The Peter Jost Award: a tribute to the founding father of modern tribology
Initiated in 2020 by the International Tribology Council (ITC), the Peter Jost Award pays tribute to Professor Peter Jost, considered the founding father of modern tribology. It rewards each year a mid-career tribologist whose contribution is significant to the community. The prize is awarded on nomination and then selection by peers. It is accompanied by an invitation to present a plenary lecture at the World Tribology Congress (WTC) in Brazil in September 2026.
Juliette Cayer-Barrioz: a multidisciplinary approach to tribology
Juliette Cayer-Barrioz graduated in physics from Grenoble University (1998), then in engineering from Centrale Lyon (2000). After a PhD in materials science, she became a CNRS associate in 2005. Her research activities at the LTDS at Centrale Lyon focus on the understanding of surface phenomena (physico-chemical and topographical) in lubrication : i.e. the mechanisms involved when two surfaces separated by a complex fluid interact under pressure and shear. Her research and teaching work is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach blending physics, chemistry, interface mechanics, rheology and friction. Juliette Cayer-Barrioz strives to understand the fundamental mechanisms occurring within real complex systems, in the service of engineering.
Although fundamental, her research finds applications in many fields, notably in the reduction of friction in lubricated contacts: automotive mechanics, adhesion of tires to pavement in rain or frost, aid in the formulation of ecological water-based lubricants...
.
![Portrait Juliette Cayer Barrioz]()
Although this prize is awarded to individuals, it is the reflection of a long-term collective research effort. It recognizes a multi-disciplinary approach to lubrication mechanisms, including surface phenomena. This award is also an opportunity to honor the French tribology school. Unfortunately, tribology is still a little-known discipline, despite the fact that it meets real transitional challenges. Friction accounts for 25% of the world's energy losses, representing a global financial cost of €5400 billion and an environmental cost of 180 million tonnes of CO2/year. Friction has a real impact on our society.
Juliette Cayer-Barrioz, CNRS Research Director (LTDS, Centrale Lyon)
Listen again: Where do friction phenomena come from?
Juliette Cayer-Barrioz and Denis Mazuyer are guests on "Dis, pourquoi?", a science podcast that explores science through its big and small questions. Together, they take a look back at the mechanisms involved in friction, which were poorly understood until recently. Listen again below:
