Identity card
Name: Dmitri Rouwet
Years: just over 40!
Qualification: researcher
Location: INGV Bologna
Field of activity: volcanology, in particular fluid geochemistry and the study of volcanic lakes
Motto of life: “Work in alliance with Nature and respect its forces - everything and everyone can co-exist and thrive...” (Dr. N. Romanov)
Favorite color: turquoise
From Belgium to Mexico City, passing through countless corners of the world and landing in Bologna, where he lives today: for Dmitri curiosity, passion and dynamism have always been the watchwords to keep in mind in his unpredictable and adventurous journey between volcanology, sports and family.
Part of INGV for years, Dmitri speaks Flemish, Italian, English, Spanish and French and represents the ability to combine work and leisure while having fun. A researcher who does science without being born a "scientist", continuing to cultivate a passion for a lifestyle green and gritty.
What or who directed you towards volcanology studies?
A chance encounter with Yuri Taran, a Russian geochemist at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), in Mexico City, who a few days later became my master's and then doctoral advisor/teacher. We are talking about August 2000, shortly after my Geology degree at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL, Belgium). I left for Mexico, the country where my sister lives, with a two-year scholarship but without a scientific goal… The “chance” meeting with Yuri directed me towards volcanology. My first volcano was El Chichón, in the Chiapas region of Mexico.
What do you remember about the “first date” with El Chichón?
It was January 2001 and in reality it was a first appointment in two phases: the first time I saw him, in fact, it was with a helicopter flight made with the local civil protection taking advantage of the small break granted by the rains of those days, but we could not land. The next day instead, after a walk of about 3-4 hours, we managed to climb, so let's say that I was already partially "prepared" for what I was going to see. It is a truly majestic and evocative volcano: its last strong Plinian eruption dates back to 1982 and it has a very large crater, about a kilometer long, now occupied by a magnificent volcanic lake.
How did you imagine yourself in childhood dreams?
Definitely not a volcanologist. I dreamed of professional basketball (which I briefly "tasted" as an XNUMX-year-old).
What team did you play on?
On my hometown team, Bree. After starting from the provincial series, they arrived in Serie A by winning hands down for 4-5 consecutive years, and let's say that I was in the right place at the right time. Their landing in the senior division coincided with my having the right age to try: I was 18, I was in my first year of university, I trained every day, I was doing well with the youth team and when they told me "Why don't you bench with the first team?” I immediately replied “Why not?!”. And that's exactly what happened, combining my first year of university with a semi-professional sporting life.
What did that experience leave you?
It was a wonderful experience, which taught me a lot. Among other things we remained in Serie A that year too, we weren't relegated, so it was a great satisfaction. But then, after another season (not at those levels), I decided to throw myself definitely into studying, also because that famous first year of university didn't go so well... Every time I found myself having to choose between books and training I ended up preferring the field, so at the end of the season, when the exams approached (some of which didn't go very well, but it was definitely worth it!), I found myself with my back against the wall, at a crossroads: I had to choose what to do with my future, and at that point I chose study.
Was there a reference myth that inspired you over the years?
I was lucky enough to cross the paths of various Masters in my field of activity, who supported and stimulated me a lot: Yuri Taran, Minoru Kusakabe, Joop Varekamp, Bruce Christenson, Franco Tassi. I like to call them “mine Sensei”, a Japanese term to indicate precisely my Masters. I greatly appreciate the work and friendship of the “young” Giancarlo Tamburello, roommate and battlemate, and Corentin Caudron, my compatriot.
The most exciting moment of your career?
The discoveries of the thermal springs on the side of the El Chichón volcano: before then (between 2003 and 2009) no one had ever been there.
Is it difficult to reconcile research work with private life?
As the father of two small children (Lupo, 6 years old, and Ulay, 20 months old), my time is divided between work and family. At this stage of my life, that's fine with me.
Your children are still small, but would you like them to get closer to the world of science too?
Well, in reality I intend to leave any path open to him. If they want to do it well, I'll stand by them by stimulating them, but in my opinion the really important thing is that they find their passion on their own: as a parent, I'll try to put them in the ideal conditions to get to live their dreams. If then these dreams coincide with what I do well, otherwise it will do the same. But I must also say that when I can I try to take them with me on some trips: the oldest has already seen some volcanoes!
What's the first thing you do when you get home?
Dad! I go get the kids, we go out a bit, sometimes we go get an ice cream, we fix the house, we play… Friday is my day of paternity leave from work, so having more time, if I can, I can even run away for a jog or a leisurely stroll: but most of the time outside the office is definitely dedicated to them.
