NZGS Symposium Best Papers and Student Poster Awards
The New Zealand Geotechnical Society (NZGS) Symposium Best Paper and Poster Awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence in geotechnical research, practice, and academia. These awards encourage innovation and promote best practices within the fields of geomechanics.
The following awards are presented at each NZGS Symposium:
- Best Research Paper – recognising outstanding technical research contributing new insights or methods in geotechnical engineering.
- Best Practice Paper – recognising excellence in the application of engineering principles and innovative solutions to real-world projects.
- Best Student Paper – recognising the highest quality research contribution by a student or student team.
- Best Student Poster – part of the NZGS Student Awards Poster Competition, awarded to the best student presentation.
Each winner receives a $1,000 prize.
Best Paper Awards
Papers are shortlisted based on symposium technical reviewer scores and evaluated by an independent judging panel. Criteria include:
- Contribution to the field: Advancement of knowledge or practice in geotechnical engineering.
- Depth and rigor: Quality of research methodology or case study.
- Clarity and communication: Structure, readability, and engagement for the intended audience.
- Innovation and originality: Novelty and creativity of ideas presented.
- Impact and relevance: Real-world or academic influence of the findings.
Student Poster Awards
The NZGS Student Awards Poster Competition, established in 2012 to encourage greater participation, is open to students from recognised tertiary institutions in New Zealand. Judging is conducted by three independent judges nominated by the NZGS Management Committee. Posters are assessed on the following criteria:
- Excellence (30%) – overall research quality and innovation.
- Presentation (40%) – clarity, layout, and visual appeal.
- Relevance (20%) – alignment with geotechnical practice and NZGS priorities.
- Quality of Candidate (10%) – depth of understanding appropriate for the candidate’s academic level.
Judging Process
- Award panels are selected by the Organising Committee.
- Judges must have no conflict of interest with any papers or posters they assess.
- Decisions of the judging panels are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
- Different panels may be used for paper and poster awards.
Past winners
2025
- Best Research Paper:
PGA Adjustment Factors for TS1170.5 to Account for Nonlinear Site Response on Soft Soils by C.A. de la Torre, M. Cubrinovski, B.A. Bradley & S.S. Bora (University of Canterbury & GNS Science) – PGA adjustment factors for TS1170.5 to account for nonlinear site response on soft soils – New Zealand Geotechnical Society - Best Practice Paper:
Under the Mountain – City Rail Link, Mt Eden Tunnel Portal Temporary Retaining Structure Design and Construction Challenges by S.A.B. Farquhar & Y.F. Thorp (Tonkin + Taylor Ltd) – Under the mountain – City Rail Link, tunnel portal temporary retaining structure design and construction challenges – New Zealand Geotechnical Society - Best Student Papers (Joint First Prize):
Liquefaction Characteristics of Gravelly Soils Prepared by Water Sedimentation Method by L. Wang, G. Chiaro, S. Rees, C. Cappellaro & A. Pokhrel (University of Canterbury) – Liquefaction Characteristics of Gravelly Soils Prepared by Water Sedimentation Method – New Zealand Geotechnical Society
Simplified CPT-Based Liquefaction Ejecta Severity Model Using Christchurch Data
by K.M. Azul, R.P. Orense & L.M. Wotherspoon (University of Auckland) – Simplified CPT-based liquefaction ejecta severity model using Christchurch data – New Zealand Geotechnical Society - Best Student Poster:
Liquefaction Characteristics of Gravelly Soils Prepared by Water Sedimentation Method by L. Wang, G. Chiaro, S. Rees, C. Cappellaro & A. Pokhrel (University of Canterbury) – Liquefaction Characteristics of Gravelly Soils Prepared by Water Sedimentation Method – New Zealand Geotechnical Society