ITA World Tunnel CoNGRess 2027

Underground Creativity to Meet Societal Needs
Join us in Antwerp Belgium the 23-29 April 2027

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ITA World Tunnel Congress 2027

Full Paper Submission Deadline 10 Oct 2026

Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract to ITA World Tunnel Congress 2027!
Accepted authors are now invited to prepare their full paper - the paper submission guidelines and templates are already available. The paper submission portal will open shortly, and authors will be notified as soon as it is ready.

Full Paper Submission

Click here for the paper submission guidelines and templates.

Exhibitors

Step into the spotlight and present your solutions to a global tunnelling audience.

News & updates

Keep up with the latest announcements, breakthroughs, and congress highlights.

Congress topics

T1-6 - Advancements in design, engineering & construction technologies

Advancements in underground construction are significantly influenced by ongoing research and development of new technologies, alongside with strong collaboration between all project participants and the users. Through continuous R&D and effective teamwork, the industry can achieve enhanced performance and reliability.

T1 - Conventional tunnelling
T2 - Mechanized tunnelling, including micro-tunnelling & directional drilling
T3 - Immersed Tunnels
T4 - Complex underground storage or research facilities
T5 - Investigations and ground characterisation
T6 - Instrumentation and monitoring

T7 - Sustainable & resilient underground construction

Sustainable and resilient underground construction focuses on minimising environmental impact while ensuring long-term durability and adaptability. Efficient resource use, innovative design approaches, and robust construction methods contribute to tunnels and underground spaces that can withstand changing conditions and future demands.

Sustainability also extends to the people who shape our industry. This topic therefore welcomes contributions that address diversity, equity and inclusion in tunnelling and underground construction, recognising that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to building a resilient industry for the future.

T8 - Urban underground development & innovative uses of underground spaces

Urban underground development is increasingly seen as a solution to growing cities facing limited surface space. By utilising the underground environment, cities can create multi-functional spaces that support urban growth, enhance sustainability, provide secure storage, and improve quality of life, while reducing congestion and minimising the impact on the natural landscape.

T9 - Safety and risk mitigation

Minimising hazards, enhancing structural integrity, and improving emergency preparedness. Advances in design, construction methods, and operational strategies help reduce risks for workers and users. Improved safety standards, regulatory frameworks, and proactive risk management approaches ensure that tunnels remain secure, resilient, and reliable throughout their lifecycle.

T10 - Lifecycle management: Operation, inspection, monitoring and refurbishments

As cities evolve, repurposing existing underground spaces offers sustainable and cost-effective solutions for modern infrastructure needs. Advances in engineering, materials, and architect’s involvement enable the seamless integration of existing structures with new functions, unlocking full potential of underground infrastructure and minimising environmental impact.

T11 - Innovation in tunnelling: Digital transformation & smart tunnelling solutions

The integration of digital technologies in tunnelling is revolutionising project delivery. Solutions like BIM, digital twins, IoT and AI optimise the works, ensuring that underground infrastructure meets the demands of future urbanisation and transportation networks.

T12 - Economic viability: financing, cost- optimization, and long-term value

This topic explores financial strategies for tunnel projects, including financing models, contract models, cost management, and lifecycle investment returns. It examines how to balance initial construction costs with long-term operational efficiency to ensure economic sustainability.