I am delighted to announce that, should I be elected President of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) at the Council Meeting on 14 June 2026, both Dr Mandy Korff (Deltares and TU Delft, Netherlands)) and Ms Florence Ko (Geotechnical Engineering Office, Hong Kong) have agreed to serve on the ISSMGE Board to lead two of the central priorities of my presidency.
Mandy Korff has agreed to serve as Diversity Champion, leading the implementation of initiatives focused on removing barriers so that all members and Member Societies can participate fully in the activities and opportunities of the ISSMGE. Mandy has been a strong advocate for inclusion, international collaboration, and professional development across our global geotechnical community.
Florence Ko has agreed to serve as Climate Change Champion, leading work to position geotechnics at the heart of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Her international expertise across geotechnical engineering, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure will help ensure that the ISSMGE plays a leading role in addressing one of the defining challenges facing our profession and society.
These appointments directly support two of the major themes outlined in my candidate statement:
- Removing barriers so that every member and Member Society can participate, contribute, and benefit fully
- Positioning geotechnics at the heart of climate change mitigation and adaptation
I am extremely grateful to Mandy and Florence for their willingness to contribute their experience, insight, and leadership to the future of the ISSMGE.
Together, I believe we can build a confident, inclusive, and forward-looking Society that reflects the diversity, expertise, and global importance of our profession.
Professor Michael C R Davies 