Mid-Winter Social: IAEG’s 60 Years & Women in AGS Celebration
Ann Williams
Join us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the IAEG and the role of women in engineering and in engineering geology.
2024 marks the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), an international scientific society founded in 1964 and now approximately 5000 members strong globally. The association aims to promote and encourage the advancement of engineering geology through technological activities and research. At the same time, it strives to improve teaching and training in engineering geology, and to collect, evaluate and disseminate the results of engineering geological activities. In addition to marking the IAEG’s 60th anniversary, the AGS is also celebrating the recent formation of the Women in AGS Committee and International Women in Engineering Day.
Our guest international speaker, Ann Williams, is the past Regional Vice President (Australasia) of the IAEG. With over 30 years of experience, Ann is a distinguished engineering geologist currently serving as Manager of Beca’s National Geotechnical business and a board member of Engineering NZ. She has been a trailblazer for women in the field, renowned for her technical expertise and leadership. Throughout her career, Ann has tackled a wide range of geotechnical and hydrogeological projects, consistently showcasing her ability to solve complex geological challenges. As a respected mentor and advocate for sustainable practices, she continues to shape the future of engineering geology with her innovative and forward-thinking approach. Ann’s presentation will dive into her impressive 30-year career and share her exciting views on where engineering geology is headed. She’ll talk about the latest trends, future challenges, and what’s next for the field, as well as the evolving role of the IAEG and the growing influence of women in the profession.
The presentation will be preceded by drinks and nibbles. Following the presentation, we warmly invite our engineers and engineering geologists to come together, and extend the celebration at a nearby pub, where we can enjoy further conviviality and refreshments together. Numbers are limited so please RSVP.
Guest Speaker
Ann Williams Manager Geotechnical; Technical Fellow – Engineering Geology/ Hydrogeology; Board member Engineering NZ
Ann Williams is a Professional Engineering Geologist, Technical Fellow and General Manager, with the consulting firm Beca Ltd, based in Auckland New Zealand. Ann has some 35 years’ experience in engineering geology and has been a member of the IAEG since beginning her career. She is a Past Chair and Life Member of the New Zealand Geotechnical Society Inc., and past Vice President (Australasia) of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG). She was instrumental in establishing a register of Professional Engineering Geologists (PEngGeol) in New Zealand and is a PEngGeol assessor, and a Fellow and Board member of Engineering New Zealand. Ann was the recipient of the 2022 NZGS Geomechanics Lecture Award. In 2024 she was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the IAEG’s Women in Engineering Geology Committee (WEGC), established with the objective of enhancing the future of the IAEG through improved gender equity in engineering geology and increasing involvement and inclusion of women in the activities and opportunities of the Association.
This event is co-hosted with the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG)
Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.