At the time of choosing a career, Jean-Louis Lilien was passionately interested in mathematics. However, he didn’t want to study mathematics just for the sake of it but wanted something more hands-on: using mathematics to better understand physical phenomena. In 1971, he began studies as an engineer at The University of Liège. «It was a time when the students didn’t have cars and relations with the lecturers were more formal», he states with some humour.

In 1976, he obtained his degree as a civil, electrical and mechanical engineer, with an end of studies thesis on the application of calculus by finite elements to electric machines, in collaboration with the department of civil engineering, which was adept at these methods of calculation. He then became a lecturer and prepared a PhD thesis on the application of calculus by finite elements to high-voltage structures, in collaboration with the mechanical department this time. In fact, Jean-Louis Lilien has always been prepared to adopt an inter-disciplinary approach to his work.

Some weeks after defending his thesis, in May 1983, Jean-Louis Lilien began a «life apprenticeship» about which he speaks with great enthusiasm: for nine years, he became involved in a cooperation programme with the Congo. «Each year, in the month of May, I gave intensive courses for three weeks at the University of Kinshasa. I even built an electrical installation there. The cooperation has been a very important part of my life and is something which I believe greatly in. I have wonderful memories of it. I continue it by welcoming students.»

Despite several trips abroad, Jean-Louis Lilien has never left the University of Liège. He became part of the academic staff in 1995, as a postdoctoral researcher and became a Professor in 2005. He is today responsible for the Transport and Distribution of electrical Energy unit of the Electricity, Electronic and Computer Science department at the Montefiore Institute.

Selection of publications

J.L. Lilien, B. Godard, S. Guérard. A_eolian vibrations on power line conductors. New trends? Int. Jnl. of Sound and Vibration_. 2008. Under reviewing.

S. Lerson, J.L. Lilien, G. Minne. Performance assessment of a 5 kW SOFC cogeneration fuel cell. Int. Jnl. of Environmental Technology and Management, IJETM Vol. 9 N°4 2008

J.L. Lilien, P. Dular, R. Sabariego, V. Beauvois, P.P. Barbier, R. Lorphèvre. 2008. E_ffects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF) on human beings. An electrical engineer viewpoint._ E Tijdscrift. 14ème année, N°3-2008, pp 34-50.

J.L. Lilien. Le galop des conducteurs. Etat de l’art. Electra N°232, pp 20-26. Juin 2007.

J.L. Lilien, A. Vinogradov. Full-scale tests of TDD antigalloping device (Torsional Damper and Detuner). IEEE Trans on Power Delivery, vol.17,N°2, pp638-643, April 2002.