The 17th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering will be held in Alexandria from 5-9 October, 2009. Although they may not sound like subjects that have much to do with Egyptology, soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering are actually vital elements of site management and conservation, and I am looking forward to taking part in this important event.

Dr. Mamdouh Hamza, the famous Egyptian engineer who participated in the construction of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, came to see me at my office to talk about my involvement in the conference. I will be delivering the “Heritage Lecture” - the title of my talk will be “Hidden Egypt.” It is scheduled for 6 October at 10:00 AM. Soil mechanics and geotechnical engineers are playing important roles in many SCA conservation projects, including my work in the tunnel in the tomb of Seti I and the effort to save the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. When Dr. Mamdouh asked me to take part in the conference, I accepted right away because of the importance of the the field to preserving Egypt’s heritage. For more information, you can visit the conference website.