ISSMGE EUROPE NEWSLETTER, SPRING EDITION 2024.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Message from the Vice President

Dear ISSMGE Europe Members,

I'm excited to address you in this edition of our newsletter, brimming with the positive energy from last week's National Assembly! Witnessing the exceptional turnout – with representatives from 27 out of 38 member countries – was truly inspiring. This level of engagement underscores the collaborative spirit that defines ISSMGE Europe.

The Assembly's momentum carried right over into the stimulating workshop titled "Supporting Innovation and Creating a Framework to Accelerate the Transfer of Technology from the Laboratory to the Market." This workshop, an initiative I'm proud to champion, is a testament to our collective commitment to action and progress.

By fostering knowledge exchange between our societies, we can ensure that we remain at the forefront of addressing critical geotechnical challenges across Europe. This collaborative approach is essential for delivering the innovation required to develop sustainable infrastructure solutions and mitigate geo-disaster risks.

In the coming months, I hope this spirit of action will translate into some exciting new initiatives based on the discussion and feedback received during the National Assembly. We'll also be offering even more opportunities for members to get involved, including potential working groups and pilot programs.

I encourage you to stay connected and actively participate in shaping the future of ISSMGE Europe. Together, we can build on this momentum and solidify our organization as a dynamic force for positive change in European geotechnical engineering.

Onwards,

Lyesse Laloui, ISSMGE Vice President Europe.

 
 

 
 
 

The National Assembly: A Showcase of Collaboration and Progress

 
 
 
 

Last week's National Assembly was a testament to the thriving spirit of innovation and collaboration within ISSMGE Europe. The exceptional attendance, with representatives from 27 out of 38 member societies, created an atmosphere of shared purpose and enthusiasm.

Prof. Lyesse Laloui's welcoming address highlighted the significant achievements we've made together. This includes the development of our five strategic pillars, the invaluable formulation of the European Support Group, and the establishment of regular National Assemblies. He emphasized the ongoing efforts dedicated to nurturing a cohesive identity among European members of ISSMGE and strengthening our collaboration with contractors and industry within the profession.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Howden for the generous use of their amazing facilities in the heart of London's insurance sector.

Prof. Laloui concluded with a powerful call to action, urging all members to actively participate and contribute to our community. By working together, we can ensure ISSMGE Europe effectively delivers on the critical needs of society while fostering a thriving geotechnical community across the continent.

We look forward to seeing you in August at ECSMGE 24 for the 4th National Assembly. 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Workshop: Accelerating Market Adoption of Innovative Geotechnology

 
 
 
 

The ISSMGE Europe National Assembly was followed by a stimulating workshop on "Accelerating Market Adoption of Innovative Geotechnology." This workshop focused on bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications in the geotechnical field.

The day began with presentations from industry leaders, including OGI and Howden Brokers. These presentations explored various challenges and opportunities surrounding the implementation of innovative solutions.

Following the presentations, a facilitated Q&A session allowed participants to delve deeper into specific topics and gain valuable insights from the experts.

The afternoon session featured a workshop led by the Howden Climate and Resilience Team. This interactive session provided a platform for attendees to collaboratively explore strategies for accelerating the market adoption of innovative geotechnology solutions.

The workshop culminated in a group discussion focused on key takeaways and potential action steps. Participants actively shared their learnings and identified areas for future collaboration.

To conclude a productive day, attendees enjoyed lively social events that provided opportunities to network and strengthen professional relationships within the geotechnical community.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors

The success of this workshop would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our sincere gratitude to:

  • Howden Group: For providing their amazing facilities in the heart of London's insurance sector and their valuable contributions to the workshop program.
  • OGI: For sponsoring accommodation and transportation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for all participants.
  • British Geotechnical Association (BGA): For graciously hosting us at the esteemed Institution of Civil Engineers.

Special Recognition

A special thank you to Dr. Stephen Thomas for his exceptional leadership and dedication in organizing this insightful workshop.

By working together with our sponsors and organizers, ISSMGE Europe is fostering a dynamic environment that bridges the gap between innovative ideas and real-world applications.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Society Anniversaries: A Shared Celebration of Excellence

 
 
 
 

ISSMGE Europe is thrilled to celebrate milestone anniversaries with two of its esteemed member societies!

The British Geotechnical Association (BGA) reaches its impressive 75th year in 2024. Their unwavering dedication to advancing geotechnical knowledge and practice has profoundly impacted both the UK and the broader European geotechnical landscape. To commemorate this remarkable achievement, the BGA is hosting a special anniversary conference culminating in their Annual Dinner and Lecture on October 15th, 2024. Learn more about these events and the BGA's rich history at https://www.britishgeotech.org/events/411-bga-75th-anniversary-conference-and-annual-dinner-and-lecture.

The Swiss Geotechnical Society will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025. Their longstanding commitment has significantly shaped European geotechnical engineering. In 2025, they will mark this milestone with a special keynote lecture held at ETH Zurich, a fitting tribute to their exceptional contributions.

ISSMGE Europe extends its heartfelt congratulations to both the BGA and the Swiss Geotechnical Society. We are incredibly fortunate to have such distinguished and active member societies, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared success alongside them!

 
 

 
 
 
 

Prof. Laloui Delivers the Széchy Memorial Lecture. 

 
 

ISSMGE Europe Vice President, Prof. Lyesse Laloui, recently had the honor of presenting the prestigious Széchy Memorial Lecture in Hungary. This annual lecture recognizes significant contributions to geotechnical engineering and celebrates the legacy of Károly Széchy, a renowned Hungarian geotechnical engineer.

