2024 AGU ELECTIONS

Marie Violay

Mineral and Rock Physics

President-Elect

Bio

Associate Professor, EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes leaders representing various identities, voices, and perspectives. List any identities, voices, and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and anything else you feel comfortable sharing.

As a professor specializing in rock physics, my journey has been enriched by diverse experiences.
Balancing my scientific career with parenthood has strengthened my dedication to supporting active parents and advocating for flexible work schedules, remote work options, and economically accessible childcare for researchers.

Coming from a working-class family, I pursued a Ph.D. in France and then moved on to postdoctoral roles in Italy and Switzerland, and ultimately secured a professorship at EPFL, Switzerland. This path has given me a profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals balancing studies, careers, and family obligations, especially those from diverse financial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

I am wholeheartedly committed to advancing a science that is truly inclusive and diverse.

Volunteer experience that relates to this position:

I organize sessions on fault mechanics at AGU and the European Geosciences Union. I also co-organize the 16th Euroconference (2026), Europe's leading event in rock physics. In my role as Associate Editor at AGU Journal of Geophysical Research, I review the latest discoveries in rock physics. I serve as a board member of the Swiss Geophysical Commission, promoting rock physics in Switzerland. As a member of the doctoral school committee and the gender diversity group, I promote inclusive science at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL).

Q&A

This role aims to catalyze community and build AGU as envisioned by the strategic plan. This leadership position is a dual role - helping to advance AGU’s strategic plan as a member of Council and leading your section. How would you support the Board, staff and other sections to achieve AGU’s vision, values, mission, and goals? How will you engage with members of your section to execute AGU’s strategic plan?

If elected as president-elect of the Mineral and Rock Physics (MRP) section, I am committed to upholding AGU's vision, values, mission, and goals. I will collaborate with interested parties to ensure alignment with AGU's strategic plan, focusing on excellence, integrity, and diversity. For example, I will ensure that AGU Fellows and nominations reflect not only academic excellence but also thematic and membership diversity. I will work with staff to design programs that drive discovery and address scientific challenges in mineralogy, rock physics, and related fields. Effective communication and empowerment will be essential in engaging MRP section members. I will encourage dialogue and active participation through various platforms, including the online EMRP forum, and networking events at AGU's annual conference. Advocating for interdisciplinary discussions will foster fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, particularly in energy transition and climate change mitigation. By providing platforms to share advancements and best practices, we can catalyze positive change for society and the environment. As an AGU Council member, I will advocate for aligning and strengthening AGU activities as science evolves, ensuring our section's voice shapes the future of Earth sciences. Additionally, I will advocate for reducing costs for young researchers and those from low- and middle-income countries, including AGU journal publication fees, membership dues, and conference expenses, to promote broader participation and inclusivity. I will motivate members to assume leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to our shared mission. Through collective efforts, we will drive discovery, champion inclusivity, and address societal challenges, leveraging MRP for the greater good.

Section affiliations:

Mineral and Rock Physics; Seismology; Tectonophysics