Awards & Projects
Small Project Funding Programme
The ISSMGE Technical Advisory and Outcomes Committee (TAOC) supports initiatives that strengthen the activities of Technical Committees (TCs), encourage collaboration, and promote innovative contributions to the geotechnical community.
Through its Small Project Funding Programme, the TAOC provides financial support for selected initiatives proposed by individual TCs or jointly by two or more TCs. While interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly encouraged, the primary consideration is the potential of each project to deliver meaningful benefits to the participating TCs, ISSMGE, and the broader geotechnical community.
Particular emphasis is placed on initiatives that generate tangible outcomes, promote knowledge sharing, and create lasting contributions beyond individual events or activities.
2026 Call for Small Project Proposals
The TAOC invites ISSMGE Technical Committees to submit proposals for small, focused projects that expand TC activities, promote collaboration, and deliver meaningful benefits to the geotechnical community.
Particular encouragement is given to joint initiatives involving two or more TCs, innovative educational or technical resources, and projects that strengthen international participation and knowledge dissemination.
Key information:
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Submission deadline: 13 November 2026
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Total funding available: Up to £5,000
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Proposal length: 1-2 pages
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Eligibility: Proposals submitted by ISSMGE Technical Committees, including joint initiatives
The available funding may support several smaller projects or one particularly compelling proposal. Projects should demonstrate benefits extending beyond a single event or individual participant.
TC Chairs and Secretaries are encouraged to discuss potential proposals with their members and explore opportunities for collaboration with other TCs.
Download Full Call for Small Project Proposals 2026
Proposals should be submitted to:
TAOC Chair ([email protected]) and
Secretary ([email protected]).
Previously Funded Projects (2024-2025)
During the 2022-2026 term, the former Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) introduced a pilot funding initiative to stimulate TC activities, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and support innovative projects.
Three initiatives received financial support during 20242025, illustrating the diversity of activities supported by the programme.
2024 TC306, TC103 and TC106: Interdisciplinary Keynote on Geotechnical Engineering Education
ISSMGE contribution: £1,500
TC306 (Geo-Education), in collaboration with TC103 (Numerical Methods) and TC106 (Unsaturated Soils), received funding to support the participation of Professor Jennifer Case from Virginia Tech as an invited keynote speaker at the Geotechnical Engineering Education 2025 conference in Nancy, France.
The initiative strengthened interdisciplinary connections between geotechnical engineering and engineering education. The keynote contribution was subsequently made available through the ISSMGE Virtual University and disseminated in the March 2026 ISSMGE Bulletin.
2025 TC211: Ground Improvement Through the Lens
ISSMGE contribution: £1,000
TC211 (Ground Improvement) received support for an international photography competition designed to showcase the diversity, innovation, and practical applications of ground improvement worldwide.
The initiative aims to engage researchers, practicing engineers, technicians, and other professionals, encouraging broader participation in TC activities. Selected photographs are intended to contribute to educational and outreach resources and increase the visibility of geotechnical engineering.
2025 TC308: GIS Platform for Energy Geotechnics
ISSMGE contribution: £1,000
TC308 (Energy Geotechnics) received funding to support the development of an open-access Geographic Information System (GIS) platform for mapping energy geotechnics projects worldwide.
The initiative initially focuses on energy geostructures, with planned expansion to other applications, including geological CO storage, hydrogen, and geothermal energy.
The platform is intended to provide a shared digital resource for researchers and practitioners, facilitate collaboration among several TCs, and support education, technical dissemination, and international knowledge exchange.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Lasting Outcomes
Building on these experiences, the TAOC aims to strengthen the Small Project Funding Programme during the 20262030 term by encouraging initiatives that generate tangible deliverables and lasting benefits for ISSMGE and the broader geotechnical community.
Particular emphasis will be placed on collaboration among TCs, the development of resources that remain accessible beyond individual events, and projects that connect scientific knowledge with engineering practice and societal needs.
Recognition of Outgoing TC Chairs
The TAOC recognizes the dedication, leadership, and valuable contributions of outgoing TC Chairs through the presentation of commemorative plaques.
This initiative, introduced during the 2022-2026 term with the support of Dr. Mona Anwar, Chair of the ISSMGE Professional Image Committee, aims to acknowledge the voluntary efforts of TC Chairs and their contributions to advancing the technical and scientific activities of ISSMGE.
Outgoing Chairs are also invited to share a brief reflection on their experience, including developments in their respective technical fields during their term of office. These contributions are intended for publication in the ISSMGE Bulletin, helping to preserve institutional knowledge and document the evolution of geotechnical disciplines.
Selected TC Initiatives
ISSMGE TCs are developing initiatives that promote student engagement, recognize research excellence, and strengthen collaboration across technical disciplines. The following examples illustrate how TC activities are being translated into tangible outcomes for the geotechnical community.
TC105 Student Video Competition: Geomechanics from Micro to Macro
TC105 successfully launched its Student Video Competition in 2026 to encourage students to communicate geomechanics research through short, accessible videos. The inaugural competition attracted 19 submissions, covering experimental and computational research. Two winning entries were recognized, each receiving a £250 prize.
TC209 Mark Randolph Award for Best PhD Dissertation
TC209 established the Mark Randolph Award to recognize outstanding doctoral research in offshore geotechnics. The first award will be presented at the OSIG 2027 Conference. This initiative promotes research excellence and supports the visibility of early-career researchers.
TC206 Pre-Rankine Conference on the Observational Method
TC206 organized a Pre-Rankine Conference in London on 17 March 2026, bringing together researchers and practitioners to exchange knowledge on the Observational Method. The initiative involved collaboration with several TCs, including TC220, TC103, and TC204, with contributions from other committees. It provides an excellent example of cross-TC collaboration and knowledge exchange.
These initiatives illustrate the diversity of outcomes generated by ISSMGE Technical Committees, from student engagement and research recognition to interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer.