ASCE Publications: How do you differentiate IJOG from others in the field?

Barla: The International Journal of Geomechanics has a specific focus on soil and rock mechanics with emphasis on theoretical aspects, computational and analytical methods. With the theme ‘fundamentals through applications’ the Journal seeks for the integration of theory, experiments, and the verification towards the development of procedures for the solution of practical geotechnical problems.

ASCE Publications: What are the critical topics you want to see covered in the geomechanics journal?

Barla: Traditional topics include numerical and analytical methods, constitutive modeling and validation using laboratory and field measurements, statics and dynamics of geo‐structures. Undoubtedly, geomechanics has become a very interdisciplinary field and covers a wide variety of topics. New developments have been put forward by international working groups and leading conferences and constantly draw our attention.

Computational methods are today applied to emerging topics that address issues in the field of energy, climate change, environment, and multiphase modeling, to name a few. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for the Journal and for the discipline.

ASCE Publications: What are the biggest challenges facing researchers working in geomechanics today, and in the coming years?

Barla: We, today, have powerful tools that were not available to our mentors (computer power, advanced software, monitoring instruments, and more). Sometimes we are excessively attracted by the tool and lose focus on the scope of our profession. We need to find the way to use the tools, without getting lost in the attractiveness of a new method, a new technology, but instead understand how these can help us to address the needs and solve the challenges.

ASCE Publications: What inspired you to become a Civil Engineer? And to being an editor?

Barla: My father was a mining engineer and academic and this was probably the main childhood impression on a profession. When I was younger, I was fascinated by working in aerospace engineering, and excited at the idea of constructions on the Moon. With time, I turned a bit more rational and decided to look underground instead of to the stars. So, I became a geotechnical engineer. Editorship came later. I find being an editor, is a great opportunity to build worldwide contacts and review the most updated and fascinating works from our discipline.

ASCE Publications: What key features do you look for in an article submitted to your journal?

Barla: Together with all the editorial team (Co‐Editors and Associate Editors) we look for papers that are able to describe, in a conciseness and sharp manner, the advances brought by theoretical, computational and analytical methods to the solution of geotechnical problems. We want to highlight new research and studies that will provide an impact on methods, solutions of real problems and challenges, and can open new paths.

ASCE Publications: What are your aspirations for future of the journal?

Barla: The main aspiration is that the journal is perceived as an open community by the authors and the readers. Today a researcher has a large number of publishing options, in our relatively small discipline. Nevertheless, the access to publication is still not fully open due to a large number of biases that hinder complete openness. IJOG can be such an open environment. Our editorial team works hard to guarantee a fair review process for all papers we receive.

My aspiration is that we continue to give an independent opportunity to all, as we did under the guidance of my predecessor. In line with this aim we are working to improve gender and geographical balance in the editorial group and among authors. On the technical side, it is also the desire of all editors, to shorten the review process. While speed is important, we want to be sure to consider equity, completeness, and scientific soundness.

ASCE Publications: Any advice for new researchers starting out?

Barla: Simply follow your path, wherever you are around the world. Some countries, governments, institutions may help you more, others less so, but the important goal in our profession is what we can achieve. Any little advancement one can bring to humanity, well that’s worth your effort. Someone said ‘It’s a small step for mankind… etc.’ well, that’s what I mean.

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