ISRM Newsletter No. 72 - Winter 2025

Message from the President – December 2025

Dear ISRM colleagues,

As 2025 draws to a close, I hope you are finding a moment to pause and reflect on the year. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks and warm congratulations to all ISRM colleagues for your dedication, hard work, and accomplishments over the past year.

Over the last year, ISRM has recorded a number of noteworthy milestones, both large and small. Above all, EUROCK 2025, held in June in Trondheim, Norway, as ISRM 2025 International Symposium, was an outstanding success. With more than 400 participants, the program featured the Rocha Medal Lecture and the Franklin Lecture, seven keynote lectures, and over 200 paper presentations, giving rise to lively and wide-ranging discussions. The event also included the induction ceremony for three ISRM Fellows, along with the presentation of several awards and honors. At the 10th Early Career Forum, six young scholars presented their work, making it a particularly meaningful occasion. I would like to congratulate all presenters and award recipients on their excellent achievements, and to express my sincere appreciation to Henki Ødegaard and Jorge Terron, the Organizing Committee Chairs, for their tireless efforts in making the symposium such a success.

Ahead of the symposium, the ISRM Council Meeting was convened. During the meeting, the election for the next President took place, and Sérgio Fontoura (Brazil) was elected to serve as ISRM President for the 2027–2031 term. Please join me in congratulating our President-Elect and wishing him every success as he leads our Society forward.

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2026 ISRM International Symposium, ARMS14 – Fukuoka, Japan, 22–27 November 2026
Abstract submission deadline extended to 15 January 2026

The deadline for abstract submission to the 2026 ISRM International Symposium ARMS14: 14th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium has been extended to 15 January 2026. We appreciate your contribution.

The symposium will be held on 22-27 November 2026 in Fukuoka, a modern and vibrant city on Kyushu, Japan's southwestern island. The theme of the symposium is “Rock Mechanics for the Next Generation: Innovations, Sustainability, and Resilience.” It aims to address these key issues while promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences across diverse areas of rock mechanics and rock engineering. Contributions in all areas of rock mechanics and related fields are welcome.

Prospective authors are kindly asked to submit an abstract by 15 January 2026. All accepted papers will be published in the symposium proceedings, and they will be introduced in the ISRM Digital Library following the symposium.

The program will feature six keynote lectures, as well as the 2026 Franklin Lecture and the 2026 Rocha Lecture. Several workshops and short courses will be organized in collaboration with ISRM commissions. Following the symposium, technical tours will be available. In addition, events such as a Students’ Night, Early Career Forum, and RockBowl are being planned to encourage active participation from younger members.

For more detailed information, please visit the symposium website.

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52nd ISRM Online Lecture by William Joughin was broadcast on 11 December 2025

The 52nd ISRM Online Lecture was given by Mr. William Joughin from South Africa. The topic of the lecture was "Design of concrete plugs for sealing of tunnels to prevent inrush of water and mud". It was broadcast on 11 December at 10 a.m. UTC. The recording remains available on the ISRM Online Lectures webpage.

William Joughin commenced his career in mining and rock engineering in 1991, working on ultra-deep gold mines with Anglo-American Gold Division, followed by Goldfields Limited in South Africa. He began as a graduate mining engineer and, after three years, focused on rock engineering and mine seismology. In 1998, Mr. Joughin joined SRK Consulting in Johannesburg as a rock engineering consultant, where he specialized in underground rock engineering investigation and design. From 2001 to 2004, he was seconded to South Deep Gold Mine and subsequently resumed consultancy work. Over his career, he has provided consulting services to underground mines across six continents, addressing diverse orebody geometries and rock mass characteristics using various mining methods. Additionally, Mr. Joughin has designed and supervised the construction of several concrete plugs to seal tunnels and prevent water and mud inrushes. He maintains a particular interest in geotechnical risk assessment and management.

William served as a Director and Chair (2018-2023) of the board at SRK Consulting (South Africa) and a Director of SRK Consulting (Global) (2019-2023). William has published over 50 articles on rock engineering and is the recipient of an SAIMM (Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy) gold medal and the Alec Wilson Award from SANCOT (South Africa National Committee on Tunnelling) for outstanding papers.

William is a Past President of the SAIMM (2023-2024) and the South African National Institute of Rock Engineering (SANIRE) (2013-2015); and a Past Vice President for Africa of the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) (2015-2019).

