Professor Emerita at Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
Ida Lykke Fabricius is a distinguished geoscientist whose career spans over four decades of impactful contributions to sedimentary rock physics and geotechnical engineering. Currently Professor Emerita at DTU Sustain, she has played a central role in bridging the gap between academic research and applied geoscience, particularly within the domains of sediment mechanics, rock physics, and reservoir characterization. Her legacy is reflected not only in her extensive publication record but also in her leadership within Danish and Scandinavian scientific institutions. Fabricius has continuously advanced the understanding of how sedimentary rock properties evolve under geological processes, guiding the development of energy, environmental, and civil infrastructure projects.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Fabricius’s academic journey began with an MSc in Geology from the University of Copenhagen in 1981, where she was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal. She went on to earn her PhD in 1988 at the Institute of Applied Geology at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), focusing on the physical behavior of geological materials. Her academic pursuit culminated in a Dr. techn. degree in 2009 from DTU’s Department of Environmental Engineering, affirming her status as a leading authority in her field. Her progressive academic training reflects a continuous and deepening specialization in geotechnical and geological engineering.
Experience
With a career marked by steady advancement and scientific leadership, Fabricius began as a Development Geologist at Mærsk Oil and Gas (1981–1985) before transitioning to academia. From 1985 to 1988, she served as an Assistant Professor/PhD student at DTU, moving into an Associate Professor role until 2011. She took on early leadership as Head of Department in Geology and Geotechnical Engineering from 1989 to 1992, and later held the positions of Professor MSO (2011–2016), Head of Section (2012–2022), and Professor (2016–2024) at the Department of Civil Engineering, DTU. Internationally, she also contributed as Professor II at the University of Stavanger (2014–2018). Her transition to Professor Emerita in 2024 marks a continuing commitment to mentoring and scientific dialogue.
Research Interest
Fabricius’s research centers on the physical properties of sediments and sedimentary rocks, particularly in relation to pore fluid composition, pressure, temperature, and diagenesis. Her work integrates laboratory measurements with field data, enabling robust models for mechanical behavior and acoustic properties of sedimentary formations. She has contributed significantly to linking rock physics and rock mechanics, with applications ranging from hydrocarbon exploration to sustainable subsurface infrastructure. Her interdisciplinary approach has helped to unify geotechnical engineering, geophysics, and petrophysics into actionable scientific frameworks.
Award
Throughout her career, Fabricius has received notable honors that underscore her technical leadership and service. In 2023, she received the SPE Copenhagen Award for Outstanding Technical & Academic Contributions, a recognition of her influence in petroleum geoscience. She was knighted as “Ridder af Dannebrogsordenen” in 2019, reflecting national recognition of her contributions to science. Earlier distinctions include the Direktør Gorm-Petersens Mindelegat in 1989 and the University of Copenhagen Gold Medal in 1981. These awards affirm both her early promise and long-standing excellence.
Publication
Fabricius has authored over 98 Web of Science-indexed articles with 2,730 citations and an h-index of 30, reflecting her sustained influence in geoscience. Some notable publications include:
-
Fabricius, I. L. (2003). “How burial diagenesis affects chalk porosity.” AAPG Bulletin, cited by 289 articles.
-
Fabricius, I. L., et al. (2007). “Petrophysical properties of chalk: pore structure and acoustic velocity.” Petroleum Geoscience, cited by 174 articles.
-
Fabricius, I. L., & Baechle, G. (2009). “Elastic moduli of chalk and pore system properties.” Geophysics, cited by 141 articles.
-
Fabricius, I. L., et al. (2008). “Effect of temperature and salinity on acoustic velocity in chalk.” Geophysical Prospecting, cited by 97 articles.
-
Fabricius, I. L. (2006). “Pore pressure prediction from acoustic data.” Marine and Petroleum Geology, cited by 85 articles.
-
Fabricius, I. L., & Røgen, B. (2001). “Strength and porosity of chalk from the North Sea.” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, cited by 76 articles.
-
Fabricius, I. L., et al. (2010). “Velocity–porosity transforms in chalk.” Geophysical Journal International, cited by 69 articles.
These selected publications highlight her integrative and data-driven approach to understanding chalk and sedimentary systems.
Conclusion
Professor Ida Lykke Fabricius has established herself as a cornerstone of geoscientific advancement in Denmark and beyond. Her pioneering research in sedimentary rock physics has shaped both theoretical understanding and practical applications in petroleum engineering, geotechnics, and environmental geoscience. Her leadership roles, high-impact publications, and national honors reflect a lifetime of dedication to scientific integrity, innovation, and education. Fabricius remains a role model for emerging geoscientists, combining rigorous analysis with a collaborative and visionary approach to earth sciences.