The Austrian Society for Geomechanics has the pleasure to invite you to the 15^th international ISRM Congress 2023 to be held in conjunction with the 72^nd Geomechanics Colloquium in Salzburg, the city where the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) was founded in 1962. The Geomechanics Colloquium in Salzburg since its initiation in 1951 has always been a perfect and distinguished meeting place for researchers and practitioners. The success of this concept not only shows in the continuous meetings over more than 70 years, but also in the attendance of regularly around 1000 participants.

We have put some effort in preparing an interesting and attractive scientific program. Interesting site visits to tunnel and rock engineering projects will be organized.

Salzburg is famous for its unique historical city center, and the wonderful Alpine landscape in the vicinity, as well as for outstanding music festivals. Mozart was born in Salzburg and spent a good deal of his life here. Traditionally a chamber concert is organized for the participants. The accompanying persons program will include city tours, and tours to scenic and interesting places in the vicinity of the city.

It is a special honor for us to host the ISRM Congress 2023 for the fist time in Salzburg and we hope that an exciting program and the charms of Salzburg make this a successful and memorable event.