Energi Simulation Renews Professor Giovanni Grasselli as the Chair in Geomechanics for Energy Transition
The University of Toronto and Energi Simulation are proud to announce the renewal and rebranding of the Energi Simulation Chair in Geomechanics for Energy Transition, held by Professor Giovanni Grasselli. This five-year partnership, with a renewed funding of $900,000, reflects a continued commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and training the next generation of leaders in subsurface energy systems. Additionally, it will help foster the growth of an Industry Alliance on Energy Addition Research, strengthening academic–industry collaboration and accelerating the development of sustainable, low-carbon technologies for the global energy transition.
CivMin Professor Giovanni Grasselli. (Photo courtesy of Energi Simulation)
Professor Grasselli expressed his gratitude for Energi Simulation’s support: “I am deeply grateful for the continued trust and partnership with Energi Simulation. Over the years, this collaboration has enabled groundbreaking experimental work and created exceptional opportunities for my students and postdoctoral researchers. Together, we are addressing critical challenges in the safe and sustainable development of subsurface energy systems, while helping to prepare the next generation of researchers for the energy transition.”
The Chair program will focus on advancing both fundamental and applied research in experimental and numerical rock mechanics. Key areas include characterizing and simulating complex energy reservoirs, developing fracture networks, and supporting sustainable applications such as geothermal energy, hydrogen storage, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
“On behalf of the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, I am incredibly thankful for the support of Energi Simulation. Research and training of the next generation of engineers in energy transition has never been more crucial than it is today. This support will pave the way for important discoveries that will enable a more sustainable and climate friendly future.”
President of Energi Simulation Duke Anderson. (Photo courtesy of Energi Simulation)
Duke Anderson, President of Energi Simulation also noted:
“We believe that diversified sources of affordable energy, including petroleum and natural gas, are required to meet growing global demand. The research that we sponsor develops technologies and skills to improve global energy security, while reducing environmental impacts. Dr. Grasselli’s program supports this by training the next generation of scientists to drive progress in energy efficiency and build skills in new technologies to create a more sustainable energy future.”
About the University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s leading public research university and a global hub for teaching, discovery, and innovation. Ranked among the world’s top 25 universities and first in Canada, U of T was named the #1 most sustainable university in the world in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025, recognizing its leadership in environmental and social impact. The university’s community of more than 700,000 alumni spans 199 countries, and its scholars and graduates have earned numerous international honors, including multiple Nobel Prizes such as the 2024 Physics Prize awarded to Professor Geoffrey Hinton. Through partnerships with governments, industry, and academic institutions worldwide, the University of Toronto drives transformative research and education that address society’s most pressing challenges.
About Energi Simulation
Founded in 1978, Energi Simulation promotes and financially supports research and graduate students through research grants at universities. Our mandate is to invest in leading edge research and innovation in energy resource modelling. Energi Simulation partners with universities, governments, and industry sponsors to drive unique multi-year support of student education and world leading researchers at universities, in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia-Pacific region. Energi Simulation is a not-for-profit company registered in the province of Alberta, Canada.
