International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG)
Report for New Zealand – November 2024
1 What is IAEG and how do we fit?
All NZGS members also join one (or more) of the three international societies that NZGS represents in New Zealand; the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM), and the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE).
The IAEG was founded in 1964 and is affiliated to the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and FedIGS (Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies). IAEG is a worldwide scientific society with more than 5,500 members and 68 national groups, including the New Zealand Geotechnical Society.
The aims of the IAEG are:
- to promote and encourage the advancement of Engineering Geology through technological activities and research
- to improve teaching and training in Engineering Geology, and
- to collect, evaluate and disseminate the results of engineering geological activities on a worldwide basis.
NZGS is represented on the IAEG Board (Executive Committee) by Anthony Bowden, IAEG Vice President for Australasia (one of six regions). Each country that is part of a regional group has an independent vote in Council meetings, and I carry this vote on behalf of the NZGS.
2 60th Anniversary celebrations
2024 marks the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the IAEG. NZGS is celebrating this with our special December edition of Geomechanics News, a range of engineering geology focused training, and a special offer for members (watch out for an announcement soon).
Celebratory training courses this year have included C25 Engineering Geological Models, Landslide Risk Assessment, and GIS for engineering geology.
The IAEG celebrated in style at the 4th European Regional Conference of IAEG, held in Dubrovnik in October alongside the annual Council meeting, and published a series of celebratory videos on their website (https://iaeg.info/60-year-celebration/interviews/).
3 YGP representation
The Young Engineering Geologists Group of IAEG remains very active, and all members are encouraged to participate.
Lauren Foote is the IAEG YGP representative within NZGS and has made a great start with involvement in organising the C25 Engineering Geological Models training and the bid for the Combined JTC1/JTC3 conference.
Young Engineering Geologists (anyone under 40) should contact Lauren, check out the IAEG YEG website (https://iaeg.info/yegs/) and for the most current activity, follow their great webinars on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@iaegyeg), articles in the IAEG Connector and posts on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-of-engineering-geology-and-the-environment).
4 WEG representation
The IAEG is committed to increasing the involvement and inclusion of women in the activities and opportunities of the Association. This is part of a wider drive to build diversity in the organisation, and to give equal opportunity to all members.
The Women in Engineering Geology Group (WEG), representing the interests of Women in the field of Engineering Geology, is open to participation by any member of the Association. It is administered by a Women in Engineering Geology Committee (WEGC).
The Committee is led by our own Ann Williams, and she would be delighted to hear from all members who would be interested in joining the group or contributing to their activities. You can find out more about the group on the IAEG website (https://iaeg.info/weg/info/).
5 Register now for the website & journal
All NZGS members who have affiliated to IAEG are eligible to access resources on the IAEG website, including free access to the highly regarded Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, the official journal of the IAEG. It’s ranked as one of the top global journals in our discipline, so is well worth keeping up to date with.
All affiliated members should have received an email (in July) with the subject line “Welcome to IAEG members Area” from membership@iaeg.info giving you a username and password. You will need to follow these instructions to access the membership benefits of IAEG including the journal. If you’re struggling, please contact me or email membership@iaeg.info.
6 IAEG management meetings
The most recent executive board meeting was held on 8 October 2024 (where we were represented by Anthony Bowden) followed by the Council meeting on 9 October 2024 (in which I represented New Zealand). Both October meetings were held alongside the IAEG European Regional Symposium in Dubrovnik.
These meetings showed the IAEG to be in good financial health, and working productively towards achieving its objectives.
7 IAEG world congress
The next big event in the IAEG Calendar is the World Congress. Taking place every four years, it will next be hosted in Delft in 2026. This is the highlight of the circuit for engineering geologists, so anyone who can make it to Europe in late October 2026 should seriously consider making the journey. More information can be found on the conference website (https://www.iaeg2026.org/150970/home).