Geo-engineering education and training. The past and the future

A brief background on education and training in Soil Mechanics, Rock Mechanics and Engineering Geology is presented, highlighting some facts which influenced the development of these sciences. The interplay between them is stressed. The International Societies (ISSMGE, ISRM and IAEG) role in promoting education at different levels is emphasised. The performance of scientists and engineers teams from different backgrounds for the study, design, construction and rehabilitation of major infrastructures and for the solution of many geoenvironmental problems is illustrated. These disciplines are taught today in University undergraduate courses in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering and Geology and graduate courses are tending to be jointly attended by professionals coming from these three branches. The Bologna Declaration introduced significant modifications in University education and most European countries have already adjusted their education systems to its requirements. Based on some principles of this declaration, perspectives are presented concerning future education and training in geoengineering.