Advances and challenges in engineering geology in a changing world: celebrating 60 years of the IAEG

Abstract The International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG) celebrated its 60 th anniversary in 2024 at a pivotal moment in the history of the geosciences. Established to promote international collaboration and lay the foundations of the discipline, the IAEG has evolved substantially to remain aligned with global progress. Although its core remains focused on connecting geology and engineering through fieldwork and geomechanics, the association has gradually incorporated new approaches to tackle growing environmental concerns and rapid technological changes. This progression is reflected in recent scientific literature, which shows a transition from traditional empirical methods to advanced digital tools like big data and deep learning, enabling better management of modern infrastructure and natural hazards. This collection reflects on our discipline’s foundational pillars and offers a forward-looking view of its future. We bring together twenty contributions that highlight the evolving challenges, environmental pressures, and technological progress influencing engineering geology today. To provide a structured narrative, the contributions are organized into four thematic sections.