|
A movement, not just an election! |
|
|
Dear colleagues,
Over the past months, I have been deeply moved by the many messages of encouragement and trust I have received from across our community. After thoughtful reflection and many conversations with friends and colleagues around the world, I have decided to accept the honour of standing as a candidate for the Presidency of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) for the 2026–2030 term.
|
|
|
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the societies that have formally co-nominated me for this position: the Czech and Slovak Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, the Hungarian Geotechnical Society, the Italian Geotechnical Society, the Polish Committee on Geotechnics, the Portuguese Geotechnical Society, the Romanian Society for Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering, the Spanish Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Swiss Geotechnical Society and the Turkish National Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.
I am humbled by their confidence and encouraged by the many other societies that have since reached out to express their support. This collective trust has strengthened my determination to dedicate myself fully to advancing our Society’s mission and values.
This decision reflects my deep belief in ISSMGE as a global family that unites scientific excellence, practical experience, and a shared commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable world.
As we look ahead to the 21st ICSMGE in Vienna, I look forward to continuing our collaboration and to shaping the next chapter of ISSMGE together.
With sincere appreciation,
Prof. Lyesse Laloui
Vice-President for Europe, ISSMGE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29TH EUROPEAN YOUNG GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS CONFERENCE (EYGEC 2025) – RIJEKA, CROATIA |
|
|
Young talents gather in Rijeka to advance the future of geotechnics |
|
|
|
|
The 29th EYGEC was successfully held from 9–12 September 2025 in Rijeka, Croatia, hosted by the Croatian Geotechnical Society and the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, under the auspices of ISSMGE. The conference once again confirmed its reputation as a vital platform for young engineers to exchange ideas, present research, and build international networks.
Highlights of the event: |
|
|
|
|
50 young engineers from 24 European countries participated. 48 peer-reviewed papers were presented, spanning topics such as numerical analysis, deep excavations, soil dynamics, laboratory testing, bio-based soil improvement, slope stability, and field monitoring. The scientific programme included one plenary lecture and six invited lectures delivered by leading experts. Proceedings were published as an open-access volume by the Croatian Geotechnical Society. The conference opened with welcoming addresses from Prof. Lyesse Laloui (ISSMGE Vice President for Europe), Assoc. Prof. Leo Matešić (President, Croatian Geotechnical Society), and Assoc. Prof. Martina Vivoda Prodan (Conference Chair). A rich social programme in Rijeka complemented the scientific sessions, offering participants opportunities to connect and enjoy the Adriatic city’s cultural heritage. The success of the event is thanks to the dedication of the organising committee, led by Assoc. Prof. Vivoda Prodan, and the generous support of sponsors and volunteers. |
|
|
“It was a true honour to welcome so many talented young geotechnical engineers to Rijeka. The quality of their contributions and the spirit of collaboration throughout the event give us confidence in the future of our profession.” – Assoc. Prof. Martina Vivoda Prodan, Conference Chair |
|
|
Looking ahead, the community is already preparing for the 30th EYGEC, which will be hosted in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2027, ensuring the continuation of this proud tradition of fostering Europe’s next generation of geotechnical leaders. Photos of the event are available on the official EYGEC 2025 gallery. |
|
|
|
|
THE ROMANIAN-GREEK SEMINARS |
|
|
|
|
An example of bilateral cooperation between ISSMGE European member societies to the benefit of both nations’ geotechnical communities. |
|
|
Following close cooperation between the Romanian Society for Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering (SRGF) and the Hellenic Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (HSSMGE) since 2022, the two societies have already organized the 1st Romanian-Greek Seminar on Earthquakes and Geotechnical Engineering on March 27th 2025 in Bucharest, Romania, and are currently organizing the 2nd Greek-Romanian |
|
|
Seminar on Earthquakes and Geotechnical Engineering “Lessons learned from Earthquakes and Geotechnical |
|
Loretta Batali, President, SRGF |
|
|
Failures” on October 9th 2025 in Thessaloniki, Greece. These seminars acknowledge the cooperation between the respective professional societies and try to create a platform sharing expertise and fostering collaboration between the geotechnical and earthquake communities of Romania and Greece. With both Romania and Greece located in seismically active regions and facing multiple geotechnical problems, each country with its |
|
|
specificity, these seminars offer the opportunity to discuss the latest developments and challenges in earthquake and geotechnical |
|
Michael Bardanis, President, HSSMGE) |
|
|
engineering. The 1st seminar focused especially on the 2nd generation of Eurocodes 7 and 8. The upcoming 2nd seminar will look through the even more challenging lense of geotechnical and earthquake-related failures.
