Earthquake Engineering Forum (EEF.26)
Contemporary Issues in Earthquake Engineering
Three years since the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey
Sofia to Host International Earthquake Engineering Forum in 2026
- An international scientific conference titled “Innovative Methods for Modeling the Response of Structures to Seismic Impacts”, along with the accompanying Earthquake Engineering Forum (EEF.26), co-organized by the National Earthquake Engineering Center at UACEG and the Institute of Mechanics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, will take place from May 17 to 22, 2026. In parallel, a discussion forum focused on the preparedness of the engineering community and society for response and recovery after major earthquakes will be held, with the participation of the Lazar Radkov Foundation.
- Once again, Sofia will bring together leading scientists, engineers, and researchers from Bulgaria and abroad at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy. The event continues an established scientific platform in the field of earthquake engineering, which over the years has become a key venue for knowledge exchange, presentation of innovative developments, and the strengthening of international partnerships. The previous edition—Earthquake Engineering Forum 2024—gathered experts around topics such as the aftermath of the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and contemporary challenges in seismic design.
- The 2026 forum will focus on current issues and the future of engineering solutions in the context of increasing natural risks. The program includes plenary lectures, thematic sessions, and parallel panels, as well as the participation of distinguished international scientists who will deliver keynote presentations.
- As part of Earthquake Engineering Forum (EEF.26), a research and educational workshop is planned, dedicated to the computer control of experimental hardware for dynamic studies, along with a hybrid seminar addressing current challenges and unresolved issues in earthquake engineering.
- For the general public, a series of popular educational talks will also be held, presenting topics such as seismic modeling, simulations, and visualizations in an accessible way.
- The organizers note that the conference is supported by the National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure 2020–2027 and coincides with significant milestones—seven years since the establishment of the National Earthquake Engineering Center at UACEG and three years since the earthquakes in Turkey, which have brought renewed focus on the resilience of buildings and infrastructure.
- EEF.26 is expected to attract a broad academic and professional audience, offering opportunities for the development of new research projects, the exchange of best practices, and the strengthening of international collaboration.