Karen Scrivener is a distinguished leader in the field of construction materials science with a career spanning over four decades. She currently serves as Professor and Head of the Laboratory of Construction Materials at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne where she has pioneered research in sustainable cement technologies since her appointment in 2001. Dr. Scrivener earned her undergraduate degree in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge in 1979 and completed her PhD at Imperial College London focusing on the microstructural development during the hydration of Portland cement. Prior to her position at EPFL she built significant industry experience as a Senior Scientist and Head of the Calcium Aluminates Department at Lafarge's Central Research Laboratories near Lyon France from 1995 to 2001.
Professor Scrivener's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed the understanding of cementitious materials particularly in advancing sustainable concrete technologies that address the construction industry's substantial carbon footprint. She is internationally recognized for her pioneering work on blended cements and LC3 technology which significantly reduces CO2 emissions from cement production while maintaining structural performance. As the founder and coordinator of Nanocem she established a unique global network connecting 11 industrial partners and 22 academic institutions to accelerate fundamental research on cementitious materials transforming the research landscape in this critical field. Her editorial leadership as Editor-in-Chief of Cement and Concrete Research the premier academic journal in the field for fifteen years has shaped the scientific discourse and standards for research in cement science worldwide.
Beyond her laboratory research Professor Scrivener actively promotes sustainable construction practices through influential collaborations with international organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme. She has been honored with prestigious recognitions including election as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2014 and the Della Roy Lecture Award from the American Ceramic Society for her exceptional contributions to materials science. Her work as a workshop moderator for the Holcim Forum for Sustainable Construction and participation in the Holcim Roundtable demonstrates her commitment to addressing the critical balance between material needs and environmental impact in global construction. Currently her research continues to focus on developing innovative cement solutions that reduce environmental impact while meeting the world's growing infrastructure demands cementing her legacy as a transformative figure in sustainable materials engineering.