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10th Latin American Rock Mechanics Symposium (LARMS 2026) – Brasilia, Brazil, 26–28 August 2026

The Brazilian Committee of Rock Mechanics is honored to invite you to the 10th Latin American Rock Mechanics Symposium (LARMS 2026), which will take place 26-28 August 2026, in Brasília, Brazil. The theme of LARMS 2026 is: “Rock Mechanics for a Sustainable Future: Innovating in Mining, Energy, and Infrastructure.” Key points include:

  • Focus on sustainable practices in rock mechanics
  • Innovations in mining, energy, and infrastructure
  • The role of rock mechanics in shaping a sustainable future
  • Traditional topics in rock mechanics

LARMS 2026 will be held alongside the XXII Brazilian Congress on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, which attracted over 2,000 participants in 2024.

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is an architectural and urban planning masterpiece designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city boasts iconic landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palácio da Alvorada, and the Three Powers Square. Its climate in August is ideal, with temperatures between 15 and 28°C, and the city is easily accessible through its international airport and extensive hotel network. Visitors can also enjoy Brasília National Park and the serene Paranoá Lake, offering both natural beauty and modern infrastructure.

LARMS 2026

We warmly invite you to join us at LARMS 2026 to engage with leading experts, explore the latest developments, and contribute to the evolution of rock mechanics in Latin America. Together, let’s innovate for a sustainable future!

Visit the LARMS2026 website for more information on the event.

Marcos Massao Futai, Chair of the Organizing Committee

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ISRM Regional Symposium EUROCK 2026 – Skopje, N. Macedonia, 15–19 September 2026

Dear ISRM Members, Colleagues & Friends,

We are delighted to share exciting updates regarding the ISRM Regional Symposium – EUROCK 2026, taking place 15–19 September 2026 in Skopje, North Macedonia.

The global rock mechanics community has shown an exceptional response, with over 280 abstracts already submitted and more than 330 participants registered on the abstract and paper submission platform. Significant interest from companies has been expressed for participation in the industrial exhibition.

EUROCK 2026 will center on Risk Management in Rock Engineering, featuring global case studies, technological innovations, and interdisciplinary dialogue. In addition to the scientific program, the symposium will include short course, workshops, technical tours, student competitions, and a vibrant industrial exhibition, alongside a full program for accompanying persons.

Due to numerous requests from prospective delegates, we are pleased to announce that Early Bird registration is officially open. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the reduced rates and secure their place early for what promises to be a major international gathering.

Key Dates & Information

We warmly invite engineers, researchers, academics, consultants, students, and industry partners to join us in Skopje for a scientifically enriching and culturally memorable event in the heart of the Balkans.

Warm regards,

The EUROCK 2026 Organizing Committee

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Save the date for ISRM 2027 – the 16th ISRM International Congress in Seoul: 16–23 October

While the ISRM community eagerly anticipates the 2026 International and Regional Symposia, it is already time to Save the Date for the field's premier global gathering. The 16th ISRM International Congress will take place in the vibrant city of Seoul on October 16–23, 2027, at COEX.

Under the theme "Innovations in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering for a Sustainable Future," this congress—the world’s largest event in the field—will feature groundbreaking sessions led by experts from over 70 countries. ISRM 2027 will be a global celebration uniting generations of professionals and bringing together the brightest minds in the field. Participants can look forward to interactive, hands-on programs tailored for diverse audiences, fostering unprecedented engagement and practical learning opportunities.

Beyond the technical program, Seoul offers a unique fusion of ancient heritage and futuristic innovation. From iconic landmarks to world-class cuisine, it is an unforgettable experience waiting to be explored.

Key Dates:

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: Nov 30, 2026
  • Full Paper Submission: Mar 31, 2027
  • Early Bird Deadline: Jun 30, 2027

Join us at ISRM 2027 and be part of the most significant rock mechanics event of our time.

Visit: www.isrm2027.com

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GeoEng2030 – Bringing together the global Geo-engineering community

The four FedIGS societies—ISSMGE, ISRM, IAEG, and IGS—will join forces for GeoEng2030, a landmark joint meeting to be held in 2030.

This decision builds on the precedent set by GeoEng2000, held in Melbourne, Australia, a remarkable conference that inspired closer collaboration and the coordination of efforts among the learned societies in the field of geo-engineering. That event laid the foundation for discussions initiated in 2003, which ultimately led to the formation of the Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies (FedIGS), formally established in 2006.

