ISRM Newsletter No. 74 - Summer 2026

2026 ISRM International Symposium, ARMS14 – Fukuoka, Japan, 22–27 November 2026 

Updates on Full Paper Review, Registration, and Featured Programs

The Organizing Committee of the 2026 ISRM International Symposium - 14th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium (ARMS14) is delighted to share the latest updates as we head toward our gathering in Fukuoka, Japan, from November 22 to 27, 2026.

1. Full Paper Review Process Underway

Following the submission of full papers, all manuscripts are currently undergoing a rigorous peer-review process by our Technical Committee to ensure a high-quality scientific program.

2. Registration is Now Open!

The online registration portal is fully operational. We would like to remind all participants that the Early Bird Discount is available until September 22, 2026. We highly encourage you to register early to take advantage of the reduced rates. We also warmly invite everyone to join the Banquet, which will be held on the evening of November 25, for an evening of networking and celebration.

3. Program Highlights: Special Lectures & Keynote Speakers

We are proud to announce the distinguished speakers and lecture titles for our plenary sessions:

ISRM Rocha Medal Award Lecture

  • Dr. Alexis Sáez (California Institute of Technology) – Three-dimensional fluid-driven frictional ruptures: theory and applications to injection-induced seismicity

ISRM Franklin Lecture

  • Dr. Zhihong Zhao (Tsinghua University) – The role of rock mechanics in geothermal reservoir engineering

Keynote Lectures

  • Prof. Laura J. Pyrak-Nolte (Purdue University, USA) – Fracture Intersections & Network Connectivity
  • Prof. Fengshou Zhang (Tongji University, China) – Fluid Injection Induced Seismicity in the Sichuan Basin - What Have We Learned?
  • Prof. Jae-Joon Song (Seoul National University, South Korea) – Estimation of Joint Size
  • Prof. Ridho Kresna Wattimena (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia) – Rock Mechanics Applications in Indonesian Mining
  • Dr. Koji Yamamoto (Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, Japan) – Geomechanics for the Solution of Energy Trilemma
  • Mr. Diego Lope Alvarez (Swedish Nuclear Waste Management Company, Sweden) – Construction and planning aspects of the Swedish Nuclear Waste Management Program

4. Short Courses (November 22–23)

A comprehensive lineup of 7 Short Courses will be offered during the two days preceding the main symposium:

  • SC1: Practical Rock Engineering with Emphasis on Tunnels
  • SC2: Rock Fracture Grouting
  • SC3: Earthquake Motions in Rock Engineering
  • SC4: Advanced Rock Mechanics for Deep Mining Workshop
  • SC5: Multiscale X-ray Computed Tomography Applications Combined with In-situ Tests and Image Analyses for Hydraulics and Mechanical Characterization of Geomaterials
  • SC6: From Speckles to Strains: Practical Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for Rock Mechanics Applications
  • SC7: Trend in Bio-Rock Mechanics

5. Technical Tour & Scholarships

Preparations for the Technical Tour (November 27) are progressing smoothly. Detailed schedules and the application procedures for the ARMS14 Scholarship Program (for registered ISRM individual members under 38) are continually being updated on our website.

For the latest information, please visit the ARMS14 official website: https://www.ec-convention.com/ARMS14/

We look forward to welcoming the global rock mechanics community to Fukuoka this November!

ARMS14 Organizing Committee

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54th ISRM Online Lecture by Anna Giacomini was broadcast on 25 June 2026

The 54th ISRM Online Lecture was delivered by Prof Anna Giacomini from Australia. The topic of the lecture is "Rockfall Hazard Management: Integrated Monitoring, Prediction, and Mitigation Design Strategies". The lecture was broadcast on 25 June, at 10:00 UTC, and will remain available on the Online Lecture's page.

Anna is a Professor in Civil Engineering and Director of the Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering within the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She also serves as Head of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Surveying Engineering. Anna has over 25 years of experience in the field of rock mechanics and rockfall analysis.

