Albert Simeoni
Albert Simeoni | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | University of Corsica (BSc 1994; PhD 2000) Polytech Marseille (MEng 1996) |
| Known for | Experimental and numerical modelling of wildland and wildland-urban-interface fires |
| Awards | Arthur B. Guise Medal (2022) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Fire safety science; wildland-fire dynamics |
| Institutions |
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Albert Simeoni is a French fire-safety engineer and academic whose research explores the behaviour of wildland and wildland–urban interface fires. He is Professor and Head of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, United States.[1][2]
Early life and education
Simeoni read physics at the University of Corsica, graduating with a Licence (BSc) in 1994.[1] He completed an MEng in thermal transfers at Polytech Marseille in 1996 before returning to Corsica for doctoral work. His PhD thesis (2000) developed multiphase models to improve predictions of forest-fire spread.[3]
Career
After earning his doctorate, Simeoni was appointed maître de conférences (assistant professor) at the University of Corsica, where he led a CNRS-affiliated research group on forest-fire modelling.[4]
In 2013 he moved to the United Kingdom to take up the BRE Chair of Fire Safety Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, a post he held until 2015.[5][6] Simeoni joined WPI in 2017 and became department head the same year.[1] Beyond the university sector he serves as Treasurer (board member since 2014) of the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF).[7]
Simeoni’s work combines laboratory and field experiments with computational fluid-dynamics models to examine flame spread, firebrand generation and coupled fire–atmosphere interactions. His recent projects include establishing a National Science Foundation Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center at WPI and developing physics-based tools for assessing extreme fire behaviour.[8]
Honours
- Arthur B. Guise Medal of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (2022), recognising his “eminent achievement in connecting wildland-fire science with fire-protection practice”.[9]
Selected publications
- Santoni, P.A.; Simeoni, A.; et al. “Instrumentation of wildland fire: characterisation of a fire spreading through a Mediterranean shrub”, Fire Safety Journal 41 (3): 171–184 (2006).[10]
- Thomas, J.C.; Simeoni, A.; et al. “Investigation of firebrand generation from an experimental fire: development of a reliable data-collection methodology”, Fire Safety Journal 91 : 864–871 (2017).[11]
- Mueller, E.; Mell, W.; Simeoni, A. “Large-eddy simulation of forest-canopy flow for wildland-fire modelling”, Canadian Journal of Forest Research 44 (12): 1534–1544 (2014).[12]
References
- ^ a b c "Albert Simeoni – Faculty profile". Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ "A look inside a lab studying fire in Worcester". www.wbur.org. 2025-02-27. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ "Albert Simeoni – Assistant Professor profile" (PDF). Joint Research Centre, European Commission. 2009. p. 7. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ "Recent forest-fire related accidents in Europe – Author biographies" (PDF). Joint Research Centre. 2009. p. 7. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ "Fire Safety Engineering at Edinburgh – History". University of Edinburgh. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ "BRE Research Chair of Fire Safety Engineering: Albert Simeoni | Staff news". The University of Edinburgh. 2024-11-12. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ "Albert Simeoni – IAWF Board profile". International Association of Wildland Fire. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ "Albert Simeoni – Media expert biography". Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ "Albert Simeoni, Fire Protection Engineering Department Head, Receives Prestigious International Research Award". Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 4 August 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ Santoni, P. A.; Simeoni, A.; Rossi, J. L.; Bosseur, F.; Morandini, F.; Silvani, X.; Balbi, J. H.; Cancellieri, D.; Rossi, L. (2006-04-01). "Instrumentation of wildland fire: Characterisation of a fire spreading through a Mediterranean shrub". Fire Safety Journal. 41 (3): 171–184. doi:10.1016/j.firesaf.2005.11.010. ISSN 0379-7112.
- ^ Thomas, Jan C.; Mueller, Eric V.; Santamaria, Simon; Gallagher, Michael; El Houssami, Mohamad; Filkov, Alexander; Clark, Kenneth; Skowronski, Nicholas; Hadden, Rory M.; Mell, William; Simeoni, Albert (2017-07-01). "Investigation of firebrand generation from an experimental fire: Development of a reliable data collection methodology". Fire Safety Journal. Fire Safety Science: Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium. 91: 864–871. doi:10.1016/j.firesaf.2017.04.002. hdl:20.500.11820/b8d2db3e-956b-48a3-80cd-b737ae8f6027. ISSN 0379-7112.
- ^ Mueller, Eric; Mell, William; Simeoni, Albert (2014). "Large eddy simulation of forest canopy flow for wildland fire modeling". Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 44: 1534–1544. doi:10.1139/cjfr-2014-0184.