The International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM) has officially unveiled the results of the 2025 Rocha Medal selection process. Dr. Zhang Quan, an esteemed scholar from the School of Mines at China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT), has been recognized as the Rocha Medal Runner-up for his outstanding doctoral dissertation, entitled “Investigation on Principles and Applications of Directional Rock Breaking by Instantaneous Expansion”. Dr. Zhang Quan’s nomination for this prestigious honor was put forward by the Chinese Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering, and he has subsequently been awarded this international accolade in recognition of his exceptional research achievements. Notably, this marks the first time that a faculty member from CUMT has been bestowed with this award since its inception in 1982.

The ISRM European Congress on Rock Mechanics, aptly designated as Eurock 2025, will host a solemn and esteemed award ceremony in 2025. On this significant occasion, Dr. Zhang Quan will be honored with the Runner-up Certificate, a testament to his achievements, which will be formally presented to him and bear the signature of the President of the ISRM.

The Rocha Medal, established in 1982 by the ISRM, is dedicated to commemorating the exemplary contributions of the late M. Rocha, former president of the ISRM. Its primary objective is to serve as an emblem of inspiration for young academics pursuing research endeavors within the discipline of rock mechanics. On an annual basis, the ISRM confers the Rocha Medal, widely regarded as the pinnacle accolade in the field of rock mechanics and engineering, upon exceptional doctoral thesis authors. A rigorous selection process culminates in the recognition of one champion and one to two runners-up, who are awarded this prestigious honor on a global scale.