Candidate for ISSMGE Presidency 2026–2030
Chair Professor, EPFL • Vice President for Europe, ISSMGE
Building Resilience
from the Ground Up.
A clear vision for a stronger, more connected, and more influential International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.
The Case for Change
"The world needs geotechnical engineering, and geotechnical engineering needs a Society equal to that task."
I am running for the ISSMGE Presidency because I believe our Society can do more, for its members, for the profession, and for the world. Across every region, geotechnical engineers are delivering solutions to the defining challenges of our era: climate resilience, clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and the security of the ground beneath our cities.
Yet ISSMGE does not yet fully reflect the ambition and capability of its members. Governance must modernise. Communication must improve. The voices of developing regions must be heard. And the next generation of engineers deserves a Society that actively champions their future.
With more than three decades of leadership across academia, industry, and international institutions, I bring both the vision and the experience to lead that transformation. This candidacy is grounded in a commitment to service: to every National Society, every member, and every engineer who looks to ISSMGE for direction.
Building bridges between regions, disciplines, and generations, ensuring every National Society has a genuine voice in how ISSMGE is led and what it delivers.
Ensuring that decisions are transparent, evidence-based, and deliver measurable results. Transforming good intentions into accountable outcomes for the whole profession.
Focusing on implementation and long-term impact, not declarations. A presidency judged not by what is promised, but by what is built together.
The Programme
Seven strategic pillars form the foundation of this candidacy: a coherent programme to connect our community, modernise our structures, and strengthen geotechnical engineering worldwide.
Positioning geotechnical engineering at the forefront of the global response to climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. ISSMGE will become a recognised voice for sustainable and innovative geotechnical practice, with new Technical Committees and stronger links to UN agencies and development banks.
Fostering a truly global and balanced ISSMGE that supports societies across all regions and levels of development. A Global Partnership Platform, Conference Support Framework, and Global Scholarships Programme will ensure no Member Society is left behind.
Creating a dedicated educational arm within ISSMGE to deliver accessible, high-quality professional training and internationally recognised certification worldwide, through Regional Centres of Excellence, modular online and in-person courses, and an updated ISSMGE Virtual University.
Empowering the next generation through a unified global network, mentorship programmes, regional competitions, and meaningful governance representation. The future of the profession depends on inspiring young engineers today and giving them a platform to lead tomorrow.
Aligning the Society's governance with its incorporated legal status and global responsibilities. A professional Executive Branch, clear operational boundaries, transparent financial management, and digital tools will transform ISSMGE into a modern, accountable international organisation.
Enhancing public understanding of our discipline and positioning it as essential to global sustainability, safety, and resilience. A coordinated global communications strategy, storytelling initiatives, and partnerships with media and policy institutions will give the profession the visibility it deserves.
Creating a flagship annual platform that brings geotechnical engineers together with policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders to address shared global challenges, attracting external funding and establishing ISSMGE as a recognised voice at the highest levels of international decision-making.
Community Support
"Professor Lyesse Laloui is a man of prodigious energy and fine intellect whose solid scientific background, excellent teaching ability, and significant contributions to geomechanics, sustainability, and geo-energy have opened new avenues of research. His devotion to ISSMGE activities and talent for creating synergies between academia and industry make him an ideal candidate for the ISSMGE presidency."
Prof. Pedro Sêco E. Pinto
Portugal
"I enthusiastically support Professor Lyesse Laloui's candidacy for ISSMGE President; his pioneering research, innovative ground improvement techniques, industry engagement, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to strengthening connections between Member Societies uniquely position him to advance our discipline."
Prof. Antonio Gens
Spain
"Lyesse Laloui exemplifies leadership and practical expertise in geotechnics. His innovations in energy geotechnics, consulting, and contributions to international codes have advanced academia and industry. His vision, generosity, and dynamic leadership will greatly benefit our international community."
Prof. J. C. Santamarina
United States
"The upcoming ICSMGE in Vienna will focus on Geotechnical Challenges in a Changing Environment. Professor Lyesse Laloui is ambitious and clear about the challenges ahead with his innovative and visionary programme to lead ISSMGE into a sustainable future. His expertise, international reputation, and long-standing commitment to our society make him an excellent candidate for ISSMGE President."
Prof. Dietmar Adam
Austria
The Candidate
Professor Lyesse Laloui is Chair Professor and Director of the Soil Mechanics Laboratory at EPFL, where his research has helped shape modern understanding of geomaterial behaviour, energy geostructures, and the geological sequestration of CO₂ from captured sources. A North African by birth, a European by professional base, and a global citizen through international collaboration, he brings a rare breadth of perspective to international leadership.
He is a member of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences and Academia Europaea, and holds honorary doctorates from Heriot-Watt University and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca. His international appointments include visiting and adjunct professorships at Duke University, Northwestern University, King Abdulaziz University, and Hohai University.
Within ISSMGE, Professor Laloui has served as Vice President for Europe, organising five National Assemblies and chairing the advisory committee of ECSMGE 2024. His candidacy for the Presidency reflects a deep commitment to the Society's future and to every National Society within it.
Founder and director of spin-off companies MeduSoil, Geoeg, Nesol, and Enerdrape, translating research directly into practice
More than 400 peer-reviewed publications and 13 books on geomechanics, geo-energy, and environmental geotechnics
Honorary Founder and Honorary Editor-in-Chief of the journal Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment
ASCE Kersten Lecture (2020), Vienna Terzaghi Lecture (2022), DFI John Mitchell Lecture (2025)
Growing Global Support
A growing international coalition of National Societies has nominated Professor Laloui for the ISSMGE Presidency, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the Society and advancing our discipline together.
Belgium
Bulgaria
China
Ghana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Israel
Italy
Lithuania
North Macedonia
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
UAE
Ukraine
UzbekistanCampaign News
February 2026
The complete candidacy document setting out Professor Laloui's Seven Pillars vision has been distributed to National Societies worldwide. The document details concrete proposals for modernising ISSMGE and strengthening global collaboration.
Read the Document →June 2026
The ISSMGE Presidency election will take place at the 21st International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering in Vienna, where Professor Laloui will present his vision to the global geotechnical community.
Visit ICSMGE 2026 →13 May 2026, Vilnius
Professor Laloui will deliver the Interpore Kimberly-Clark Distinguished Lectureship in Vilnius, bringing cutting-edge research on energy geotechnology to the Lithuanian geotechnical community and international porous media researchers.
Read More →Get Involved
Member Societies, technical committees, and individuals are warmly invited to connect, ask questions, and contribute to shaping ISSMGE's future. This presidency is built on partnership. Your voice matters.
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