Nicolas Moës has been appointed as Faculty member within the Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering of UCLouvain in 2024. He is located in the “Applied mechanics and mathematics” division (MEMA). Prof. Moës is an expert in theoretical and numerical mechanics. His work focuses on the mechanics of cracking, damage, fracture, and contact. During this inaugural lecture, he will present his main research themes and the scientific questions driving them. The event will also provide an opportunity to explore avenues of collaboration with members of the institute. The lecture will be followed by a welcome drink.