The University of Arizona’s Geotechnical Center of Excellence (GCE) is an industry-funded and member-led organization committed to bridging gaps that exist within and between academia, industry, and fields of study through a pragmatic, collaborative approach to geotechnical research and education. The GCE’s key organizational objectives are three-fold:
CONNECT
by providing a forum for companies, departments, and fields of study to share experiences and lessons learned.
INNOVATE
through member prioritized research focused on solving important, real-word geotechnical problems.
EDUCATE
by filling knowledge gaps through professional development and supporting the delivery of trained graduates to the field of geotechnical engineering.
WHO WE ARE
The Geotechnical Center of Excellence is a member-led organization working across the University of Arizona, the mining industry, and other institutions to:
- develop innovative geotechnical solutions through applied research;
- deliver graduates from multiple disciplines prepared to work in the geotechnical field;
- provide critical professional development training.
Dedicated to ensuring that geotech and safety advance at the same rate as technology and environmental priorities, the GCE is focused on finding innovative solutions to the most critical and complex geotechnical problems facing the mining industry today.
In addition, we lead the industry’s most robust professional development program for mining geotechnical professionals.
Become a Member of GCE
The GCE is industry funded through a membership structure. Our member companies help us determine which research and professional development projects to pursue and also weigh-in on important decisions about GCE outreach initiatives.
Professional Development Courses
The GCE provides relevant, cost-effective courses for geotechnical and mining professionals of all levels of experience. Courses are offered on-demand and are self-paced to provide flexibility for working professionals.
Fundamentals of Open Pit Slope Design
Begins September 16, 2025 - Overviews fundamental concepts and best practices for slope analysis and design throughout the life cycle of an open pit mine from project concept through closure.
Format: 21-week online course with access through September 2026
Structural Geology for Geotechnical Professionals
Begins June 10, 2025 - register now! From fundamentals to modeling and validation, this course is designed to support the geotechnical engineer’s understanding of structural geology in mining.
Format: 12-week online course with access through June 2026
Slope Performance Monitoring
Open for registration now! Slope performance monitoring, system design, and data analysis, including case studies of slope monitoring challenges.
Format: 14-week online course with access through February 2026
Water in Mine Operations and Slope Stability
Begins June 10, 2025 - register now! Controlling water in mining operations and improving geotechnical slope stability, including case studies of water management challenges.
Format: 15-week online course with access through June 2026
Geotechnical Radar Monitoring
Open for registration now! Learn about various kinds of radar and their capabilities, as well as how to interpret data.
Format: 14-week online course with access through February 2026
Student Experience
The GCE works with a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students to promote safety-minded education and develop the critical-thinking skills necessary to tackle current and future geotechnical hazards.
We host annual engagement events, providing a forum for networking between students and GCE member companies.
Thank you to all who attended our Fall 2024 Student Symposium!
Click here to view the winners.
Our Research Efforts
The GCE is committed to solving real-world, forward-looking geotechnical problems through research that is prioritized and carried out in collaboration with stakeholders from both industry and academia.
Meet the GCE Team
Meet the team members who are advancing the science of geotech and having fun doing it.
