International Geotechnical Conference Announced

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Nov 30: Nepal Geotechnical Society (NGS) has unveiled plans for GeoMandu 2027, a major international conference dedicated to geotechnical engineering and resilient infrastructure, scheduled for 17–19 March 2027 in Kathmandu.

According to the press release, the event will be convened alongside the 11th Asian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference (11th AYGEC) under ISSMGE and the proposed 1st South Asian Conference on Geotechnics (SACG) under AGSSA, marking an important regional milestone.

The announcement was made on 28 November organizing a formal ceremony attended by Chief Guest Er. Keshab Kumar Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Guest of Honor Prof. Keh-Jian (Albert) Shou, ISSMGE Vice President (Asia). Leaders of key regional societies—including Dr. Anil Joseph, President of AGSSA and Indian Geotechnical Society, and Er. Amjad Agha, President of Pakistan Geotechnical Engineers Society—joined virtually, underscoring strong cooperation within Asia and South Asia.

Speaking at the event, NGS President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Indra Prasad Acharya stated that GeoMandu 2027 reflects the Society’s mission to promote knowledge exchange, research integration, and resilient engineering for national development. He noted that the GeoMandu conference series is Nepal’s leading technical platform, having already produced four published volumes and more than 125 scientific papers through Springer Nature, contributing to Nepal’s growing global academic presence.

NGS General Secretary Er. Kalpana Adhikari encouraged broad and inclusive participation from governmental agencies, academic institutions, industry professionals, and young engineers.

Conference Chair Dr. Mandip Subedi emphasized the historic collaborative nature of the upcoming event, highlighting its role in strengthening partnerships across Asian and South Asian geotechnical communities to collectively address regional engineering challenges associated with mountainous terrain.

From a technical standpoint, Convener Dr. Dhundi Raj Pathak shared that the conference expects to host over 500 participants from more than 40 countries, and will include 240+ technical presentations, keynote sessions, and expert panel discussions, with proceedings again to be published by Springer Nature.

Representing young professionals, Youth Convener Er. Rajan KC noted that the 11th AYGEC will prioritize youth engagement through accessible fees, research awards, networking, and mentorship, aiming to empower emerging engineers and researchers.

To be held under the theme “Mountain Geotechnics for Infrastructure Development,” GeoMandu 2027 will focus on actionable solutions to critical issues such as landslides, slope instabilities, flooding, erosion, river morphology, and seismic risk—key concerns for infrastructure sustainability in mountainous countries.

In addition to the technical program, international participants will be invited to experience Nepal’s cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and natural wonders, celebrating the country’s identity and tourism potential.