Atsushi Takai is an Associate Professor at Kyoto University, Japan. His research covers proper management of excavated soils and rocks, geotechnical utilization of waste materials, and barrier systems for landfills and polluted sites. In recognition of these research activities, he was awarded the ISSMGE Outstanding Young Geotechnical Engineer Award in 2016. He is currently a nominated member of TC215 of ISSMGE. He also serves as a member of the editorial board of Environmental Geotechnics (ICE Publishing) and Soils and Foundations (Elsevier).