN to the passion driving his research on robust foundation modelling for offshore turbines. Learn about Marc’s work, explore the synergy of industry collaboration inside the network, and gain insights into the future of renewable energy.

Can you provide a brief introduction of yourself and your project within the FRONTIErS DN?

I am a Civil Engineer and I have worked on calculations for steel towers and their foundations against wind loading. My PhD subject thesis will be about Robust foundation modelling accounting for varying soil conditions over an offshore turbine lifetime.

What motivated you to apply to FRONTIErS DN?

I am interested in research and development. I felt that my knowledge of steel structures was quite good and I wanted to broaden my horizons and start to learn more about foundations. Since I already have some work experience, I think that doing a PhD in an industry stakeholder together is a good fit for me.

What drives your passion for the work you have done so far and the work you will do within FRONTIErS?

I find interesting the interaction of many subjects and aspects on projects and OWT projects: the soil recognition influences the foundations, that shape the steel structure and that affects the budget and price of the project.

How do you believe collaboration enhances the effectiveness of FRONTIErS DN?

A PhD subject thesis should aim to try to answer some questions and I find it very important that those questions come from the industry and bring a practical solution to some real problems. I valued a lot having a career service at a University that connects students to companies (during their studies). This is similar to a PhD thesis level.

Can you share any personal stories or experiences that have shaped your decision to apply?

I looked at some PhD subject thesis. I worked on steel structures, looked at some subsea companies and I did not want to leave the industry world, that is why, the PhD subject thesis about Foundations of Offshore Wind Turbines in a company checked all my cases.

What are your future goals and aspirations as a member of the FRONTIErS DN?

I look forward to sharing and hearing about others’ research and the companies that host them.

How do you envision your role evolving and contributing to the FRONTIErS DN success?

A PhD subject thesis should aim to try to answer some questions and to publish or make public the answers. A DN is a way to share your knowledge and experience and at the same time profit from the others.

How do you anticipate your MSCA fellowship will impact your broader career aspirations?

I hope that I can move to work on research, foundations or wider aspects of projects (from foundations to structure).

What message or key takeaway would you like to convey to the public about FRONTIErS?

I am in a R+D department. When a request or question is raised to R+D, sometimes they look at it as a PhD subject thesis to try to answer their question.

Can you provide insights or advice for individuals interested in pursuing similar programs and fellowships?

A PhD thesis offers the chance the develop a subject and develop some abilities of yours. It is research in an industry environment, it seems a great chance to know the best of both worlds.