The 1st seminar included 9 speakers covering both earthquake and geotechnical engineering issues, was attended by 120 delegates from Romania, Greece and some |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 2nd seminar will include 8 speakers covering again both earthquake and geotechnical engineering issues and will conclude with a discussion panel hosting George Gazetas, Kyriazis Pitilakis, Loretta Batali and Michael Bardanis, moderated by George Belokas discussing both the scientific ‘footprint’ of this cooperative effort, the organizational |
|
|
challenges and workload required from the two societies and the legacy these two seminars leave both for the two national societies involved and their further cooperation in the future and the example they set for similar bilateral initiatives between other national societies. |
|
|
|
|
ASSOCIAZIONE GEOTECNICA ITALIANA ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
Courses and Technical Seminars
Two major technical courses were held in 2025:
Design of Landslide Risk Mitigation Measures – Catania, 11 April River Embankments: from Understanding Phenomena to Behaviour during Flood Conditions – Bolzano, 8 May |
|
|
|
|
Pictures from the courses in Bolzano and in Catania |
|
|
|
|
In Memoriam
AGI honoured two distinguished academics through commemorative events:
Prof. Augusto Desideri – Sapienza University of Rome, 16 January Prof. Claudio Mancuso – University of Naples Federico II, 23–24 January |
|
|
|
|
|
|
XXVIII National Geotechnical Conference
The 28th National Geotechnical Conference took place on San Servolo Island, Venice (11–13 June 2025), gathering around 320 participants and featuring over 100 papers.
Social events included a guided evening tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, a dinner at the Cloister of San Servolo, and a technical visit to the MOSE flood protection system. |
|
|
|
|
XXVIII CNG group of attendees in Venice during lunch break, and the Isle of S. Servolo (Venice - Italy) |
|
|
|
|
Youth Engagement and Education |
|
|
|
|
The 14th Annual Meeting of Young Geotechnical Engineers (IAGIG) was held in Palermo (4–5 July) with more than 130 young participants from academia, industry, and the public sector. |
|
|
|
|
Eng. Raffaele Cesaro and Eng. Alessandro Fraccica represented Italy at EYGEC 2025 in Croatia. |
|
Dr. Lucia Mele (University of Naples Federico II) was selected as the Italian delegate to the ISSMGE Young Member Presidential Group (YMPG). |
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events and Initiatives
SAIE Bari 2025 (24 October): Workshop on Reinforcement and Drainage in Reinforced Earth Structures with Geosynthetics. Guidelines on Energy Geostructures: To be published in November 2025, providing national design and construction standards. AGI-CISM Course (20–21 November, Udine): Chaired by Prof. Marco Barla, introducing the new Energy Geostructures guidelines. XXII Croce Lecture (18 December): Prof. Mario Manassero (Polytechnic University of Turin) will present “Basic Principles and Recent Advances in Soil Mechanics for Environmental Protection.” Proposed Honour Lecture – Michele Jamiolkowski: TC102 (In-Situ Testing) of ISSMGE, chaired by Prof. Jason DeJong, is exploring the establishment of a lecture dedicated to Prof. Michele Jamiolkowski, warmly supported by AGI. |
|
|
|
|
NEWS FROM THE BRITISH GEOTECHNICAL ASSOCIATION |
|
|
|
|
The highlight of the British Geotechnical Association’s recent activity was our 4th Biennial Conference - Earthworks25 – which took place at the University of Birmingham from 15th to 18th September. The conference focussed on the design and construction of modern earthworks and was attended by more than 270 people. |
|
|
Keynote lectures were given by Dr John Perry on ‘Science, engineering and the development of modern earthworks design and construction’ and by Rodney Bridle on ‘Earth Dam Engineering – past, present and future.’ In due course the conference proceedings will be published in the BGA Member's Area and in the ISSMGE online |
|
|
Delegates at the BGA Earthworks25 Conference |
|
|
Our autumn programme of lectures began on 23rd September with a talk by Dr Andrew Bond on ‘Reinforcing the second-generation Eurocode 7’. It will continue with our 3rd Annual Dinner and Invited Lecture on 7th October at the Institution of Civil Engineers, London. The lecture will be given by Professor Dame Sarah Springman DBE FREng. The title of her lecture is ‘From Beaches to the Alps & Home Again: a Story of Geotechnical Engineering, Sport & Leadership’. The lecture will explore Sarah’s journey in geotechnical engineering including landmark projects in Australia and Fiji. Alongside her engineering achievements, Sarah has represented multiple countries as an elite athlete and played a pivotal role in triathlon’s inclusion in major international competitions. Her story promises a unique blend of engineering excellence, athletic ambition, and visionary leadership.
This will be followed by the 2025 Géotechnique Lecture on 4th November. The speaker for this prestigious biennial lecture is nominated by the Editorial Panel of Géotechnique. This year’s lecture, titled ‘Clay behaviour through the (key)hole’ will be given by Professor Beatrice Baudet and looks at taking a different approach to clay behaviour and how characterising soil at the microscale allows us to move towards more physics-based models. This lecture will be webcast.
