NextGen Nordic Geotechnics (NG2)

About the network

The Nordic region presents unique geotechnical challenges: sensitive quick clays, soft marine clays, permafrost, frost-susceptible soils, volcanic deposits, and seismically active areas. As climate change accelerates and digital technologies transform the field, geotechnical engineers must develop strong interdisciplinary skills to address these complexities.

NextGen Nordic Geotechnics (NG²) establishes a vibrant, transdisciplinary network of early-career researchers from Finland, Iceland, and Norway. By bringing together expertise across climate science, sustainable engineering, and data-driven methods, NG² creates new connections across traditionally separate disciplines in geotechnical engineering.

The network unites five partner institutions: Aalto University and Tampere University (Finland), University of Iceland (Iceland), Oslo Metropolitan University, and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (Norway). Together, these institutions maintain strong connections with municipalities, infrastructure agencies, and industry, ensuring that research activities address real-world challenges.

NG² supports the Nordic Vision 2030 goal of becoming the most sustainable and integrated region in the world, while aligning with the EU Green Deal's emphasis on climate-resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

Governance

The network is led by an Early Career Researchers (ECR) Network Committee, with support from a Steering Committee of mid- and senior-career researchers who serve as mentors. Each thematic area is co-led by ECRs from different partner countries, promoting cross-border collaboration and shared leadership.

TA1: Climate impacts on Nordic geotechnical systems

Lead: Elín Á. Ólafsdóttir (University of Iceland) | Co-Lead: Chuangxin Lyu (OsloMet)

This thematic area focuses on understanding how climate change affects geotechnical systems across Nordic conditions, with an emphasis on geohazards such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and slope instability. Activities include a summer school in Iceland featuring field visits to the Reykjanes Peninsula and workshops on Bayesian data analysis and surface wave testing.

TA2: Sustainable and nature-based ground engineering solutions

Lead: Sanandam Bordoloi (AALTO) | Co-Lead: Vittoria Capobianco (NGI)

TA2 explores sustainable ground engineering approaches tailored to Nordic conditions, including bio-based soil improvement, low-carbon binders, and nature-based solutions for slope stabilisation. The summer school in Finland includes visits to mining facilities and workshops on hydraulic barriers and eco-friendly deep mixing techniques.

TA3: Digital and data-driven approaches

Lead: Monica Löfman (AALTO) | Co-Lead: Milad Kowsari (University of Iceland)

This area emphasizes on the integration of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven methods in geotechnical practice. Activities include workshops at NGI featuring centrifuge experiments with the ProWind facility, distributed fibre-optic sensing, and hands-on data analysis sessions.

Interdisciplinary Knowledge Hub (IKH)

The IKH hosts bi-monthly virtual seminars throughout the project period, with each year focusing on a different thematic area. Seminars are recorded and made publicly available, creating a lasting resource for the Nordic geotechnical community.

Intensive Summer Schools (ISS)

Three residential summer schools, one per thematic area, provide targeted training over three days:

• Day 1: State-of-the-art lectures and facility tours
• Day 2: Field visits and site-specific case studies
• Day 3: Hands-on interdisciplinary workshops

NG² funds participation for up to 10 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers per summer school, with an emphasis on gender balance and equitable representation by country.

Short-Term Research Visits (STRV)

Each thematic area issues a Call for Proposals for research visits of up to one month at partner institutions. Applicants are evaluated on scientific merit, thematic relevance, and career impact. NG² funds a total of eight STRVs across the project period.

Conference Contributions

NG² will propose a special ECR session at the Nordic Geotechnical Meeting (NGM) 2027 in Oslo and contribute to the European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE) 2028 in Istanbul.

NG² places early-career researchers at the centre of its activities. PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers can participate through:

• Summer schools: Apply through open calls to participate in three-day intensive training events
• Research visits: Submit proposals for funded one-month visits to partner institutions
• Knowledge Hub: Join bi-monthly virtual seminars and connect with researchers across the Nordic region
• Leadership roles: ECRs lead thematic areas and serve on the Network Committee
• Communication ambassadors: Contribute blog posts, social media content, and event promotion

The network adopts best practices in ECR career development by integrating interdisciplinary training, structured mentoring by senior researchers, and cross-border peer support.

Partner Institutions

ECR Leadership Team

• Stefan Ritter (NGI) – Network Lead
• Elín Á. Ólafsdóttir (UI) – Network Co-Lead, TA1 Lead
• Sanandam Bordoloi (AALTO) – TA2 Lead, Finland Coordinator
• Monica Löfman (AALTO) – TA3 Lead
• Chuangxin Lyu (OsloMet/NGI) – TA1 Co-Lead
• Vittoria Capobianco (NGI) – TA2 Co-Lead
• Milad Kowsari (UI) – TA3 Co-Lead
• Bruno Di Buò (TU) – Finland Support

Steering Committee

• Leena Korkiala-Tanttu (AALTO)
• Marco D'Ignazio (TU)
• Mike Long (OsloMet/NGI)
• Sigurður Erlingsson (UI)
• Priscilla Paniagua (NGI)

Related Projects and Networks

NG² builds on and connects with ongoing initiatives, including ResiTrans (RCN), ChEESE (EU), ELGIP, and GEOLAB.