She has led several major research projects in collaboration with industry and government, developing innovative designs to protect major corridors and infrastructure from rockfall hazards. Her contributions have been recognised through numerous prestigious awards, including the 2022 NSW Premier's Prize for Science & Engineering for her pioneering work in rock mechanics and rockfall analysis; the 2023 E.H. Davis Memorial Lecture awarded by the Australian Geomechanics Society for her distinguished advancements to geomechanics knowledge in Australia; the 2019 John Booker Medal from the Australian Academy of Science for her achievements as an engineer and leader in geotechnical rock mechanics; and the 2019 Best Practice Industry Engagement Award from the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources for her pioneering partnerships with the Australian resources sector in geotechnical engineering research. In 2023, she was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) in recognition of her leading expertise in rockfall mechanics and protection design.

Anna has published over 200 scientific works and has been invited to deliver numerous keynote and plenary addresses at academic and industry forums worldwide. She serves as Associate Editor for the International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and the ICE Geotechnical Engineering Journal and is a member of the editorial boards of five other international journals in the field. She also regularly serves on technical and scientific advisory committees, chairs sessions at international conferences, and acts as a competitive research grant assessor for national and international funding bodies, including the Australian Research Council and the European Commission.

Anna is a passionate academic whose research spans both fundamental and applied domains. Her work in rockfall research is widely cited in benchmark books in the field. She is also a dedicated mentor who invests significant time in supervising and guiding her higher degree research students, undergraduates, and early- and mid-career researchers, demonstrating both reliability and depth of knowledge. Her PhD graduates have secured positions in academia and industry and have received prestigious recognitions.

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

The Organizing Committee of EUROCK 2026 is pleased to invite researchers, practitioners, academics, consultants, industry representatives, and students to participate in the ISRM Regional Symposium EUROCK 2026, which will be held from 15–19 September 2026 in Skopje, R.N. Macedonia. The conference theme, “Risk Management in Rock Engineering,” addresses one of the most important challenges facing the rock engineering profession.

EUROCK 2026 will feature keynote lectures by internationally recognized experts, technical sessions, workshops, short courses, poster presentations, networking opportunities, and a comprehensive social programme. We are delighted to announce that more than 200 papers have been reviewed and accepted for inclusion in the technical programme. The high number and quality of contributions reflect the strong international interest in the conference and will ensure a rich and diverse scientific programme covering a wide range of topics relevant to research and practice in rock engineering.

ISRM Delegates, Non-ISRM members, students, retirees, and accompanying persons are encouraged to register for the symposium and to participate in the technical sessions and various social events, including the Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner, and Technical & Sightseeing Tour. These activities provide excellent opportunities for professional networking, collaboration, and experiencing the cultural heritage and hospitality of R.N Macedonia. Register at https://eurock2026.com/registration-information/

EUROCK 2026 will also feature a Technical Exhibition, where companies, organizations, and industry partners will showcase the latest technologies, products, equipment, and services relevant to rock engineering and geotechnical practice. More info on https://eurock2026.com/sponsors-and-exhibitions/

Please follow the symposium web page for updates: https://eurock2026.com/

We look forward to welcoming you to Skopje in September 2026.

Organizing Committee of EUROCK 2026
contact@eurock2026.com

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

The Brazilian Committee for Rock Mechanics (CBMR) is pleased to invite the international community to the 10th Latin American Rock Mechanics Symposium (LARMS 2026), to be held from 26 to 28 August 2026 in Brasília, Brazil.

Under the theme “Rock Mechanics for a Sustainable Future: Innovating in Mining, Energy, and Infrastructure,” the symposium will bring together researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders to discuss the role of rock mechanics in addressing major global challenges, including sustainability, energy transition, and resilient infrastructure. The event will highlight both emerging technologies—such as digitalization and artificial intelligence—and traditional core topics in rock mechanics, fostering integration between academia and industry.

