Yorick Richard

Student, EPFL

About Yorick Richard

Hi everyone,

I'm an undergraduate Materials Science student at EPFL. Alongside engineering, I've picked up some economics and law, mostly because I wanted to understand not just how something works technically, but what it takes for it to actually get used.

As a Laidlaw Scholar, I'm building a simulation model of the global carbon-fibre value chain, looking at realistic, costed paths to net zero by 2050. It touches materials, energy and finance at once, which is the kind of problem I like working on.

I try to take leadership seriously, mostly as following through on what you're responsible for. I co-led a water management project in Nyon that got funding from the Rotary Club and was implemented with local authorities, worked on a documentary about migration policy, debated in Model United Nations, and tutor students.

I also spent nine months travelling, which made me more comfortable in unfamiliar situations. Outside the lab, I'm usually in the mountains or with a camera.

Always glad to talk about anything.

Cheers!

I am a/an:

Undergraduate Leadership & Research Scholar

University

EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Laidlaw Cohort Year

2026

Research Topic

Material Science

Area of Expertise

Engineering Science

I am from:

Switzerland

I speak:

English French

My hobbies/interests are:

Art Hiking/walking Nature & environment Outdoor sports Politics & current events Running/jogging Skiing Technology Travelling

Influencer Of

Online Elsewhere