|
We encourage all Societies to share this newsletter with members, students, and networks to strengthen our European geotechnical community. To make this process easier, we offer two options:
Newsletter Sign-Up – Individuals can subscribe directly via our website: Subscribe here
Mailing List Sharing – With consent, share your member list with us for direct distribution, reducing your workload. Let’s ensure updates, opportunities, and success stories reach our entire community.
For any questions, contact us at: vpeurope.issmge@epfl.ch |
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to the Summer 2025 Edition!
Dear colleagues,
As the European geotechnical community returns from the summer break, this edition brings important updates and reflections. We look ahead to the upcoming EYGEC (European Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference) 2025 in Rijeka, Croatia, honour the memory of Professor Ivan Vaníček, former ISSMGE Vice President for Europe, and celebrate a prestigious international award granted to our current vice president.
Enjoy
—The ISSMGE Europe Editorial Team |
|
|
|
|
Editorial: Highlights from the Vice President for Europe |
|
|
As we enter the final year of my vice-presidential mandate, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary privilege of serving the European geotechnical community. The energy, diversity, and dedication of our national societies continue to inspire me. Since our last gathering at the 5th European National Assembly in Skopje, I have had the |
|
|
honour of representing Europe at several important international events. These occasions have reaffirmed our shared values of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, and have opened new opportunities to engage with colleagues and partners across the global geotechnical community.
Looking ahead to ICSMGE 2026 in Vienna, a centenary milestone for our discipline, I am continually reminded of the critical role Europe plays in shaping the global geotechnical agenda. Each event serves as a reflection of our collective efforts to build stronger societies through engineering rooted in scientific excellence and human connection. In that spirit, I share here some highlights of my recent activities as Vice President for Europe. |
|
|
|
|
Széchy Memorial Lecture - Budapest, 14 February 2025 |
|
|
Attending the Széchy Memorial Lecture was a valuable opportunity to connect with members from across the Danube region and beyond. Representatives gathered in Budapest to honour Professor António Gomes Correia, recipient of the 2025 Széchy Memorial Lecture and Emeritus Professor at the University of Minho. |
|
|
His lifetime contributions to transportation geotechnics, education, and international |
|
Lunch with ISSMGE representatives and the Széchy Memorial Lecturer 2025 Prof. Antonio Gomes Correia (Emeritus Professor at University of Minho, Portugal). |
|
|
collaboration represent the kind of excellence we strive to foster across all European societies.
I had the honour of opening the event with an address at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. It was particularly encouraging to see such strong representation from neighbouring societies. Events like this foster meaningful exchange at both technical and institutional levels and strengthen our shared regional identity. |
|
|
Prof. Laloui opening the Széchy Memorial Lecture with Prof. Edina Koch, President of the Hungarian Geotechnical Society and event organiser. |
|
|
|
|
|
John Mitchell Lecture - Bruges, 23 May 2025 |
|
|
|
|
At the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) and European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) International Conference in Bruges, I had the honour of being awarded the John Mitchell Lecture. This recognition from two leading industry bodies underscores the essential role that industry engagement plays in advancing practice-based innovation in geotechnics.
Our national societies rely on strong connections with the private sector. These relationships drive the development and application of new technologies and methodologies. Supporting societies in cultivating these ties, through conferences, technical committees, and joint initiatives, will |
|
|
Prof. Laloui receiving the award from Dr. Maurice Bottiau, DFI Europe President |
|
remain a key priority in the final year of my mandate. |
|
|
|
|
31st Prague Geotechnical Lecture - Prague, 26 May 2025 |
|
|
Hosted as part of the Prague Geotechnical Days, the 31st Prague Geotechnical Lecture was an honour to deliver. I was invited by the Czech and Slovak Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering to present this distinguished lecture, which brought together practitioners, researchers, and national society representatives for a rich dialogue on infrastructure resilience and underground construction. The event offered a unique opportunity to spotlight regional innovation and deepen cross-border exchange. |
|
|
Our discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration between national societies, the relevance of locally grounded expertise, and the growing impact of geotechnical engineering in shaping the future of Europe’s infrastructure. These events are instrumental in aligning our regional ambitions with global priorities. |
|
|
|
|
Prof. Laloui and President of the Czech and Slovak Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Prof. Ing. Jana Frankovska presenting the Quido Zaruba Award for young engineering geologists and geotechnical Engineers to Ing. Alice Petrlíková, Ph.D., Institute of Geonics, Czech Academy of Sciences |
|
|
|
|
3rd International Conference on Energy Geotechnics (ICEGT-2025) - Paris, 18 June 2025 |
|
|
I attended ICEGT 2025 as ISSMGE’s representative in June. This event addresses one of the most urgent and promising intersections in our field: the link between geotechnics and the energy transition. As someone whose research has long focused on energy geostructures and coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes, I was proud to see European expertise at the forefront of this agenda.
|
|
|
From the technical sessions to the keynote lectures, it was evident that Europe continues to lead the way in sustainable geotechnical engineering. I would like to congratulate Prof. Jean-Michel Pereira and the French Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (CFMS) for their outstanding organisation of this event, which |
|
|
demonstrated the strength of academic and industry collaboration and opened new avenues for international cooperation. |
|
Prof. Laloui with Prof. Pierre Delage, in charge of the ISSMGE "Geo-engineers Without Borders" Committee (GeoWB), and Prof. Marcelo Sanchez in charge of the ISSMGE Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) |
|
|
European leadership was strongly represented, with Professor Pierre Delage serving as Chair of the Geo-Engineers Without Borders Committee. The event also benefitted from the contributions of international leaders such as Professor Marcelo Sanchez, underscoring the importance of cross-regional collaboration rooted in strong local engagement. |
|
|
|
|
British Geotechnical Association Annual Conference - London, 25 June 2025 |
|
|
Representing ISSMGE, I had the honour of opening the 22nd BGA Annual Conference by introducing our organisation and its mission to a wider professional audience. I then delivered the opening keynote lecture on Thermo-Active Piling Engineering, highlighting recent developments in energy-related geotechnical solutions relevant to our European community.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the UK and beyond. The conference programme was rich with insights—from climate-resilient infrastructure to AI-driven site investigation—showcasing the breadth of innovation underway across our region. |
|
|
This gathering was not only a celebration of technical excellence, but a demonstration of the collaborative energy that continues to define the European geotechnical community. |
|
|
|
|
Prof. Laloui with Yuli (Chaido) Doulala-Rigby, Chair of the British Geotechnical Association |
|
|
|
|
75th Anniversary of the Brazilian Geotechnical Society - Rio de Janeiro, 21–22 July 2025 |
|
|
As part of the ISSMGE Board delegation, I was honoured to represent the international geotechnical community at the 75th anniversary of the Brazilian Association for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ABMS). This occasion marked not only a milestone for our Brazilian colleagues, but also a celebration of global solidarity within ISSMGE.
Together with former ISSMGE President Prof. Charles Ng, Vice President André Assis and board member Daniela Pollak Aguiló, I had the privilege of presenting the 2025 ISSMGE International Lifetime Achievement Medal to Professor Willy Alvarenga Lacerda. A world leader in slope stability and tropical soil mechanics and former president of ABMS, Professor Lacerda has made outstanding contributions to research, education, and practice over six decades. His legacy exemplifies the values of excellence, mentorship, and service that unite our community. |
|
|
During the event, I was also pleased to |
|
Prof Laloui with former ISSMGE President, Prof. Charles Ng. |
|
|
present an overview of ISSMGE to a diverse audience of practitioners, academics, and policy stakeholders, demonstrating the Society’s global reach and our commitment to cooperation across continents. |
|
|
|
|
Prof. Laloui introducing ISSMGE at the 75th anniversary of ABMS. |
|
Representative of the ISSMGE board (Charles Ng, Daniela Pollak Aguiló, André Assis and Lyesse Laloui) delivering the 2025 International Lifetime Achievement Medal (ILAM) to Professor Willy A. Lacerda (Brazil). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
These engagements are more than ceremonial, they are a reflection of our shared identity as a European community within ISSMGE. They provide opportunities to strengthen connections, amplify the work of our national societies, and deepen engagement with the global profession.