The first CBMR Lecture, on "Rock Mechanics Challenges in the Himalayas" will be delivered by Professor Manchao He, member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Director of the State Key Laboratory for Tunnel Engineering at the China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Keynote Lectures will be delivered by Dr. Luís Lamas from the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Prof. Milorad Jovanovski from the University Ss. Ciryl and Methodious in Skopje, North Macedonia, Dr Vivin Marchesi from Brazil, Dr Esteban Hormazabal from SRK Consulting Chile, Jorge Antonio Lopez Molina from UNAM, Brazil, and Dr Andrés Marulanda from Ingetec

LARMS 2026 will be held in conjunction with the XXII Brazilian Congress on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, one of the largest geotechnical events in Latin America, which gathered more than 2,000 participants in its last edition. This joint event will provide a unique platform for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration.

Brasília, the capital of Brazil and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is internationally renowned for its modernist architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa. The city offers excellent infrastructure, convenient international access, and a pleasant climate in August, creating ideal conditions for both technical discussions and networking.

We warmly invite you to join us in Brasília and be part of this important event, contributing to the advancement of rock mechanics and its role in building a more sustainable and resilient future.

For more information, please visit the conference website.

Marcos Massao Futai
Chair of the Organizing Committee

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Join ISRM2027, the 16th ISRM International Congress in Seoul, October 2027 – Call for abstracts now open

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that the Call for Abstracts for ISRM 2027, the 16th ISRM International Congress on Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, is now officially open. ISRM 2027 will be held in Seoul, Republic of Korea (October 16–23, 2027), under the theme "Innovations in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering for a Sustainable Future."

We would particularly like to draw your attention to the following exciting new initiatives for ISRM 2027.

ISRM Country Quota Lifted 
A major change for this Congress: starting from ISRM 2027, there is no limit on the number of papers submitted from each country. We warmly encourage all ISRM National Groups and members to submit as many high-quality contributions as possible.

Benefits for Authors 
All accepted papers will be published and made accessible on OnePetro.org, and selected papers will be invited for publication in Special Issues of leading international journals in the field. Awards will also be presented to outstanding papers.

Largest Scholarship and Grant Program 
ISRM 2027 will offer the largest scholarship and grant opportunities in the Congress's history, supporting the participation of young researchers, students, and colleagues from developing countries. Further details will be announced soon.

Call for Proposal – Special Sessions, Workshops & Short Courses 
We also invite proposals for Special Sessions, Workshops, and Short Courses to be included in the scientific program. The submission deadline is August 31, 2026 (draft proposals accepted; final details due November 30, 2026). For guidelines and the proposal form, please visit the Call for Proposal page.

Key Dates

  • Call for Proposal Deadline: August 31, 2026
  • Abstract Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026
  • Abstract Acceptance Notification: January 31, 2027
  • Full Paper Submission Deadline: March 31, 2027

For full submission details, please download the Call for Abstracts (PDF), visit the official website, or follow us on LinkedIn.

We look forward to welcoming you to Seoul!

ISRM 2027 Organizing Committee

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Professor T. Ramamurthy passed away

The international rock mechanics community mourns the passing of Professor T. Ramamurthy, a towering academician and pioneering force who helped lay the foundations of modern rock mechanics in India. His life represents a rare synthesis of vision, technical excellence, and sustained institution-building—qualities that transformed an emerging idea into a nationally and internationally recognized discipline.

At the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Professor Ramamurthy was instrumental in establishing rock mechanics as a structured academic and research domain. What began as an individual initiative evolved, through his perseverance and leadership, into a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing postgraduate teaching, doctoral research, laboratory development, and high-level consultancy. Today, the continued strength of rock mechanics at IIT Delhi stands as a direct outcome of his foundational efforts.

His academic life was defined by a deep commitment to teaching, research, and mentorship. He nurtured generations of students and scholars, many of whom went on to make significant contributions to academia and practice. For Professor Ramamurthy, the true measure of success lay not only in individual accomplishment but in the ability to empower others to carry forward the discipline.

