Grenoble-Kumamoto Universities’ Research Paper Receives Prestigious International Engineering Award
Kumamoto University is pleased to announce that a research paper co-authored by Professor Toshifumi Mukunoki and Dr. Jun Otani has been awarded the 2026 Sir Benjamin Baker Medal by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), one of the world’s leading professional organizations in the field of civil engineering based in the United Kingdom. The paper was recognized as the third best overall paper among outstanding studies published through ICE journals.The project represents a significant international collaboration between Kumamoto University, the Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS and the University of Twente. Notably, the team includes co-author Professor Gioacchino (Cino) Viggiani of Université Grenoble Alpes, who also serves as a visiting professor at Kumamoto University, bridging the expertise of both institutions.
The award-winning paper, titled “Experimental measurement of root growth and root-soil interaction in a bi-layered sand using x-ray tomography,” presents an advanced experimental approach to visualizing how plant roots grow and interact with soil structures underground. Using x-ray tomography technology, the research provides new insights into the complex relationship between roots and soil, contributing to a better understanding of slope stability, soil reinforcement, and environmentally sustainable geotechnical engineering.
The Sir Benjamin Baker Medal is presented annually to papers judged to be of exceptional quality and significant benefit to the civil engineering, construction, and materials science communities. Award recipients are honored at the ICE Awards Ceremony held at ICE headquarters in London.
This international recognition highlights the global impact and excellence of research conducted at Kumamoto University. The achievement also demonstrates the university’s continued contributions to innovative engineering research that supports sustainable infrastructure and environmental resilience.
The award-winning paper will also be made freely accessible for one year to readers worldwide through the ICE journal platform.
Reference
| Authors |
Tomoya Nagayama, Floriana Anselmucci, Nicolas Lenoir, Luc Sibille, Toshifumi Mukunoki, Jun Otani and Gioacchino Viggiani |
| Title of original paper |
Experimental measurement of root growth and root–soil interaction in a bilayered sand using X-ray tomography |
| Journal | Géotechnique Letters |
| DOI | 10.1680/jgele.24.00035 |