GeoEng2030 will showcase practical engineering applications and invited case histories of sustainable and innovative projects. Bringing the societies “under one tent” will create a unique forum for academics, engineers, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate the delivery of real-world solutions in geo-engineering.

Planned program highlights:

  • Invited case-history sessions addressing sustainable and innovative engineering projects
  • Technical plenary lectures and application-oriented workshops
  • Cross-society panel discussions on standards, regulation, and responsible professional practice
  • Dedicated sessions for young professionals and students
  • Opportunities for the establishment of collaborative working groups and subsequent initiatives

Why this matters:

  • GeoEng2030 is intended to facilitate the translation of research outcomes into implementable engineering practice. By bringing the four societies together in a single forum, this global event will enhance cross-disciplinary exchange and establish stronger pathways for project delivery, policy development, and the advancement of shared standards.

Host selection process and timeline:

  • Requests for Proposals to host GeoEng2030 will be issued in early 2026
  • The Requests for Proposals will detail host responsibilities, selection criteria, and the schedule for proposal submission
  • Additional information, including the composition of the official program committee, submission deadlines, sponsorship opportunities, and registration arrangements, will be announced following the selection of the host 

“GeoEng2030 represents a milestone in cross-society collaboration. By combining our expertise and showcasing real-world
engineering case histories, we’ll accelerate practical, sustainable solutions that meet both scientific and societal needs,”
said Prof. Chungsik Yoo, President of FedIGS.

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William (Bill) Bamford, 1936-2025

Dr William (Bill) Bamford, a pioneering figure in Australian geomechanics and rock mechanics, whose technical career spanned more than six decades, passed away following a recent decline in health. 

Bill graduated in Applied Geology from the University of New South Wales in 1958 and began his career with the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, where he worked on major underground projects. During this period, his involvement in deep drilling and heat-flow studies with Professor John Jaeger shaped his long-term contributions to the discipline. From 1960 to 1964, Bill worked at the Geological Survey of Victoria, contributing to geotechnical projects across the state. He later led geotechnical investigations in Melbourne, playing a key role in  Australia’s most significant tunnelling projects.

In 1967, Bill became Australia’s first Lecturer in Rock Mechanics at the University of Melbourne. He developed teaching and research programs, supervised postgraduate research for more than four decades, and was awarded a PhD in 1983 for his work on machine tunnelling. He also established a specialist rock mechanics laboratory that supported extensive consulting. In later years, he founded Bamford Rock Testing Services and remained technically active until the end of his life.

A tireless contributor to professional societies, Bill held senior leadership roles within the Australian Geomechanics Society, Australian Tunnelling Society, ISRM, and International Tunnelling Association. He played a central role in major conferences, including the 1983 ISRM Congress and GeoEng 2000 in Melbourne. In 2019 he was inducted as an ISRM Fellow during the 14th ISRM International Congress in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to rock mechanics and rock engineering, and to the professional community through the ISRM.

The ISRM extends its sincere condolences to Bill Bamford’s family and friends.

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Development of new ISRM Suggested Methods and videos

Prof. Resat Ulusay, Chair of the ISRM Commission on Testing Methods announced that the “ISRM Suggested Method for determining the tensile strength and elastic constants of rocks by the direct tension test” had been completed by the Commission of Testing Methods and published in the journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.

Prof. Resat Ulusay, Chair of the ISRM Commission on Testing Methods and the Chairs of the Rock Dynamics Commission, Prof. Yingxin Zhou and Kaiwen Xia, have announced that the “ISRM Suggested Method for Determining the Rate-Dependent Shear Strength and Mode II Fracture Toughness of Rock Materials Using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar” has been published in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.

Both Suggested Methods are available to members free of charge on the Suggested Methods webpage on the ISRM website.

A video on the Suggested Method for Determining the Abrasivity of Rock by the CERCHAR Abrasivity Test was prepared by the Rock Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Energy Resources Engineering of the Pukyong National University, Republic of Korea, and can be watched in the Suggested Methods Videos webpage on the ISRM website.

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Proceedings of historical ISRM conferences held in 1968, 1969 and 1971 included in the ISRM digital library at OnePetro

The proceedings of three historical ISRM sponsored conferences, held in 1968, 1969 and 1971, were included in the ISRM digital library at OnePetro. The ISRM wishes to thank all those that helped make it possible, namely the organisers of the conferences.