What do you think you would have become if you hadn't been a researcher?
First athlete and then coach, or even physiotherapist…
In your opinion, what is the scientific discovery that would change the history of volcanology?
Il time framing: it would allow scientific methods to be synchronized with the times of the processes that occur within a volcanic system, sometimes very slow, sometimes very fast. In my opinion it is an endless challenge, therefore definitely stimulating.
What would you have liked to discover, among the discoveries of the past?
Each "discovery" is just a step, it is part of an evolution. I don't like to think that there is only THE discovery.
Have you ever thought about giving up research?
Yes, many times, especially in recent years. Unfortunately, the insecurity forced me to always have a "plan B" ready, which would have been a completely different thing from volcanology. I am very happy that "plan A" has finally gone through (after so much effort and a competition); dedication and passion for volcanoes, often converted into resilience, eventually prevailed.
You have lived and visited many countries in the world, but which is the one that has remained in your heart the most?
Mmm, good question… I've been to almost every continent, but I find it hard to say which one is my favourite. I am certainly very attached to Mexico, where I went to do my specialization and where I approached volcanology, so for me it is undoubtedly a special place, almost a second home. One of my biggest dreams has always been the Orient, where I had never been until a few years ago: I loved the uniqueness of Japan and Indonesia, places so different from the reality we are used to… Instead, in March I was in New Zealand, the classic country of desire for those who do my job, and I must say that I found it a very relaxing but very "structured", orderly, very "Anglo-Saxon" place... Not exactly what I prefer, even if the truth is that today if I had to choose a place to live, also thinking about my children, I would first of all evaluate tranquility and safety: I would say that for the craziest, wildest, most adventurous and dangerous places the phase of “ but also not”, I have already given!
What's your X-Factor?
One is knowing how to disconnect from my work: in these "pauses" I find space to grow, develop new ideas and cultivate creativity. But also speaking 5 languages has often been of great help to me to move with more agility in my field.
Is there something that makes you anxious?
Nothing comes to mind. I am very optimistic and possibilist. My only concern is my family.
Listen to the music?
Of course, I always try to keep up to date despite being a "child" of the 80s.
Why is turquoise your favorite color?
Because it's the color of crater lakes.
Favourite book?
"Sacred Hoops" by Phil Jackson.
If you had to remember one of your "first days" which one would you remember?
First day as a dad. Like all parenting clichés, this one too is true, it sharply defines a pre and an post.
What do you do when you're not a researcher?
Dad, or I move around physically, often doing both at the same time. And I stay close to the activities of my partner, the illustrator and artist Marta Jorio.
What makes you feel good?
Move, in every sense. From travel to physical movement, but undoubtedly also mental dynamism.
Do you prefer sweet or savory in the kitchen?
I eat everything!
Live in Bologna, one of the symbolic cities of good Italian cuisine. What is your favorite dish?
I tend towards fish dishes and simple things: I'm crazy about gnocchi alla sorrentina, for example. In general let's say that I am attracted by the typical cuisine of the South, more strictly Mediterranean: I think it is a legacy that the city of Palermo has left me, I lived there too!
Your best luck?
Health, to be able to continue experimenting.
Do you have a hobby?
I don't really like the word "hobby". Even my work, for me, could be considered a "hobby".
What is your possible mission?
Trying to do science without being born a "scientist".
Favourite sport?
Many: basketball, swimming, cycling, running, climbing, yoga (if you can define it as "sport"...).
Sporty on the field or on the sofa?
We don't even have a real sofa in the house!
Can it never be missing in your suitcase?
Running shoes (if I don't already wear them at the start), swimsuit (for the spa or the sea) and yoga mat.
The trip you haven't taken yet and the one you think you'll never take?
I haven't been to Iceland yet, to Hawaii, to the Philippines, to Nepal (I would love to visit the Himalayas), to the Kamchatka peninsula… but I know that sooner or later I'll get there for work reasons (I have a lot of patience!). Instead I would never go to Antarctica: although it is a magical place, I don't like the cold at all!
Do you have a place of the heart?
The forest after the rain, barefoot…
One thing you understood “when you grew up”?
I never want to feel like I understand. That would be the end…
A quality that you recognize in the female gender and one in the male gender?
For the female gender, delicacy in reading and communication. For the male one I would say perhaps the ability to keep his feet firmly on the ground and strength, but only in theory, they are not qualities that I recognize in all members of my gender.
What do you keep from your childhood?
Strange but true, my Nordic rigidity… unfortunately!
Last question: the song you would never stop listening to?
Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen.