Dear colleagues,

I’m delighted to reach out following the 5th European Assembly in Skopje, where the energy and commitment of our geotechnical community were truly inspiring. A huge thank you and congratulations to the Macedonian Geotechnical Society (MAG) for hosting such a well-organized and engaging event—it was a pleasure to be part of it.

The discussions in Skopje reinforced the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange across ISSMGE Europe. Our ongoing focus on "Supporting Innovation and Creating a Framework to Accelerate the Transfer of Technology from the Laboratory to the Market" remains more relevant than ever. Bringing research into practice is a challenge we all recognize, and it was great to see the enthusiasm for driving this forward.

Moments like these remind us why our network is so valuable. While formal initiatives may take time to develop, the conversations we have at these gatherings lay the groundwork for future progress. I encourage you all to stay engaged, share ideas, and keep the momentum going in your own communities.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue working together to strengthen geotechnical engineering across Europe. Let’s keep building on these connections and pushing our profession forward.

Onwards,

Lyesse Laloui
ISSMGE Vice President Europe

A Landmark Gathering: Reflections on the 5th European ISSMGE National Assembly

The Macedonian Association for Geotechnics (MAG) had the honor of hosting the 5th European National Assembly of ISSMGE in Skopje, North Macedonia. This dynamic one-day event brought together leading experts, professionals, and representatives from 22 European geotechnical societies, providing a collaborative platform to discuss key issues, exchange insights, and shape the future of geotechnical engineering.

• Helmut Schweiger, President of the Austrian Geotechnical Society, who outlined preparations for ICSMGE 2026.

• Ozer Cinicioglu, Vic-president of the Turkish Geotechnical Society, who shared details on ICSMGE 2028.

• Additional presentations from various national societies, showcasing their ongoing contributions and developments.

A major theme of the assembly was inspiring and attracting young professionals to geotechnical engineering. This was the focus of a working session led by MAG President Igor Peshevski, titled "The Role of Geotechnical Societies in Maintaining the Interest of Young People."

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning, there is a growing need to engage young engineers through innovative programs and career opportunities. Member societies shared their best practices and successful initiatives for mentoring, professional development, and outreach efforts aimed at sustaining enthusiasm in the next generation.

Following the morning discussions, participants had the opportunity to visit the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS) in Skopje. This visit provided a firsthand look at the institute’s state-of-the-art testing facilities and cutting-edge research in earthquake engineering, reinforcing the vital link between geotechnical research and practical applications.

The afternoon sessions explored pressing challenges and opportunities within our field.

Challenges of Small Societies and Markets
Igor Peshevski facilitated an insightful discussion on the challenges faced by smaller geotechnical societies and markets. Key topics included:

• The inclusion of engineers from smaller nations in global discussions.

• Strengthening industry-university collaboration to drive innovation.

• Adapting pricing models for geotechnical services in smaller economies.

A Memorable Conclusion

The assembly concluded with a networking dinner at a traditional Macedonian restaurant, where participants had the chance to experience local cuisine, engage in stimulating discussions, and strengthen professional relationships. This informal gathering provided the perfect setting to celebrate the success of the assembly and reinforce connections within the European geotechnical community.

Natasha Nedelkovska, MAG secretary.

Professor Lyesse Laloui to Deliver Prestigious John Mitchell Lecture

The John Mitchell Lecture, organized by the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) and the European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC), is one of the highest honors in geotechnical engineering. It recognizes individuals whose work has significantly advanced the understanding and application of deep foundations and ground improvement on a global scale.

Professor Laloui’s selection reflects his pioneering contributions to energy geostructures and sustainable geotechnical solutions. His research has transformed the industry by offering innovative approaches to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in foundation engineering.

This highly anticipated lecture will bring together industry leaders, academics, and practitioners to engage with Professor Laloui’s groundbreaking work.

For more information on the event, visit the website.

UPCOMING CONFERENCES

The International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ICSMGE 2026), the flagship event of ISSMGE, will take place in Vienna, Austria, from June 14–19, 2026. Marking the 100th anniversary of Karl Terzaghi’s seminal work, this historic gathering will bring together geotechnical experts from around the world to celebrate the past and explore the future of the field.

With abstract submissions now closed and the review process underway, preparations are in full swing for an exciting program featuring keynote lectures, technical sessions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. As Vienna is at the heart of Europe, we encourage all European geotechnical professionals to take part in this must-attend event.

For updates and registration details, visit 

CNG Venezia 2025

ASSOCIAZIONE GEOTECNICA ITALIANA

LITHUANIAN GEOTECHNICAL SOCIETY

On February 2nd, the Lithuanian Geotechnical Society (LGS) celebrated its 35th anniversary. At the inaugural congress of LGS, the first Articles of Association were approved and signed by the first chairperson, Mr. Liudvikas Furmonavičius. Interestingly, the Articles of Association were signed on February 2nd, just 

a few days before Lithuania declared its independence on March 11th, 1990.

Later that same year, on October 4th, the LGS Articles of Association were officially approved by the Minister of Justice.

ISSMGE Europe is committed to showcasing the wealth of knowledge within our community, and we need your help! We invite all National Societies to share details of their National Lectures so we can help promote them across ISSMGE’s social media channels and other platforms.

By increasing visibility, we can amplify the reach of your lectures, celebrate the contributions of your experts, and strengthen knowledge-sharing across our geotechnical network.

• If your society organizes National Lectures, please send us:

• The lecture title and speaker’s name

• A brief description of the topic

• Date, time, and format (in-person, online, or hybrid)

• Any relevant links for registration or further information

Let’s work together to bring geotechnical insights to a wider audience! Forward your lecture details to brendan.smith@epfl.ch, and we’ll make sure they get the recognition they deserve.