Outstanding Innovator Award
Purpose
The ISSMGE Award for Innovation in Geo-engineering is awarded to an individual ISSMGE member or groups of ISSMGE members (researchers, consultants and contractors) in recognition of innovations in Geo-engineering that have a pronounced impact on geo-engineering practice, research and education. The term innovation is used broadly to describe any major, unprecedented achievements that led to a major advancement in our profession. Examples include:
- The development of a theory or a design approach that has pronouncedly affected our understanding of earth materials or design methods for geotechnical infrastructure.
- The invention of a technique or a technology that has significant applications in field or laboratory investigations or measurements.
- The successful implementation of an unprecedented construction technique that has a sustained impact in geotechnical construction.
- Other outstanding innovations or approaches (e.g. development of software, internet technologies) that impact the practice or education of the Geo-engineering profession worldwide.
Nomination
ISSMGE Member Societies are invited to nominate important contributors in their respective fields. Nominations are limited to one per Member Society for the award. The nomination package should include the following:
- A cover letter, signed by the nominator, indicating the person/parties nominated and the name of the award (Outstanding Innovator).
- A written motivation, not more than two pages in length, which should include reference to the supporting evidence of distinguished accomplishments (technical papers, etc.) by the nominee.
- The nominees CV (up to 5-pages) or biographical information. In case of a group of individuals, CVs for all individuals should be provided if judged applicable by the nominator.
- Minimum 2 letters of recommendation from independent persons without conflict of interest.
Exposure
The awardee(s) will present the achievements on the ISSMGE website and social media channels, as well as in the ISSMGE Bulletin.
Outstanding Innovator Awardees
| Year | Outstanding Innovator | Nominating Society |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Songyiu Liu | China |
| 2022 | PLAXIS | Netherlands |
| 2013 | Dimitrios Zekkos | USA |
The 2026 Awardee
Prof. Songyiu Liu, Southeast University, China
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Significant contributions to ground improvement, foundation treatment, and sustainable practices
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T-shaped Deep Mixing (TD) Technology - variable cross-section design, with large-diameter columns near the surface and smaller-diameter columns at depth, combined with innovative multi-diameter mixing blades that overcome spatial soil variability + intelligent TD equipment capable of construction-parameter monitoring and adaptive adjustment to soil variability. TD has been successfully applied in over 3000 projects
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Pneumatic Ground Improvement Technology - coupling the pneumatic fracturing and vacuum preloading technology, a revolutionary solution for stabilizing deep soft soil, prone to liquefaction or expansive soils. Prof. Liu has proposed the theory of pneumatic fracturing combined with vacuum preloading and developed a series of specialized construction equipment tailored to various soil types.
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Carbon Sequestration Coordinate with Solidification Technology. Prof. Liu pioneered mass carbonization methods, carbonated composite pile and carbon sequestration foamed concrete technology, using CO₂ injection with Mg-based materials and industrial slag to enhance soil strength while capturing carbon.