Prof. Laloui's lecture focused on "Energy Geotechnology: A New Era for Geotechnical Engineering Practice." This timely topic explores the crucial role geotechnical engineers play in developing innovative solutions for sustainable energy infrastructure. With energy geostructures gaining increasing attention across Europe, this lecture showcased Prof. Laloui's expertise in this emerging field.

Prof. Laloui's participation in this esteemed event reflects the commitment of ISSMGE Europe leaders to engage with national societies and promote knowledge exchange across the continent.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Upcoming Conferences

 
 
 
ECSMGE24: Lisbon Awaits!
 
 
 
 

Europe's premier geotechnical engineering conference, ECSMGE 2024, is fast approaching! Mark your calendars for August 26th to August 30th, 2024 and prepare to immerse yourself in cutting-edge knowledge and networking opportunities in beautiful Lisbon, Portugal.

Key highlights to anticipate include:

  • Leading Voices: Discover the latest advancements and insights through inspiring keynote lectures and comprehensive State of the Art presentations.
  • Preserving our Roots: Honor the legacy of geotechnical engineering with special Heritage Time Capsule Lectures.
  • Shaping the Future: Delve into innovative solutions for underground space utilization in special Forums focused on building sustainable and resilient cities.
  • Industry Engagement: Connect with major players in the field during the Corporate Associated Presidential Group (CAPG) Session.

Visit the website for more information and to register: https://www.ecsmge-2024.com/

 
 
 
ICSMGE 2026: A Centennial Celebration in Vienna
 
 
 
 

Join the global geotechnical community in Vienna, Austria, from June 14th to 19th, 2026, for the historic ICSMGE 2026 conference. This extraordinary event marks the 100th anniversary of Karl Terzaghi's seminal publication, "Erdbaumechanik auf bodenphysikalischer Grundlage," which revolutionized the field of geotechnical engineering.

Honoring a Legacy, Shaping the Future: ICSMGE 2026 promises to be a unique celebration of our discipline's rich history while exploring cutting-edge innovations shaping its future. Expect a dynamic program with:

Inspiring Keynotes: Gain insights from world-renowned experts in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering.

Comprehensive Technical Sessions: Explore the latest research, techniques, and case studies across various geotechnical specializations.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues and industry leaders from around the globe.

Exhibitions: Discover the latest technologies and solutions shaping our field.

Special Events: Engage in exciting activities commemorating Terzaghi's work and celebrating the global geotechnical community.

Stay Tuned for Updates: Visit https://www.icsmge2026.org/ for the latest information, exciting announcements, and registration details as they become available.

 
 
 
PMGEC 2025: A Mediterranean Premiere
 
 
 
 

Mark your calendars for a groundbreaking event in the geotechnical landscape, the inaugural Pan Mediterranean Geotechnical Engineering Conference (PMGEC 2025)! Hosted by the Lebanese Geotechnical Engineering Society in Beirut, Lebanon, this conference promises a unique gathering for professionals across the diverse Mediterranean region.

Theme: The event will focus on "Bridging Borders: Geotechnical Challenges and Innovations Across the Mediterranean," highlighting the common ground and collaborative opportunities within the region.

Location: Prepare to be immersed in the vibrant culture of Beirut while taking advantage of the facilities at the InterContinental Phoenicia.

Stay Informed: Visit https://pmgec-leb.com/ for future updates, including key dates, exciting program details, and registration information.

This first-of-its-kind conference is an exciting chance to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate across the Mediterranean geotechnical community.

 
 

 
 
 

Other News

The Race for ECSMGE 2028

Get ready to hear more about the exciting competition to host ECSMGE 2028! Both Turkey and Italy have submitted compelling bids to welcome the European geotechnical community in just a few years. During the recent National Assembly, both countries presented their proposals, showcasing their unique strengths and potential as hosts.

Based on initial feedback, Turkey and Italy will be refining their presentations for ECSMGE 2024 in Lisbon. This is where the final decision will be made! National society representatives will cast their votes during the 4th National Assembly, determining the host for this significant event.

Stay tuned for more updates on the bids and the exciting decision ahead!

ELGIP: A Collaborative Force in European Geotechnical Innovation
 
 
 
 

Presented by ESG member Dr Iulia Prodan, President of The European Large Geotechnical Institutes Platform (ELGIP) at the National Assembly, ELGIP embodies the power of a united approach to geotechnical research, development, and innovation across Europe. This platform brings together leading research organizations from across the continent, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration on crucial challenges facing our field.

Key Objectives of ELGIP:

Shared Resources: Collaborating to create greater access to advanced geotechnical testing facilities and expertise. Working together to address complex geotechnical challenges and drive innovation in fields like sustainable infrastructure and geo-disaster mitigation.

Pioneering Research: Working together to address complex geotechnical challenges and drive innovation in fields like sustainable infrastructure and geo-disaster mitigation.

Knowledge Dissemination: Facilitating the exchange of best practices and cutting-edge research findings to benefit the wider European geotechnical community.

Industry Partnerships: Fostering collaboration between researchers and industry practitioners to translate research breakthroughs into practical solutions.

ELGIP in Action: Visit https://elgip.org/ to explore ELGIP's active working groups, recent publications, and upcoming initiatives. The platform's focus on topics such as energy geostructures, transport infrastructure and natural hazards underscores its commitment to tackling real-world geotechnical challenges.

ELGIP serves as a model for how a collaborative approach can foster a dynamic and impactful geotechnical research landscape throughout Europe.

 
 
 
Newsletter Information

If you have any news or information you would like to share with your fellow national societies, please feel free to email the newsletter editor and we will happy include your information in the next edition. geomechanics.news@epfl.ch

 

 
 

 
 
 
 
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