Nicosia
October 2025
Coupled THMC Processes
The 8th International Conference on Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) Processes was successfully held in Nicosia, Cyprus, from October 20–23, 2025, attracting 53 participants from 19 countries, including USA, UK, China, India, Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Israel, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Greece and Cyprus
. Hosted at the University of Cyprus, the event gathered leading academics, researchers, students, and industry professionals working in Geomechanics for Energy and Environmental Applications.
Organized by the University of Cyprus and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the conference served as an important platform for discussing current advances in coupled process modeling and experimental techniques, with applications in geothermal energy, CO₂ sequestration, subsurface hydrogen storage, and environmental geomechanics.
Conference Chair Professor Panos Papanastasiou, together with Professor Euripides Papamichos and Dr. Charalampos Konstantinou, led the Organizing Committee and ensured the smooth running of the event. Professor Papanastasiou expressed his gratitude to all attendees, saying, “This conference once again demonstrated the value of collaboration in advancing our understanding of coupled processes in the subsurface. The exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas shared here will undoubtedly influence the future of energy and environmental geomechanics.”
Programme
The scientific program featured keynote lectures, a poster session, and a special workshop on Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS), highlighting the growing relevance of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier and the challenges associated with its safe and efficient underground storage.
Distinguished experts in the field delivered the keynote presentations:
Dr. Emmanuel Detournay (University of Minnesota) presented “Mechanics of Fluid-Driven Fracture: Recent Results,” providing insights into fracture propagation in energy applications. Dr. Vincenzo De Gennaro (SLB) explored “Artificially Intelligent Subsurface Coupled Modelling: An Energy Industry Perspective,” emphasizing how AI is revolutionizing geomechanical modeling. Dr. Nicolas Espinoza (The University of Texas at Austin) delivered “Thermo-poro-elastoplastic Rock Response in Enhanced Geothermal Systems,” offering an in-depth look at coupled responses in geothermal energy extraction. Dr. Suzanne Hangx (Utrecht University) discussed “The Future is Green (Hydrogen): THMC Challenges for Temporary Subsurface Hydrogen Storage in Depleted Reservoirs and Salt Caverns,” connecting geomechanics to the energy transition. Dr. Manolis Veveakis (Duke University) presented “Geomechanics in Extreme Conditions: How Do We Model Tightly Coupled Processes Across the Scales?”, exploring multi-scale modeling of complex subsurface phenomena.
Beyond the technical sessions, participants enjoyed a series of social and cultural events that celebrated both Cypriot heritage and academic fellowship. The welcome reception took place in the gardens of the University of Cyprus, offering canapés and local drinks in a relaxed setting surrounded by the capital’s blend of history and modernity. Participants also ventured on a tour of Limassol Marina and Kourion, where they admired Cyprus’s coastal beauty and archaeological treasures. The conference dinner, filled with traditional food, drinks, music, and dancing, reflected the warmth and hospitality of Cypriot culture.
Acknowledgments
The organizers extend their heartfelt appreciation to all contributors, presenters, sponsors, and participants whose involvement made the 8th International Conference on Coupled THMC Processes a success.
Special thanks are extended to the sponsors for their valuable support:
The University of Cyprus, one of Europe’s leading academic institutions dedicated to excellence in research and education. Phaethon CoE, a Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence of the University of Cyprus in the field of Intelligent, Efficient, and Sustainable Energy Solutions. The Cyprus Geological Survey contributes to the understanding and management of Cyprus’s geological resources. The Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry – Hydrocarbons Service which plays a key role in the country’s energy transition and policy development. The Love Cyprus (Deputy Ministry of Tourism), which promotes Cyprus locally and internationally.
Regarding the conference organizers:
The University of Cyprus, founded in 1989, is a leading academic institution recognized for its world-class research and innovation across scientific disciplines, including energy, engineering, and environmental sciences.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, established in 1925, is the largest university in Greece, known for its strong research output and contribution to geosciences and engineering education.
The event was professionally supported by EasyConferences, which provided seamless management through its Online Registration System, Abstract Submission Platform, and Conference Coordination Services, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.
