The ISRM Board decided, in July 2011, to institute the ISRM Lecture. The purpose of the ISRM Lecture is to recognise a mid-career ISRM member who has made a significant contribution to a specific area of rock mechanics and/or rock engineering. The ISRM Lecture will be given in every year, at the respective ISRM International Symposium, except for those years when the 4-yearly ISRM Congress is held. The selection of the ISRM Lecturer is done in accordance with the Guideline for the ISRM Lecture.