Paolo Capuano
Paolo Capuano is an Associate Professor of Solid Earth Geophysics at the University of Salerno, with extensive experience in geophysical research, environmental risk assessment and European research project management. His expertise spans 3D geophysical modelling, subsurface resource exploitation, climate-related hazards and community resilience, combining scientific research, international collaboration and the coordination of European and national research projects.
Education & Academic Background
His academic background in physics and geophysics provides a strong scientific foundation for his research on Earth systems, geophysical processes and environmental hazards.
- Degree in Physics with honours – University of Naples Federico II, June 1982.
- Associate Professor in GEOS-04/A – Solid Earth Geophysics – Department of Physics, University of Salerno.
- Italian National Scientific Qualification in 04/GEOS-04 – Geophysics, first level.
- Italian National Scientific Qualification in 02/PHYS-05 – Astrophysics and Cosmology, Space, Earth and Climate Physics, valid from 17 March 2017 to 17 March 2029.
Professional Expertise
His scientific and professional activities focus on understanding Earth processes, assessing geophysical and environmental risks, and developing knowledge to support sustainable resource management and territorial resilience.
His main areas of expertise include:
- Geophysical modelling and Earth crust analysis: investigation of crustal properties through the analysis and 3D modelling of seismic, electromagnetic and gravimetric data.
- Subsurface energy resources: assessment of geological and geophysical risks associated with the exploitation of subsurface energy resources.
- Natural and anthropogenic hazards: investigation of extreme events and their potential impacts on territories and communities.
- Climate change and community resilience: assessment of climate-related risks and approaches to strengthen resilience to environmental hazards.
- International geophysical exploration: professional experience as an exploration geophysicist in Italy, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.
Research & European Project Management
His research career combines scientific production with extensive experience in the coordination and management of international and national research initiatives.
Key activities and contributions include:
- Scientific publications: author of approximately 110 scientific publications in geophysics and related research fields.
- European research programmes: experience as coordinator or Principal Investigator in projects funded under FP5, FP6, FP7, Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.
- National research projects: coordination and scientific responsibility for research initiatives funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) and the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE).
- Interdisciplinary research: contributions to projects addressing geophysical processes, environmental risks, sustainable energy and resilience to natural and anthropogenic hazards.
University Teaching
Alongside his research and project management activities, he contributes to university education through courses covering geophysics, climate sciences and sustainable energy.
His teaching activities at the University of Salerno include:
- Climatology and Oceanography – Department of Chemistry and Biology.
- Environmental Geophysics – Department of Chemistry and Biology.
- Sustainable Energy – Department of Chemistry and Biology.
- Seismology – Department of Physics.