In the months ahead, I look forward to continuing this work together: encouraging vibrant exchange between our members, supporting national growth and visibility, and reinforcing a strong, united European voice in geotechnical engineering worldwide.
Lyesse Laloui
Vice President for Europe, ISSMGE |
|
|
|
|
|
29th European Young Geotechnical Engineers ConferenceRijeka, Croatia | 9–12 September 2025 |
|
|
The Croatian Geotechnical Society, under the auspices of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), is proud to host the 29th European Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference (EYGEC 2025) in Rijeka, Croatia, from 9 to 12 September 2025. |
|
|
|
|
This prestigious event offers a dynamic platform for graduate students, doctoral candidates, and early-career engineers under the age of 35 to present their professional and scientific work. EYGEC’s core mission is to foster long-term international collaboration and knowledge exchange among emerging talents in geotechnical engineering across Europe.
The four-day program will take place at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, with participants accommodated nearby at the Trsat student dormitory. Meals will be organized at the adjacent Kampus student restaurant, ensuring a collegial and convenient experience. |
|
|
|
|
Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka |
|
|
Conference Highlights
09 September: Welcome cocktail & registration 10 September: Invited lectures, sponsored presentations, participant sessions, and a cultural walk through Rijeka 11 September: Technical visit to the Rječina River Valley, followed by a friendly Geo Quiz 12 September: Closing sessions, lectures, and a festive Gala Dinner |
|
|
Aerial view of the Rječina River Valley |
|
|
From a call for abstracts, the conference received 63 submissions from 24 countries. Following selection by their national geotechnical societies, 50 full papers have now been submitted and are under technical review. Topics span numerical modeling, slope stability, soil dynamics, laboratory and field testing, and ground improvement, and will be published in the official conference proceedings.
Seven internationally recognized experts will deliver invited lectures on cutting-edge geotechnical topics. The event has also received strong backing from national and international companies and institutions. For full details and updates, visit the conference website: eygec2025.uniri.hr Prepared by Assoc. Prof. Martina Vivoda Prodan, Chair of the 29th EYGEC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CZECH AND SLOVAK GEOTECHNICAL SOCIETY |
|
|
In Memoriam: Professor Ivan Vaníček (1944–2025) |
|
|
![]() |
Former Vice President for Europe, ISSMGE (2009–2013); Past President of the Czech & Slovak Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering |
|
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Ivan Vaníček, a distinguished figure in the international geotechnical community and former Vice President for Europe of ISSMGE.
Professor Vaníček was widely respected for his expertise in slope stability, environmental geotechnics, and geosynthetics, as well as his pivotal role in the development of geotechnical standards and the Eurocode. His long-standing leadership of the Czech & Slovak Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering helped strengthen regional cooperation and elevated the visibility of Central European contributions on the international stage. |
|
|
Elected as ISSMGE Vice President for Europe in 2009, he brought technical rigour, humility, and vision to his role, fostering deeper collaboration between national societies and championing educational and institutional progress. Known for his intellectual depth and generous mentorship, Professor Vaníček influenced not only the technical evolution of our field, but the professional growth of generations of engineers.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the Czech and Slovak geotechnical communities. On behalf of ISSMGE Europe and all those in our region who had the privilege to work alongside him, we honour his legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prof. Lyesse Laloui Awarded 2026 InterPore Distinguished Lectureship |
|
|
We are proud to announce that our ISSMGE Vice President for Europe, Prof. Lyesse Laloui, has been named the 2026 Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lecturer by the International Society for Porous Media (InterPore).
This prestigious international award |
|
|
recognizes Prof. Laloui’s pioneering contributions to porous media science. As part of the lectureship, he will deliver keynote talks around the world throughout 2026.
His two core lectures will include:
Tailoring Soil Properties Through Bio-Geochemical Engineering – covering advances in microbial soil treatment and its applications in sustainable construction. Carbon Dioxide Injection into Deep Aquifers: A Geomechanical Perspective – offering insight into fluid–structure interactions in geological carbon storage. Institutions interested in hosting a lecture can apply via the Interpore website. Read the full announcement via the EPFL website. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
