Laurent CHARLET

We apply both theory and experimens to perform research at the interface of environmental geochemistry and human health.

Our objective is to obtain molecular insights into the chemistry of natural (e.g. soil) nanoparticles and contaminants in human and environmental systems. An example of this is our Podoconiosis multidisciplinary project. Podoconiosis is an « elephant foot » type disease affecting poor peasants walking bare-foot on the East African Rift volcanic soils.

We elucidate the mechanisms in (i) Nanoparticle reactivity and toxicity, (ii) metalloid speciation and redox chemistry and (iii) geological storage of water, gases and waste, with important relevance to ecosystem health, agricultural productivity, and organic carbon cycling and recycling.

The group is represented in numerous French and international scientific and funding bodies. Outreach activities include the organisation of BioHealthComputing Workshops and Conferences.

Laurent has been 10 year long Research Advisor to the Universitty Grenoble Alpes (then UJF) and Editor-in chief of the Journal of Hydrology. He headed the first meeting (and is preparing for 2026 the second one) of the International Medical Geology Association French Chapter

Feel free to explore the various projects in our group by clicking on the Research button on the left-hand-side of this page.