Recognizing the strategic importance of rock mechanics to national infrastructure, he extended his work beyond academia. At the request of the Central Board of Irrigation and Power, he served as Research Coordinator in Rock Mechanics, contributing to the development of national capabilities in this critical area. He founded the Indian National Committee of the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering and served as its Founder President, thereby formally connecting India to the global rock mechanics community.

Professor Ramamurthy’s international standing was further affirmed by his election as Vice President (Asia) of ISRM from 1987 to 1991, and by his active participation in several ISRM commissions, including those on Laboratory Testing of Rock and Education in Rock Mechanics. His service to ISRM reflected not only scholarly distinction but also leadership in advancing rock mechanics internationally. He was the first Indian scholar inducted as an ISRM Fellow, a distinction that reflected both his personal stature and his seminal contributions to the discipline.

His scientific contributions, including enduring advances in rock mass behaviour and strength characterization, continue to influence both research and practice. His work helped shape both theoretical understanding and practical approaches in rock engineering.

Among his early technical achievements was the development of a Universal Triaxial Apparatus, designed and assembled largely through his own hands-on efforts in the Civil Engineering workshop at IIT Delhi—an illustration of his exceptional ingenuity and practical engineering approach. His efforts were equally critical in strengthening professional bodies; he served the Indian Geotechnical Society during a challenging period, holding key positions including Honorary Secretary, Editor of the Indian Geotechnical Journal, and later President.

His contributions were widely recognized through numerous honours from leading professional organizations, including the Indian Geotechnical Society, the Indian Society of Rock Mechanics and Ground Control, CBIP, and the South East Asian Society of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.

Despite his many accomplishments, Professor Ramamurthy remained deeply committed to his students and colleagues. He believed that individuals may pass, but ideas endure when nurtured across generations. He devoted himself to this philosophy with remarkable sincerity, ensuring continuity and growth of the discipline long after his formal retirement.

Those who worked closely with him recall not only his intellectual rigour and relentless pursuit of excellence but also his forthrightness, clarity of thought, and warmth as a mentor. He was an inspiration through his professional integrity and unwavering dedication to engineering practice and education.

Professor Ramamurthy laid the “hard rock foundation” of geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics at IIT Delhi. Along with his contemporaries, he created a robust academic and research platform that enabled subsequent generations to build, innovate, and excel. The discipline he established has since grown into a vibrant and impactful field, contributing to major infrastructure and engineering challenges across the country.

His passing marks the end of an era. Yet, his legacy endures—in the laboratories he built, the institutions he strengthened, the profession he elevated, and, most importantly, in the many individuals he mentored and inspired.

The ISRM and the rock mechanics community in India and worldwide remains profoundly indebted to Professor T. Ramamurthy.

Abdolhadi Ghasvinian

New ISRM Commission on Resilient and Sustainable Rock Engineering

The ISRM Board approved the formation of a new ISRM Commission on Resilient and Sustainable Rock Engineering.

The Commission on Resilient and Sustainable Rock Engineering aims to integrate the principles of long-term resilience, sustainable development, and climate adaptation into all aspects of rock mechanics and rock engineering practice.

For information on Commission members, purpose and products, visit the Commission webpage on the ISRM website.

New "ISRM Suggested Method for Achieving Full Water Saturation of Rock" was published

Prof. Resat Ulusay, Chair of the ISRM Commission on Testing Methods, announced that the “ISRM Suggested Method for for Achieving Full Water Saturation of Rock” has been published in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (RMRE Volume 59, pages 5475–5484 (2026)).

It is available to members free of charge on the ISRM website in the ISRM Suggested Methods page.

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

Registration is now open for CouFrac 2026, the 5th International Conference on Coupled Processes in Fractured Geological Media: Observation, Modeling, and Application, an ISRM Specialized Conference to be held in Uppsala, Sweden, 20–23 September 2026.

The conference will bring together researchers, engineers, and practitioners working on coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in fractured geological media. Topics include fractured porous media modelling, fracture propagation and evolution, laboratory and field characterisation, and coupled processes relevant to geothermal energy, CO₂ and H₂ storage, geological hydrogen, nuclear waste disposal, underground excavation, mining engineering, groundwater management, and induced seismicity.

