Sep 24, 2026

International conferences are always a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, learn about the latest developments in the field, and reconnect with colleagues and friends.

A group of ISCARSAH members met in Athens, Greece, at the 4th International Symposium on Geotechnical Engineering for the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites (TC301 – Athens 2026).

The programme included two keynote lectures delivered by ISCARSAH members: Prof. Gorun Arun on substructure design of ancient master builders, and Prof. Koenraad Van Balen on evolving conservation principles and interdisciplinary collaboration for cultural heritage preservation.

Participants also had a unique technical visit to the Acropolis of Athens, including access to the Parthenon and the opportunity to observe the ongoing restoration works.

Over the same days, ISCARSAH members were also present in Berlin, Germany, at the European Conference on Earthquake Engineering (ECEE2026), contributing to discussions on the seismic assessment and protection of existing and heritage structures.

From geotechnical challenges to earthquake engineering, ISCARSAH was represented across different international events, with its members contributing to discussions on the protection of built heritage.

Sep 4, 2026

How can we protect heritage structures from climate hazards while respecting conservation principles? This was the challenge addressed by the ISCARSAH Climate Change Adaptation Working Group.

The Working Group brought together 11 members from 10 countries, combining expertise from different disciplines and professional backgrounds. Together, they investigated the threats that climate-related hazards — including floods, fires, storms, and landslides — pose to cultural heritage, and explored how heritage structures can be protected while respecting conservation principles.

The group's main output was the peer-reviewed paper "Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future: A Framework for Sustainable Climate Adaptation of Heritage Structures", published in the International Journal of Architectural Heritage and available in our Documents section.

The paper proposed a structured, multi-criteria decision-making tool for evaluating climate adaptation interventions, weighing five key dimensions — conservation, resilience, sustainability, feasibility, and socio-cultural impact — and a typology of intervention types: Abstention, Relocation, Circumvention, and Direct Interventions (Mitigation, Reconstitution, Substitution).

The broader goal of the Working Group was to bridge the gap between high-level climate policy and on-the-ground heritage conservation practice, fostering more transparent, interdisciplinary dialogue among conservators, engineers, climate scientists, and local communities.

Aug 25, 2026

The recording of our recent webinar, organized in partnership with ICOMOS Africa, is now available to watch on YouTube.

The webinar, "Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage," brought together experts to discuss the challenges and methodologies involved in preserving heritage structures across the African continent.

The session featured case studies from Algeria, Zanzibar, Ghana, and Egypt, offering practical insights into structural analysis, conservation techniques, and the interdisciplinary collaboration needed to protect built heritage.

Watch the full recording here: https://lnkd.in/dTJEUzTr

We thank all the speakers and participants who made this webinar possible, and we look forward to continuing this important dialogue on heritage conservation in Africa.

Jul 25, 2026

ISCARSAH is pleased to announce its Annual General Meeting (AGM), taking place on 2–3 October 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.

The AGM will be held alongside a Seminar on Conservation of Monuments and Historical Buildings, hosted at the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, and organized in collaboration with the University of Minho and the University of Lisbon.

The seminar will bring together researchers, practitioners, and heritage professionals to discuss current approaches and case studies in the conservation and structural analysis of historical buildings and monuments.

Registration for the open seminar is required for non-members. We look forward to welcoming ISCARSAH members and colleagues from the wider heritage conservation community to Lisbon this October.

May 27, 2026

Iscarsah Webinar in partnership with ICOMOS Africa — Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage. 22 June 2026, 14:00 CEST, online via Zoom.

Iscarsah is pleased to announce its upcoming webinar, organized in partnership with ICOMOS Africa, dedicated to important heritage work across the African continent.

The webinar will bring together Iscarsah colleagues and invited panellists to discuss structural analysis, conservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of architectural heritage in Africa, with case studies from Algeria, Zanzibar, Ghana, and Egypt.

Panellists include: Amina Abdessemed-FOUFA, Michel Chalhoub, Benjamin Afagbegee, and Dalia Elsorady.

Registration: https://bit.ly/41cMuy4 — For more information, please contact chilangwa.chaiwa@icomos.org.

Nov 4, 2025

Upcoming Webinar Announcement.

The International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage (Iscarsah) invites you to join the webinar: "Analysis to Action: Current Iscarsah Initiatives".

Date: Friday, December 5th, 2025. Time: 2:00–3:30 PM (UTC).

Register for free: https://shorturl.at/05iJI

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Iscarsah's ongoing work and initiatives!

Oct 27, 2025

Great gathering of Iscarsah at the ICOMOS Annual General Assembly 2025 in Lumbini, Nepal (11–19 October).

Iscarsah President Prof. Paulo B. Lourenço joined colleagues Arun Menon, Cyrill von Planta, and Imola Kirizsan for the AGA sessions and the Scientific Symposium "Perceptions of Heritage and Resilience".

Warm thanks to ICOMOS Nepal and our member Kai Weise for the outstanding organisation. The event brought together 500+ participants (in person and online), with discussions on protecting cultural heritage amid conflict and natural hazards, and site visits to Tilaurakot and Kathmandu.

Sep 22, 2025

We have just concluded our Annual General Meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland — an inspiring gathering that brought together what was likely the largest number of Iscarsah members ever.

Held just before the SAHC 2025 Conference, which itself was a total success, our AGM provided the chance to share updates on ongoing initiatives, working groups, and national committees, while also looking ahead to future activities. The vibrant participation and fruitful discussions truly reflected the strength and diversity of our community.

A special highlight was the recognition of outstanding contributions through the Iscarsah Awards 2024, celebrating the commitment and achievements of colleagues who advance the conservation of architectural heritage worldwide.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Savvas Saloustros for his excellent organization and warm hospitality in Lausanne — your efforts made this meeting a true success.

Thank you to all who joined us in person and online — your energy and dedication continue to drive Iscarsah forward.

Apr 9, 2025

Please join us for our next Iscarsah webinar, "Heritage in Time of Armed Conflict," on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM UTC.

Register in advance for April 23rd 2025: https://shorturl.at/EcA1A

Feb 24, 2025

Please join us for our next Iscarsah webinar, presenting Structural Interventions in Heritage — Case studies through the lens of the Iscarsah principles on Tuesday March 6th at 12 PM EST.

Register in advance for March 6th 2025: https://shorturl.at/PrCho