"Determination of the Properties of Rock Masses in Foundations and Observation of their Behaviour"
1968 October, Madrid, Spain.
Editors: José A. Jiménez Salas, José M. Rodríguez Ortiz
Organiser: Spanish Society for Rock Mechanics (SEMR)

"Determination of Stresses in Rock Masses"
1969 May, Lisbon, Portugal
Editor: Manuel Rocha
Organiser: Portuguese National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC)

"Rock Fracture"
1971 September, Nancy, France.
Editor: René Houpert
Organiser: French Committee of Rock Mechanics (CFMR)

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RocDyn-5, International Conferences on Rock Dynamics and Applications – Singapore, 15–17 January 2026

The series of International Conferences on Rock Dynamics and Applications (RocDyn) was first launched in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2013, followed by RocDyn-2 in Suzhou, China in 2016, RocDyn-3 in Trondheim, Norway in 2018, and RocDyn-4 in Xuzhou, China in 2022.

RocDyn-5, a specialized conference under the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, invites all professionals involved in rock dynamics research and engineering to gather in Singapore in 2026. This conference will cover a wide scope of topics on the dynamic behaviors of rock materials and rock masses, along with their applications in rock engineering. RocDyn-5 will emphasize the theme “Towards Resilience Frontiers”, addressing the challenges of induced geohazards that have recently hindered underground space creation and unconventional resource development, while striving to promote the sustainable advancement of rock engineering.

For more information visit the RockDyn-5 website or download the RocDyn Programme (as of 13 Dec 2025)

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1st International Conference on Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering – Mexico City, 19–20 February 2026

The Mexican Society of Geotechnical Engineering (SMIG), the Mexican Association of Tunnels and Underground Works (AMITOS), the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM), and the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES) are pleased to invite you to the 1st International Conference on Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, to be held on February 19–20, 2026, at the José Luis Sánchez Bribiesca Auditorium, Engineering Tower, National Autonomous University of Mexico.

This conference will bring together renowned national and international experts who will present advances and experiences on topics such as rock characterization and properties, analytical, numerical, and empirical methods in rock engineering, as well as applications in infrastructure projects, tunnels, and mining. Confirmed speakers are Sérgio Fontoura (Brazil), Resat Ulusay (Turkey), Antonio Samaniego (Peru), Carlos Carranza-Torres (USA), Estebal Hormazábal Chile, and Leandro R. Alejano (Spain).

The conference is aimed at geological and geotechnical engineers, specialists in rock excavation, tunneling, and underground works, professionals involved in earth sciences, the mining and geothermal sectors, academics, researchers, consultants, students, and, in general, all those interested in rock mechanics and rock engineering.

For more information click here to download the conference flyer.

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TuniRock 2026, International Conference on Advances in Rock Mechanics – Hammamet, Tunisia, 9–12 April 2026

Preparations for Tunirock 2026, an ISRM Specialized Conference, proceed smoothly according to the established timeline, with the organizing committee having successfully finalized the core scientific themes, secured the primary venue, and observed growing international interest following preliminary announcements. The official submission portal is now open, having already received several papers. The full papers submission deadline has been officially extended to January 15, 2026 to allow for further participation. The notification of acceptance for these papers is scheduled for February 15, 2026.

The scientific excellence of the event is guaranteed by a committee of 32 international experts briefed on the peer-review process and the confirmation of five world-renowned keynote speakers: Prof. Seokwon Jeon, Prof. Sergio Fontoura, Prof. Muriel Gasc, Prof. Pinnaduwa Kulatilake and Prof. Rick Chalaturnyk. Beyond the main sessions, a specialized workshop titled "Cutting-Edge Advances and Benchmarking in Geological Sequestration: CO₂ and Hydrogen Capture, Utilization, and Storage" will be conducted by Prof. Jun Liu and Prof. Rick Chalaturnyk.

Marketing efforts are also yielding results, with a fully operational website, two secured sponsors, and ongoing negotiations with other companies. The social and technical program includes a gala dinner designed to showcase Tunisia's cultural heritage and a confirmed field trip to the Korbous cliff to study its specific stability challenges. 