The technical programme already includes more than 210 accepted extended abstracts. It will feature prominent keynote lectures, workshops and short courses, oral and poster sessions, an Emerging Scientists Session, and a special panel discussion on “Pathways Towards Energy Resilience: Geologic Hydrogen”. The abstract submission system remains open, and colleagues who have not yet submitted are still welcome to contribute. Outstanding contributions will be considered for recommendation to the IJRMMS Special Issue “Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical Processes in Fractured Geological Media 2026”.

CouFrac 2026 will be hosted at Uppsala University, with a welcome reception and a banquet dinner at Uppsala Castle. Early-bird registration is available until 2 July 2026, and registration remains open until 14 September 2026.

Further information and registration are available at: https://www.coufrac2026.com/.

Click here to download the conference leaflet with the keynote speakers and other information.

We look forward to welcoming the ISRM community to Uppsala in September 2026!

CouFrac 2026 Organising Committee

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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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6th ICITG – Budapest, Hungary, 2–4 December 2026

The 6th International Conference on Information Technology in Geo-engineering (ICITG2026) will be held on 2–4 December 2026 at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Hungary.

The Joint Technical Committee 2 (JTC2) on Representation of Geo-engineering Data of FedIGS cordially invites you to the 6th International Conference on Information Technology in Geo-engineering (6th ICITG). The Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies (FedIGS) is an umbrella organization linking international professional societies in the field of Geo‐Engineering, including the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM), the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), and the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS).

The conference intends to bring together engineers, scientists, researchers, and educators to discuss and review IT advances in geo-engineering and provide a forum for the discussion of future trends. The first five ICITG conferences were organized by: 1) Tongji University, Shanghai, China, in 2010; 2) Durham University, Durham, UK, in 2014; 3) the University of Minho and the Portuguese Geotechnical Society in Portugal in 2019; 4) by Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore in 2022 and 5) by Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA, in 2024.

For details on submission, registration, and the technical programme, please visit: https://icitg6.com. Click here to download the conference leaflet.

6th ICITG Organising Committee

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SPLIT 2026 – Geotechnical Engineering in Soft Rocks and Heterogeneous Rock Masses – Split, Croatia, 12–14 November 2026

The Croatian Geotechnical Society is organising its 10th national conference as a specialized ISRM conference with the title Geotechnical Engineering in Soft Rocks and Heterogeneous Rock Masses. The main topics are:

  • Engineering behaviour of soft rock and heterogeneous rock masses
  • Site investigation, testing and engineering geological models
  • Analysis and numerical modelling in soft rocks and complex ground
  • Slopes, excavations and ground stability in soft rocks and weathered rock masses
  • Underground structures and foundations in soft rocks and difficult ground conditions
  • Construction practice, monitoring, risk and case histories

The conference will take place from 12 to 14 November 2026, in Split, on the Croatian coast. The venue is the Radisson Blu hotel, where special prices for the conference participants are assured through the conference web pages – with the details of the registration etc.

During the conference Professor Lyesse Laloui, the newly elected ISSMGE President, will deliver the Nonveiller Lecture. The other invited lecturers are Professor Vassilios Marinos, IAEG President, Professor Željko Arbanas, ICL President, and Professor Predrag Miščević, University of Split. Print-ready papers are expected by 1 September.

The Saturday excursion will consist of a geological and geotechnical walk along the coast of Split, followed by a visit to the Diocletian Palace, built in 303 AD as a retirement retreat for a Roman Emperor, which has since grown into the vibrant core of the passionate city of Split. Participants can also enjoy visits to the archaeological museums and galleries, as well as some walks through the interesting new parts of Split.

All questions, suggestions, and comments are welcome at SPLIT.2026.HGD@gmail.com.

