Distinguished Professor Ahmed Elgamal has been honored with the 2025 H. Bolton Seed Medal by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Selected by the Society’s Geo-Institute, he is recognized for his groundbreaking research in the field of geotechnical earthquake engineering and his contributions to soil dynamics, liquefaction, and seismic soil-structure interaction. Professor Elgamal’s innovative work has significantly expanded our understanding of these critical areas and has had a transformative impact on the field. He will deliver the 24th Seed Lecture at the ASCE Geotechnical Frontiers in Louisville, KY, this coming March.

The H. Bolton Seed Medal is named in honor of the influential UC Berkeley professor who is widely considered to be the father of geotechnical earthquake engineering. Reflecting on the significance of the award, Professor Elgamal shared, “I am deeply honored to receive the Seed Medal, considering Professor Seed’s unparalleled global stature and lasting landmark contributions to the field of geotechnical earthquake engineering. My research in this field could not have been recognized more appropriately.” 

Elgamal’s research is especially important in the context of the devastating effects of earthquakes. He has focused on the development of advanced computational models and experimental techniques to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with seismic events. His simulation tools have been made available through open-access software, allowing global access for researchers and practitioners worldwide to enhance their work in this critical field.