10 Nov 2025
As part of WISE’s Guest Professor (GP) program — one of our key initiatives to foster international collaboration and enrich student learning — we are delighted to welcome Professor Mette Rica Geiker from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) to Chalmers University of Technology.
Picture by Ann-Marie Thoresen at Statens Vegvesen
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Professor Geiker to learn more about her work, inspirations, and her perspective on sustainability in construction materials.
What is your main area of research?
My research focuses on understanding the structure–property relationships of cementitious materials throughout their life cycle — in their fresh, hardening, and hardened states. Cement and concrete are truly fascinating; their properties directly influence how they perform. Lately, my work has concentrated on the durability of reinforced concrete structures, service life prediction, and sustainability, as well as maintenance and repair.
How does your research contribute to sustainability?
Sustainability in concrete construction starts with choosing the right materials and methods, not only for construction but also for maintenance and repair. By establishing suitable limit states for decision-making, we can design and manage concrete structures that last longer and use resources more efficiently, leading to a more sustainable built environment.
What inspired you to pursue this field?
It began with an inspiring lecturer in cement chemistry — and perhaps also a sense of determination as a woman in engineering to gain extra competence. That motivation led me to pursue a PhD. Later on, I returned to academia driven by a wish to deepen the material understanding of civil engineers and myself – made me go back to academia.
How does your work address the challenges of a sustainable future?
Concrete is essential to modern society, and like most human activities, its production and use must evolve to reduce environmental impact. As the composition of cement and concrete changes, we need strong, general knowledge to guide decisions today that will stand the test of time.
The growing maintenance backlog of civil infrastructure also calls for better understanding and improved methods for the operation phase. Ultimately, my goal is to enhance the sustainability of reinforced concrete structures over their entire lifespan.
About Professor Mette Rica Geiker
After earning her PhD, Professor Geiker worked for cement producers and consulting companies, primarily in Denmark but also a few years in New Zealand.
After about 15 years in industry, she returned to academia — first at DTU (Denmark), then at NTNU (Norway). She is currently affiliated with both NTNU and Chalmers University of Technology.
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Picture by Luleå University of Technology.
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