Learn. Innovate. Discover.

Our faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their exceptional research. Through extensive interaction and collaboration with other distinguished research groups, our team of faculty and student researchers provides novel research and technological developments to increase sustainable practices in a variety of industries. We attract the brightest minds in the field and train early-career, technically competent scientists and engineers - the future leaders, consultants and regulators for the discipline.

With our talented people and extraordinary research facilities, the Geotechnical Centre is pioneering the way to innovative, environmentally conscientious solutions for future generations.

What is Geotechnical Engineering?

Geotechnical engineering involves any aspect of engineering relating to soil and rock such as mining, analysis and design of dams, foundations and tunnels, and understanding the behaviour of slopes and groundwater.

Geoenvironmental engineering deals with the interactions between wastes and the geosphere including management of solid waste, migration of contaminant through the subsurface and remediation of contaminated sites.

Geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering has been designated as one of the University of Alberta's areas of research excellence.

News & Events

Professional Development Opportunities

IOSTC 2026

The University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre is pleased to announce the 9th International Oil Sands Tailings Conference (IOSTC) on November 30th – December 2nd, 2026 at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton, AB.

IOSTC brings together oil sands operators, consultants, regulators and academia to explore the latest insights and innovations in oil sands tailing management.

Deadline for abstract submissions has been extended to June 1, 2026

Presentation topics can include but are not limited to those listed below. There is a strong emphasis on case studies.

Operations:

· Water Management & Seepage Control

· Tailings Processing, Dewatering & Alternative Deposition

· Tailings Planning & Modelling

· Operations, Dredging & Materials Handling

· Geotechnical Stability & Dam Safety

· Digital Tailings (Tailings 4.0), Monitoring & Data Infrastructure

· Worker Safety in Operations

· Engineer of Record, Critical Controls & GISTM Practice

Closure and Long-Term Strategy:

· Mine Water Release – Treatment, Standards & Verification

· End Pit Lakes – Science to Operations

· Geochemistry & Chemical Interactions

· Re-mining, Re-processing and Valorization / Circular Economy

· Closure, Post-Closure & Nature-Positive Outcomes

· Indigenous Partnership, Engagement and Co-monitoring

· ESG, Communications & Social License

· Policy, Regulation & Governance (Directive 085)

For more information, email Jen Stogowski

IOSTC 2026

Graduate Student Seminar Series

Join us for our weekly Graduate Student Seminar Series. Each week, we host a guest speaker or geotechnical graduate student presentation. In-person sessions are located in room 7-395 of the Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering. Please follow our LinkedIn page or click the button below for updates on upcoming seminars. Recordings can be found on our YouTube channel (subscribe below).

We are looking for industry professionals to act as guest speakers for the 2026/2027 seminars. For more information, please email Jen Stogowski.

Learn More

Join us online

Alumni, colleagues and friends of the Geotechnical Centre are invited to connect with us on our UAlberta Geotechnical Centre LinkedIn page! Follow us to stay up to date with the new and exciting developments at our Centre and what cutting-edge research our faculty members and graduate students are conducting.

We also have a LinkedIn Group where we post professional opportunities, news and events within the geotechnical community. Please let us know if you have any exciting news to share with our community—we look forward to hearing from you!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to learn about the latest research and technological advances in the fields of geotechnical engineering!

For more geotechnical engineering events, visit the Geotechnical Society of Edmonton and Canadian Geotechnical Society.

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