Complete information and registration options can be found on the official web page: https://www.hgd-cgs.hr/savjetovanja/split-2026-2

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1st International Conference on Sustainability in Geotechnical Engineering (ICSGE 2027), Lisbon, Portugal, 28 June–1 July 2027

The 1st International Conference on Sustainability in Geotechnical Engineering (ICSGE 2027), under the theme Geodiversity & Resilience, will take place from 28 June to 1 July 2027, at the Campus of the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), in Lisbon, Portugal.

Organised by LNEC, under the auspices of the Technical Committee 307 – Sustainability in Geotechnical Engineering (TC 307) of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) and the Portuguese Environmental Geotechnics Commission of the Portuguese Geotechnical Society (CPGA/SPG), ICSGE 2027 will bring together renowned experts from around the world, fostering discussion on the application of sustainable practices, risk and impact mitigation, and the promotion of geodiversity and resilience in geotechnical engineering and related fields.

ICSGE 2027 will also provide a unique platform for high-level international visibility for sponsors and exhibitors, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

The scientific and technical communities are warmly invited to actively participate in ICSGE 2027 through the submission of papers, institutional support, sponsorship, and technical exhibition.

Accepted papers will be published by Springer Series in Geomechanics and Geoengineering in Open Access conference proceedings.

A selection of the best papers will be invited for publication in Environmental Geotechnics (Emerald Publishing / ICE) and the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering (ASCE).

Abstract submission deadline is 15 July 2026. Please submit your abstract(s) to cursos@lnec.pt.

For more information, please visit the conference website: https://icsge.lnec.pt/.

Contact: cursos@lnec.pt.

As the first international conference fully dedicated to sustainability in geotechnical engineering, ICSGE 2027 aims not only to discuss sustainability, but also to put it into practice as a SUSTAINABLE CONFERENCE. We invite all participants to join us in this commitment.

ICSGE 2027 Organising Committee

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The 6th "Short-term Predication of Rock Failure" Competition – Hong Kong, China, 7-10 August

To date, no international competition has been organized under the same loading test conditions, where multiple teams simultaneously predict rock failure using different theories, methods, and monitoring technologies for comparative evaluation. The first five editions of the competition brought together high-level research teams from around the world, systematically comparing the strengths and weaknesses of their proposed rock failure prediction theories, methods, technologies, and monitoring instruments. This initiative has facilitated academic exchange and mutual learning, playing a positive role in advancing rock failure prediction research and even the development of major disaster prediction for rock mass systems.

The competition is hosted by the ISRM Commission on Ultradeep Rock Mass Mechanics and Engineering and the International Consortium on Geo-Disaster Reduction. It is organised by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Taiyuan University of Technology, the Key Laboratory of In-situ Property-improving Mining and the Shanxi Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering. It will take place at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 7-10 August 2026.

Key Datas

  • July 10, 2026: Deadline for registration form submission
  • July 20, 2026: Deadline for notification of eligibility
  • August 7, 2026: Team registration and pre-competition preparations
  • August 8-9, 2026: On-site competition
  • August 10, 2026, the competition test-curve is released, and an academic seminar on short-term prediction of rock failure will be held.

Please submit the registration form to the competition's designated email: alv-1001@163.com.

Contact Information

  • Lü Zhaoxing  (Taiyuan University of Technology) Tel: +86 13834540915
  • Feng Zengchao (Taiyuan University of Technology) Tel: +86 13191077109

Click here to download the leaflet with full information on the competition.

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ISRM Rocha Medal 2028 – nominations to be received by 31 December 2026

Nominations for the Rocha Medal 2028 are to be received by the ISRM Secretariat by 31 December 2026. The winner will be announced during the 2027 ISRM International Congress in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and will be invited to receive the award and deliver a lecture at the ISRM International Symposium in 2028.

The Rocha Medal has been awarded annually by the ISRM, since 1982, for an outstanding doctoral thesis in rock mechanics or rock engineering, to honour the memory of Past President Manuel Rocha while stimulating young researchers. Besides the Rocha medal awarded to the winner, one or two runner-up certificates may also be awarded.

Click here to download the announcement with details on the Rocha Medal 2028.

ISRM Sponsored Conferences

Click here to open the conferences webpage