The field of engineering geology is changing rapidly in response to global pressures such as urbanization, climate change, and the growing demand for natural resources. Meanwhile, Young Engineering Geologists (YEGs), defined as early-career academics and professionals under 40 within the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), are increasingly engaged in research, training, and knowledge exchange activities. This study examines current challenges and anticipates future requirements in the field of engineering geology by integrating a quantitative analysis of journal publications from 2015 to 2025, related international projects, and feedback obtained through a survey conducted during an IAEG outreach activity. The bibliometric analysis showed a gradual shift from traditionally dominant infrastructure-focused studies toward topics such as geohazards intensified by climate change, urban planning, mitigation strategies, and sustainable development. This shift is accompanied by an increased use of digital tools, including remote sensing, data-driven analysis, and big data storage. This study also focuses on how YEG activities in research, professional development, and global knowledge exchange align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was found that YEG activities not only contribute to technical advancement but also to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Survey responses from early-career professionals point to significant demand for practical, accessible, and interdisciplinary training methodologies. Taken together, these findings highlight a pathway for how future YEG activities might be modified to address the changing requirements of the field and research directions in engineering geology. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026.
Addressing current and future challenges in the engineering geology community - A young engineering geologist’s perspective / Karantanellis, E., Koca, T.K., Braun, A., Mammoliti, E., Foote, L., Loffler, J., Dhakal, O.P., Afolabi, A.O., Kazeev, A.. - In: BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. - ISSN 1435-9529. - ELETTRONICO. - 85:3(2026). [10.1007/s10064-026-04847-w]
Addressing current and future challenges in the engineering geology community - A young engineering geologist’s perspective
Mammoliti, Elisa;
2026-01-01
Abstract
The field of engineering geology is changing rapidly in response to global pressures such as urbanization, climate change, and the growing demand for natural resources. Meanwhile, Young Engineering Geologists (YEGs), defined as early-career academics and professionals under 40 within the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), are increasingly engaged in research, training, and knowledge exchange activities. This study examines current challenges and anticipates future requirements in the field of engineering geology by integrating a quantitative analysis of journal publications from 2015 to 2025, related international projects, and feedback obtained through a survey conducted during an IAEG outreach activity. The bibliometric analysis showed a gradual shift from traditionally dominant infrastructure-focused studies toward topics such as geohazards intensified by climate change, urban planning, mitigation strategies, and sustainable development. This shift is accompanied by an increased use of digital tools, including remote sensing, data-driven analysis, and big data storage. This study also focuses on how YEG activities in research, professional development, and global knowledge exchange align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was found that YEG activities not only contribute to technical advancement but also to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Survey responses from early-career professionals point to significant demand for practical, accessible, and interdisciplinary training methodologies. Taken together, these findings highlight a pathway for how future YEG activities might be modified to address the changing requirements of the field and research directions in engineering geology. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