Our Early Careers Group continues to thrive and has been forging links with other European groups. |
|
|
|
|
HELLENIC SOCIETY OF SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING |
|
|
|
|
Summer 2025 marked two major milestones for the HSSMGE Bulletin (ISSN: 2732-7248)! Issue 200 was published in June 2025, and the August 2025 issue marks 20 consecutive years of publication of the Bulletin! Former HSSMGE President, Dr Christos Tsatsanifos, has been the heart and soul behind this publication and his contribution to our society is gratefully acknowledged. |
|
|
HSSMGE inaugurated a new series of lectures under the name GROUNDBREAKERS! This series aims to inspire students, young colleagues and geotechnical professionals and researchers by shedding light on the personal and professional paths of distinguished geotechnical engineers from Greece and abroad! The inaugural GROUNDBREAKER lecture was delivered on-line by Dr Dimitrios Terzis, a Research & Teaching Associate EPFL, Co-founder Medusoil Biominerals, on the 10th of September 2025. The lecture was attended on-line by 30 people and the recording is currently being edited so that it becomes available on the channel HSSMGE maintains on YouTube. |
|
|
|
|
The cover of the HSSMGE Bulletin no 200 (June 2025) |
|
The announcement of the inaugural GROUNDBREAKERS lecture of HSSMGE delivered by Dr Dimitrios Terzis. |
|
|
The HSSMGE Board has decided on the speaker of the 16th Athenian Lecture on Geotechnical Engineering. Dr Christos Tsatsanifos, former President of HSSMGE, member of the Executive Committee, founder and CEO of Pangaea Consulting Engineers PLC and Editor of the HSSMGE Bulletin will deliver the 16th Athenian Lecture titled “The contribution of geotechnical engineering in the protection of monuments” in December 2025. The 1st Athenian Lecture was delivered in 2000 by Harry Poulos, and is given by distinguished geotechnical engineers from Greece or abroad. |
|
|
Dr Christos Tsatsanifos, former President of HSSMGE |
|
|
HSSMGE in cooperation with the Romanian Society for Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering (SRGF) proudly announce the 2nd Greek - Romanian Seminar on Earthquake and Geotechnical Engineering “Lessons learned from Earthquakes and Geotechnical Failures” that will be held in Thessaloniki on October 9th 2025. This seminar follows a most successful 1st Romanian – Greek Seminar on Earthquake and Geotechnical Engineering held in Bucharest in March 2025. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prof. Lyesse Laloui to Deliver TC308 Honour Lecture at ICSMGE 2026 |
|
|
Professor Lyesse Laloui, ISSMGE Vice President for Europe, has been awarded the TC308 Honour Lecture at the 21st International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ICSMGE 2026) in Vienna, in recognition of his pioneering contributions to energy geostructures, and sustainable geotechnical innovation.
His lecture, “Subsurface Energy Solutions: Where Geotechnics Meets Innovation,” will explore how advances in geotechnical engineering are driving the clean energy transition and enabling climate-resilient infrastructure.
Presented by the ISSMGE Technical Committee on Energy Geotechnics (TC308), the Honour Lecture recognises |
|
|
researchers whose work has made outstanding contributions to the development of the field.
The lecture will be delivered during a semi-plenary session at ICSMGE 2026. Further details are available via the official conference website. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The countdown to ICSMGE 2026 is on! From 14–19 June 2026, the global geotechnical community will gather at the Austria Center Vienna for what promises to be a landmark event.
The response has been extraordinary with 1,420 full papers submitted from every corner of the world, setting the stage for one of the most comprehensive scientific programmes in the history of the conference. Expect the Terzaghi Oration, eight Technical Committee Honour Lectures, State-of-the-Art and Invited Lectures, plus a Contractors’ Session bringing academia and industry together.
Kicking off the week, the International Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference (IYGEC) on 12–13 June will showcase the talent and energy of the next generation. With registration and exhibition bookings opening 15 October 2025, now is the time to get ready for Vienna. Join us as we shape the future of geotechnical engineering: www.icsmge2026.org. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOMINATIONS FOR ISSMGE AWARDS |
|
|
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ISSMGE AWARDS AT 21st ICSMGE VIENNA 2026
|
|
|
The ISSMGE offers awards to recognise those members who have made important contributions to our profession, society and the world. The following awards are open for call for nominations in view of the attribution at the 21st International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering 2026 (21 ICSMGE):
ISSMGE Outstanding Technical Committee Award ISSMGE Outstanding Geotechnical Project Award ISSMGE Outstanding Innovator Award ISSMGE Outstanding Member Society Award |
|
|
ISSMGE Outstanding Paper Published in the International Journal of Geo-Engineering Case Histories Award ISSMGE Outstanding Public Relations Award ISSMGE Outstanding Young Geotechnical Engineer Award Guidelines for the nomination of the various awards can be found here. All nominations must be made through the local ISSMGE Member Society (except the Outstanding Paper Award and the Outstanding Technical Committee Award) and must reach the ISSMGE Secretariat by 31 December 2025 (extended deadline) in time for the 21st International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (21 ICSMGE 2026) to be held in Vienna, Austria in 2026. |
|
|
|
|
XVIII DECGE BUDAPEST 2027 |
|
|
|
|
About the DECGE Conferences
The Danube-European Conference on Geotechnical Engineering (DECGE) was launched in 1964 by the Austrian Society of Engineers and Architects (ÖIAV), inspired by the legacy of Prof. Karl Terzaghi. Its founding goal was to unite geotechnical experts from East and West, bridging divides during the “Iron Curtain” era.
