On behalf of International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, it is an honour for me to invite our 60 ISRM National Groups to send delegates and their accompanying persons to the ISRM International Symposium and 13th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium (ARMS 13) being held from 22 to 27 September 2024 in New Delhi, the modern and vibrant capital city of India. The ISRM National Group of India has prepared an excellent program in the exciting venue for the event. Short courses and workshops are planned to be organized prior to the symposium for young professionals, to update their knowledge about the present state-of-art, emerging trends and case studies in the area of rock mechanics and rock engineering. I am looking forward to an exciting and memorable ISRM event based on the successful past ISRM International Symposium 2010 and 6th Asian Rock mechanics Symposium, organized by ISRM India from 23 to 27 October 2010 at New Delhi. The delegates of the ISRM International Symposium will also have the chance to participate in the Symposium on “Advances in Rock Mechanics – Infrastructure Development”, which will focus on important topics such as advancement in site investigations and characterization of rocks and rock masses; application of geo-physical investigation techniques; innovation and application of IOT in rock engineering; geo-hazard and risk management, etc. The expected outcomes of ISRM International Symposium in India will certainly be indispensable for the global rock mechanics community. In view of our challenge to further development of rock mechanics and rock engineering, addressing the problems and challenges posed in excavation of openings in rock for mining engineering, civil engineering and infrastructure development projects, the deliberations of the symposium will discuss solutions to overcome these problems. I am sure that ISRM India will arrange a high-quality technical content for the International Symposium along with attractive social and accompanying persons programme. I am looking forward to welcoming the ISRM family old-members as well as new-comers in September 2024 at New Delhi, India.

Warmest regards,
Prof. Dr Reşat Ulusay
Past President of International Society of Rock Mechanics (ISRM)