Inaugural N.R. Morgenstern Lecture
We are proud to introduce the N.R. Morgenstern Lecture, presented annually at the Tailings and Mine Waste Conferences in Banff, Denver, and Vancouver by a recognized expert nominated and selected by the Lectureship Selection Committee.
This lecture celebrates Dr. Morgenstern's outstanding leadership in tailings and mine waste management — from groundbreaking geotechnical research to senior external review for mining companies worldwide, and his lasting contributions to tailings dam risk management.
Each year, the selected lecturer will receive a $1,000 CAD honorarium from the University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre.
2026 Inaugural Lecturer:
Dr. Peter K. Robertson
Geotechnical Consultant, PK Robertson Inc.
Dr. Robertson brings more than 50 years of experience as an educator, researcher, consultant, and practitioner specializing in in-situ testing and site investigation, earthquake design of geotechnical structures, and soil liquefaction.
He is the co-author of the primary reference book on Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) and has developed free CPT-based software and educational webinars to advance the profession.
Dr. Robertson served as Chair of the Expert Panel investigating the 2019 Feijão (Brumadinho) tailings dam failure in Brazil and continues to provide private consulting to clients worldwide.
The N.R. Morgenstern Lecture recognizes his outstanding leadership to the field of tailings and mine waste management. During his extensive career in Geotechnical Engineering, he has led groundbreaking research in tailings management and provided senior external review for many international and domestic mining companies. He is recognized for his contribution related to Risk Management of the challenges associated with tailings dams around the world.