2026 SAICE GEOTECHNICAL DIVISION AWARDS – CALL FOR NOMINATIONS & ENTRIES

The SAICE Geotechnical Division hereby invites entries and nominations for the 2026 SAICE Geotechnical Division Awards — including the introduction of two exciting new awards aimed at recognising outstanding young professionals and exceptional geotechnical projects within our industry.

This serves as the official call for submissions for the following awards:
🏆 Barry van Wyk Award
Awarded annually to the author of the best final-year undergraduate dissertation on a geotechnical engineering topic at a South African university.

🏆 JE Jennings Award
Presented annually to recognise a meritorious publication relevant to geotechnical engineering in South Africa, published during the previous year.

🏆 SAICE Geotechnical Division Distinguished Service Award
Awarded to a SAICE member who has made a significant contribution to the geotechnical engineering industry through leadership, mentorship, innovation, and long-term service to the profession.

🏆 South African Geotechnical Medal
Awarded to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to advancing the art and science of geotechnical engineering in South Africa.
✨ Young Geotechnical Engineering Professional of the Year Award (NEW)
Recognising exceptional young geotechnical engineers who have significantly contributed to the advancement of geotechnical engineering through professional practice, research, and/or community involvement.

✨ Project Award (NEW)
Celebrating geotechnical projects that demonstrate excellence in innovation, design, sustainability, and service to society, highlighting the impact of geotechnical engineering on the built environment and broader community.

We encourage professionals, academics, organisations, and institutions across the industry to submit deserving candidates and projects for consideration.
See formal criteria documents for the two new awards here:
SAICE GEODIV Young Geotechnical Engineering Professional of the Year Award
SAICE GEODIV Project Award Criteria

📅 Closing date for all entries and nominations: 12 June 2026
📧 All submissions are to be sent to Vuyisile Dlamini at