Since 2015, the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES) has been organising its ITA Tunnelling Awards, which distinguishes the best projects, technical advances and outstanding professionals in the sector. This year, on October 1st, the eleventh edition took place in Belgrade, recognising excellence in the field of tunnel and underground space engineering, and where the two young Spanish engineers from the TYPSA group, Aida Santos Santamaría and Helena Castellví Linde, were awarded in the Young Tunneller of the Year category, thus consolidating the prestige of Spanish engineering on the international scene.
The Young Tunneller category is especially valued for its focus on the future of underground engineering. In this edition, held within the framework of the Southeastern Europe Tunnelling Conference (SETC), more than 100 applications were received from 27 countries, and 57 finalist projects were selected in 8 categories, reflecting the high technical level and geographical diversity of the event.
The Young Tunneller of the Year award recognises professionals born after 1990 who have made significant contributions to the sector. The jury especially values project leadership, the ability to exceed technical and operational expectations, and the commitment to innovation, sustainability and international collaboration. In addition to technical achievements, human values and the vocation to transform the sector from a young and committed perspective are rewarded.
Aida Santos Santamaría received the gold award.
This recognition reflects not only technical excellence, but also leadership, commitment to innovation and vocation to transform the sector from a young, collaborative and global perspective.
With almost a decade of experience in tunnel design, Aida has participated in projects on four continents, in the design of more than 20 tunnels around the world, in emblematic works such as Line 7 of the Santiago de Chile Metro, the Montcada i Reixac railway going underground in Barcelona and the Cristo Redentor system between Chile and Argentina, as well as in the metros of Sydney, Toronto, Riyadh and Stockholm.
Aida´s technical profile is complemented by intense activity in the associative field, being vice-president since its founding in 2019 and current president of AETOsym (a youth group of the Spanish Tunnel Association, AETOS). In the framework of the World Tunnelling Congress (WTC25) held in May 2025 in Stockholm, Aida was elected co-president of iTayM (ITA’s international network of young tunnellers). Being an active member of the working group 11 Immersed and Floating Tunnels at ITA, we can highlight participation and initiatives in the promotion of aspects related to digitalisation and automation, including WG 22 Information Modelling in Tunnelling, which they represent at ITA.
Helena Castellví Linde receives the bronze prize.
Helena´s work is characterised by an innovative approach, commitment to sustainability and the ability to adapt to demanding technical contexts. In addition, they are an active member of AETOS, and participates in Working Group 14 (mechanised tunnels) of both AETOS and ITA, also collaborating in training and outreach initiatives for young engineers.
Specialising in the design and advanced numerical analysis of underground infrastructures, Helena has participated in projects of great technical complexity such as High Speed 2 (United Kingdom), Sydney Metro West (Australia), and the design of tunnels in metro systems in Toronto, Istanbul, Sofia, Riyadh, Tel Aviv and Ethiopia.
During the event, both engineers participated in a round table moderated by the former president of ITA, the Chinese engineer Jenny Yan, which proved to be an interesting and enjoyable session together with the other four finalists in the category,
The double distinction obtained by Aida and Helena represents a milestone for TYPSA, which reaffirms its position as a global reference in civil and underground engineering. This recognition validates the technical quality of its professionals and the company’s commitment to training, the development of young talent and the promotion of equal opportunities in traditionally male sectors.
