Keynote:

New Methods for Characterizing and Modeling the Engineering Behavior of Expansive Soils

Dr. Shahid Azam is a Professor of Environmental Systems Engineering at the University of Regina, Canada, with over 30 years of experience in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. His research focuses on safeguarding soils from climate change, geological hazards, and contaminants. He has developed sustainable solutions for various sectors, including civil infrastructure and mine waste. Dr. Azam has published over 175 papers and has contributed to numerous consulting projects globally. He has received several awards, including the Geoenvironmental Award from the Canadian Geotechnical Society.

Keynote:

Deep-Seated Rock Slides: Understanding Processes and Assessing Impacts on Settlements and Infrastructure

Prof. Dr. Christian Zangerl is the Head of the Institute of Applied Geology at BOKU University, Vienna. With a focus on engineering geology, his research spans geological hazards (rock slides), environmental geology, and geotechnical engineering. He has contributed significantly to the field through teaching and research in applied geology. Prof. Zangerl has been involved in numerous projects related to landslides, soil mechanics, and geological risk assessment. He has published extensively and is dedicated to advancing knowledge in the geological sciences, both in academic settings and through practical applications.

Keynote:

Slope Stability and Resilient Roads in the Himalayas: Nepal’s Challenges and Initiatives

Er. Keshav Kumar Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, leads Nepal’s national efforts to improve connectivity and strengthen public transport systems. With over 30 years of experience in the infrastructure sector, including senior roles at the Department of Roads and as Chairperson of the Roads Board Nepal, he has focused on safer roads, modern project management, and resilient construction suited to Himalayan conditions. He works closely with national and international partners on slope stabilization, disaster-resilient design, and institutional reforms to build a safer, more reliable transport network for Nepal’s growth.

Keynote:

Smart Water Management for Sustainable Development: Bridging Groundwater-Surface Water Dynamics Amid Climate Change

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Muhammad Qumrul Hassan is an Honorary Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Dhaka, with over 45 years of experience in Earth and Environmental Sciences. He completed his studies at Kiel University and FU-Berlin. Prof. Hassan has published over 120 scientific works and mentored more than 100 graduate students. He is a prominent figure in global academic networks, having served as the Founder Dean at DU and President of the DAAD Alumni Association of Bangladesh. His research includes Hydrology, Hydrogeology, and Climate Change.

Keynote:

Climate Change: Closing the Gap between Challenges Faced by “Developing” and “Developed” Countries

Dr. Ann Williams is a Technical Fellow in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology and General Manager of Transport & Infrastructure at Beca Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand. She has led geotechnical hazard and risk projects in New Zealand and several Pacific nations. Ann is a Past Chair and Life Member of the New Zealand Geotechnical Society Inc. and an Honorary Member of the IAEG. She played a pivotal role in establishing New Zealand’s Professional Engineering Geologist register. Ann received the 2022 NZGS Geomechanics Lecture Award and has contributed to the advancement of engineering geology globally.

Keynote:

Significance of Dissected Deep-Seated Landside Topography and Hydrothermal Alteration in Active Mountain Belts

Prof. Dr. Shuichi Hasegawa is an Emeritus Professor Professor at Kagawa University, Japan, specializing in geological engineering. He has expertise in mitigating earthquake and landslide hazards, and assessing construction sites. Prof. Hasegawa has contributed to research on the active faults of the Median Tectonic Line in Shikoku, Japan. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo in 1993. Prof. Hasegawa served as the President of the Japan Society of Engineering Geology and has extensive experience in geotechnical investigations, including those related to landslides and hydrothermal alteration in Japan and Nepal.

Keynote:

Advancements in Tunneling: The Role of Engineering Geology in Design and Construction Over the Last 30 Years

Dr. Vassilis P. Marinos is the President of IAEG and an expert in engineering geology for major infrastructure projects including tunnels, dams, pipelines and motorways. His specialization includes geohazards, slope stability, landslide and rockfall risk assessments, rock mass characterization and geotechnical databases. With 24 years of experience, he consults on geotechnical works, tunneling and geohazard analysis. As a faculty member at NTUA and Aristotle University, he teaches multiple undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Dr. Marinos has contributed to 26+ research projects, authored 150+ publications, delivered 46+ invited lectures and actively participates in scientific conferences and journal editorial boards.