The Danube region faces enduring geotechnical challenges — from flood protection and riverbank stability to hydropower development and ecological restoration — now intensified by climate change. The XVIII DECGE, dedicated to “Geotechnical Engineering for Resilience and Sustainability,” will explore both long-standing and emerging issues shaping the region’s future.
Following the success of the XVII DECGE in Bucharest (2023), Budapest will host the next edition in 2027, continuing a proud tradition of collaboration and innovation across the Danube region and beyond. |
|
|
Conference themes
Geotechnical characterization and modelling Eurocode 2nd generation: design methodologies Sustainable geotechnologies and materials Urban and transportation geotechnical resilience Sustainable renovation methods Environmental geotechnics and climate adaptation Geohazard, risk, monitoring and mitigation Digital transformation and data-driven geotechnics |
|
|
“I warmly invite colleagues from across Europe and beyond to join us in Budapest for the 18th Danube-European Conference on Geotechnical Engineering. Building on the region’s tradition of scientific exchange, the conference offers a vital forum to address global challenges in geotechnics and to advance resilience and sustainability together.”
Lyesse Laloui, Vice-president, Europe, ISSMGE
|
|
Important dates
Abstract submission: 15 January 2026. Abstract acceptance: 15 March 2026. Paper submission: 15 September 2026. Paper acceptance: 15 November 2026. Final paper submission:15 January 2027 Conference: 9-12 June 2027.
|
|
|
BudapestBudapest is one of Europe’s most vibrant and picturesque capitals. With its grand boulevards, leafy parks, Art Nouveau architecture, and lively cafés, the city blends elegance with energy. The Danube divides Buda and Pest, linked by iconic bridges that frame world-famous landmarks such as the Buda |
|
|
Castle District, the Parliament Building, and the historic Gellért Baths; many recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
|
|
VenueThe XVIII DECGE will be held at the Lágymányos Campus of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), one of Hungary’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Located |
|
|
on the Buda side of the Danube between the Petőfi and Rákóczi Bridges, the modern riverside buildings offer an inspiring setting with excellent conference and exhibition facilities. In good weather, participants |
|
|
can enjoy the terrace’s panoramic views over the Danube and Budapest’s historic skyline. |
|
|
OrganizersThe 18th Danube-European Conference on Geotechnical Engineering is organized by the Hungarian Geotechnical Society, in collaboration with the Geotechnical Section of the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers, Széchenyi István University, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the Hungarian Tunnelling Association, and Óbuda University. Find out more at: 18decge.hu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We kindly encourage all Societies to share this newsletter with your members, students, and professional networks. The more voices we reach, the stronger our European geotechnical community becomes. To make this process easier, we offer two options:
Newsletter Sign-Up – Individuals can subscribe directly via our website:
Subscribe here Mailing List Sharing – If your society maintains a member mailing list, you’re welcome to securely share those contacts with us (with appropriate consent), and we’ll handle distribution on your behalf—reducing your administrative workload. Let’s work together to ensure timely updates, opportunities, and success stories reach all corners of our community.
For any questions, contact us at: vpeurope.issmge@epfl.ch |
|
|
|
|
STAY CONNECTED: issmge-e.eu |
|
|
Don’t forget to visit the ISSMGE Europe website, the central platform for updates across our regional community. 🔗 www.issmge-e.eu There you’ll find:
A regularly updated listing of events from national societies An archive of past newsletters The latest announcements shared by our members If your society is organising a conference, course, or other activity you’d like to highlight, we welcome your contributions.
Send details to: vpeurope.issmge@epfl.ch
The site and newsletters are shaped by what you share. Thank you for helping us keep the community informed. |
|
|
|
|
LinkedIn Page: ISSMGE Europe on LinkedIn
Follow us to stay updated on innovations, community highlights, and opportunities to engage across the geotechnical field in Europe. These platforms are your gateway to the evolving landscape of geotechnical engineering in Europe. Help us grow—share these links with your society members, students, and colleagues! |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow us on social media |
|
|
|
|
|
|