Looking ahead to 2026, the next milestones include the notification of full papers acceptance, the opening of early-bird registration, and the finalization of the preliminary technical program. Furthermore, a significant academic opportunity is available as the best high-quality papers will be considered for a special "TUNIROCK2026" issue of the Geological Journal (Wiley), guest-edited by a distinguished team including Prof. Essaieb Hamdi, Prof. Rick Chalaturnyk, Prof. Jun Liu, Dr. Kais Ben Abdallah, Dr. Lang Liu, and Dr. Salma Souissi, with a final submission deadline for this special issue set for June 30, 2026, welcoming extended conference papers.

For more detailed information visit the conference website.

Prof. Essaieb HAMDI, Chairman of TuniRock 2026

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LaRGE 2026, Landslide, Risk and Geo-Education Risk – Queenstown, New Zealand, 27 April–3 May 2026

The New Zealand Geotechnical Society is delighted to invite you to the First International Joint Workshop of Joint Technical Committee 1 and Joint Technical Committee 3 of the Federation on International Geo-engineering Societies (FedIGS) on Landslide Risk Assessment, Communication and Geo-education. We will share the latest research and develop best practice guidelines in the stunning New Zealand city of Queenstown.

This landmark international event unites JTC1 and JTC3 to advance landslide risk assessment, education, communication, and outreach –  creating a unique opportunity to make a real change, and will be attended by leading experts from around the world.

Our confirmed keynote speakers include Nicola Casagli, Tim Davies, Reginald Hermans, Xuanmei Fan, Manchao He, Jo Horrocks, Jean Huthinson, Lori Peak, Dave Petley, Gonghui Wang, Janus Wasowski and Ann Williams.

Our theme “Landslide Risk and Geo-Education” unifies the full lifecycle of landslide risk management. It encompasses the need to educate the next generation of landslide risk managers, to robustly understand landslide risk, and to communicate that risk to the public and decision makers so that real change is implemented.

For more detailed information visit the conference website.

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CouFrac 2026 – Uppsala, Sweden, 20–23 September 2026

We are pleased to announce CouFrac 2026, the 5th International Conference on Coupled Processes in Fractured Geological Media: Observation, Modeling, and Application, to be held 20-23 September 2026 in Uppsala, Sweden. This ISRM Specialized Conference will bring together researchers, engineers, and practitioners working on coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in fractured geological media, a topic of growing importance for carbon sequestration, geothermal energy, nuclear waste disposal, underground energy storage, hydrocarbon recovery, groundwater management, and mining engineering.

CouFrac2026 provides a dynamic platform for sharing the latest advances in fundamental process understanding, computational methods, laboratory studies, in-situ testing, and practical applications across scales, from near-surface to deep subsurface environments. The conference builds on successful previous editions held in Wuhan (2018), Seoul (2020), Berkeley (2022), and Kyoto (2024).

Abstract submission is now open! The conference will take place in person at Uppsala University’s historic main building, offering an inspiring setting for scientific exchange and collaboration. More details can be found in the conference website: https://www.coufrac2026.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to Uppsala in 2026!

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6th ICITG – Graz, Austria, 13–16 October 2026

The 6th International Conference on Information Technology in Geo-Engineering (6th ICITG) will be held from 13 to 16 October 2026 in Graz (Austria). It will be an arena to discuss all topics related to the ongoing digital transformation in Geo-Engineering. Case studies of IT in Geo-Engineering, integration of digital systems (Scan2BIM, BIM2FEM, etc.), benchmark datasets, information modelling, monitoring technology and artificial intelligence are some of the focus topics of the 6th ICITG.

The 6th ICITG is co-organized by the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) and the Graz University of Technology under the auspices of the Joint Technical Committee 2 (JTC2) on “Representation of Geo-Engineering Data” of the Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies - FedIGS.

For more detailed information visit the conference website.

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Slope Stability 2026, Slope for Safety Performance – Lima, Peru, 26–29 October 2026

The 10th edition of the International Symposium on Slope Stability will be held from 26 to 29 October 2026 at the Lima Convention Centre, as an ISRM Specialized Conference.

The organiser is the Large Open Pit (LOP), an industry-sponsored international research and technology transfer initiative launched in April 2005 to address the industry-wide need to improve understanding of rock slope failure in open-pit mines (www.lopproject.com).

The local organisers are the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP), which has established itself as a technical and proactive leader for the development of mining in Peru, and the Peruvian Society of Geoengineering (SPEG), the ISRM National Group of Peru.

Visit the Slope Stability 2026 website for more information on the event.

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ISRM Sponsored Conferences

Click here to open the conferences webpage

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