Joseph GRIL graduated from Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole Nationale du Génie Rural, des Eaux et des Forêts, obtained PhD from Paris 6 university in 1988 after long stays in Kyoto University and habilitation from Montpellier University in 1997. He is now a research director in CNRS, emeritus. His work in wood mechanics has resulted in 125 reviewed articles, 13 book chapters, 20 edited books or proceedings. He won the CNRS silver medal in 2003. His research interests include rheological modelling, structure/properties relationships in wood, tree biomechanics, and conservation of wooden cultural heritage.