Experts Gather For IGS Slovakia's National Conference

More than 60 specialists from Slovakia and other nations gathered for IGS Slovakia's national conference, Geosynthetics 2025.

Known locally as Geosyntetika 2025, the event is held every two years at the University of Žilina and aims to share the latest findings from construction projects using geosynthetics.

Experts from business, research and educational institutions presented their contributions in 15 lectures across different themes, at the event aimed at designers, contractors, construction supervisors, investors, and state employees such as the Slovak road and rail ministries, as well as university researchers and staff.

Dr. Ing. Jacek Kawalec, President of IGS Poland, gave the opening lecture on 'Dynamic laboratory testing of mechanically stabilized layers for railway applications', which shared various applications of geosynthetic materials in special structures and large projects. This was followed by presentations from guests from Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Conference chairman Professor Marián Drusa, also the newly elected President of IGS Slovakia, said: "We had great feedback from colleagues and delegates who complimented the organization and content of the conference. The papers were presented at a high level with a lively discussion on each topic. We've already started planning the next edition in 2027, and will continue to ensure this conference is an essential resource for the region's construction industry."

Organized by the university's Department of Geotechnics and the Department of Railways Engineering and Track Management, the conference was held on February 6-7. It was organized under the auspices of IGS Slovakia and other professional associations such as Association of Construction Entrepreneurs of Slovakia, Slovak Road Associations and Slovak Chamber of Civil Engineers.

Articles presented at the event have been published as e-proceedings, which were given to each participant, and are available in the university library (e-ISBN 978-80-554-2179-7). They are themed under construction projects, results of research, manufacturers' presentations, and current and upcoming technical regulations and standards for geosynthetics.

Following the conference, IGS Slovakia had its general assembly meeting where it elected Prof. Drusa as the new President. Members thanked the previous President Radovan Baslík, who had led the association since 2009.

Slovakian speakers can find out more about the Chapter and upcoming events on its website here.