CREALP > Portrait

Presentation

Originally named CRSFA (Centre de recherches scientifiques, fondamentales et appliquées de Sion), the center was created by the State of Valais and the City of Sion in 1968 to promote applied research in geology, hydrology and climatology in Valais, and more generally in the Alpine regions. Under the impetus and direction of cantonal geologist Jean-Daniel Rouiller, the Center’s scientific activities began in earnest in 1987, and it was officially renamed CREALP (Centre de recherche sur l’environnement alpin) in 1998. Since its inception, the center has been closely involved with the Canton of Valais, providing scientific and technical support and expertise in its various fields of activity. The center acts as an intermediary between the academic world, practice, institutional structures and other not-for-profit organizations.

Foundation Board

The Foundation Board (FC) sets the strategic objectives and oversees the management of the Center. Its members include representatives from the Canton of Valais, the City of Sion, the Swiss Confederation and Swiss universities.

  • Jean-Christophe PUTALLAZ
    Chairman of the FC, engineer EPFZ-SIA
  • Florian WIDMER
    Vice-Chairman of the FC, Director of the Natural Elements and Fire Prevention Division, ECA – Etablissement Cantonal d’Assurance du Canton de Vaud (Cantonal Insurance Establishment of the Canton of Vaud)
  • Dr F. Joseph BAILLIFARD
    Managing Director, Norbert SA
  • Davide BERTOLO
    Head of Geological Activities, Aosta Valley Autonomous Region
  • Prof Reynald DELALOYE
    Department of Geosciences, UNIFR
  • Dr Jérôme DUBOIS
    Director, HydroCosmos SA
  • Georges JOLIAT
    Head of Public Works and Environment Department, City of Sion
  • Frédéric Métrailler
    Assistant Manager, SD Ingénierie Sion SA

Honorary member

  • Jean-Daniel ROUILLER
    Former cantonal geologist