Julien Khoury, doctoral student in Civil Engineering (Anglet)

In 2021, Julien Khoury, a civil engineer in Lebanon, decided to resume his studies. He enrolled in the second year of the Master's program in Civil Engineering – Mechanics and Physics of Porous Media (MPPM) at UPPA and was awarded a scholarship from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The following year, he embarked on a PhD on modeling quasi-brittle materials, funded by the EDENE program (European doctoral program in Energy and Environment).

Can you tell us about your background?

My background is rather atypical. I studied engineering in Lebanon and then worked for over seven years in civil engineering and building design. When I began my studies, I had the intention of doing a PhD and working in research, but circumstances led me to quickly enter the workforce. In 2021, at nearly 30 years old, I felt the urge to go further and realized I was ready to leave my country, my friends, and my family to study abroad. While researching online, I found the M2 Civil Engineering – Mechanics and Physics of Porous Media (MPPM) program at UPPA. It’s an international, research-oriented course focusing on complex materials, which seemed like an excellent springboard for a PhD. I contacted the program director, who told me about a scholarship offered by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and encouraged me to apply.

What are your memories of arriving on the Anglet campus?

I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome given to international students, with a supportive and efficient International Welcome Desk that really made things easier — finding accommodation, opening a bank account, completing various administrative forms… Integration was fairly easy, although the language was a challenge at first. Having completed most of my schooling at a French-speaking school in Lebanon, I understood French well, but after studying civil engineering in English and working in international environments, I was out of practice speaking it. It took me six months to feel comfortable. I quickly joined the university’s skiing and hiking club to explore this beautiful region between the sea and the mountains.

In 2022, you decided to pursue a PhD. What kind of support did you receive from UPPA?

A PhD was the logical continuation of the M2 MPPM, which focuses on concrete mechanics, innovative materials, and CO₂ storage as part of the energy transition. My research supervisor, Gilles Pijaudier-Cabot, played a key role. I prepared my thesis topic with him, and he gave me valuable advice that helped me get selected for the EDENE program (European doctoral program in Energy and Environment). My thesis focuses on modeling civil engineering materials, creating data sets that can help reduce mechanical testing in the future, and using data-driven computing methods to optimize concrete quantities, structural design, and service life. Through the EDENE program, I’m supported by a professional team and a business mentor who have opened doors to several companies and helped me expand my European and international network. EDENE also gave me valuable interdisciplinary exposure and the opportunity to visit industrial sites, strengthening the link between academic research and real-world applications. Of course, I’m thinking about the future after my defense in September 2025. Alongside my PhD, I also have student-entrepreneur status and am working on creating a consulting firm dedicated to research on materials, civil engineering, and data. The doctoral school provided valuable training in pitching, CV writing, project management, and entrepreneurial networking.

Two or three words you spontaneously associate with UPPA?

• Opportunity, for all the chances UPPA gave me to strengthen my skills, including the possibility to study for a few months in the United States.
• Rigor in scientific approaches
• International openness in the Master's program and beyond, through many encounters and conferences in Europe and the US.

Any advice for UPPA students at the beginning of their studies?

I would tell young students that nothing is impossible — my own journey proves it. At over 30 years old, I returned to university… You have to take risks and sometimes follow unconventional paths to reach your goals. UPPA is a great choice: an internationally oriented university, welcoming, and home to cutting-edge research laboratories.

Interview by Florence Elman

The EDENE Program:

The EDENE doctoral program, funded by the European initiative H2020 Marie Curie COFUND, aims to train international researchers in the fields of energy and environment. By promoting an interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and international approach, it contributes to strengthening the impact of research on these major challenges. Between 2021 and 2026, 30 high-potential international PhD candidates were recruited, bringing real added value to scientific and technological innovation in these strategic fields.

Learn more about the EDENE program

Want to know more?

UPPA's Complex Fluids and their Reservoirs Laboratory  UPPA's English-taught Master’s programs 

Internation Welcome Desk