Structural Vulnerability and Damage Scenarios for Risk-Informed Decision Making: Inaugural Lecture by Professor Tiago Ferreira

On 10 February 2026, the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment (DECivil) hosted the inaugural lecture of Professor Tiago Miguel dos Santos Ferreira.

Entitled "Structural Vulnerability and Damage Scenarios for Risk-Informed Decision Making", the lecture focused on simplified and scalable approaches to assessing vulnerability and risk associated with natural hazards, with particular emphasis on earthquakes. The presentation addressed the development and application of physical vulnerability indicators, and their integration into hazard, exposure, and damage scenarios, supporting risk and loss estimation at both building and urban scales.

The session brought together members of the DECivil and CERIS communities, who attended the lecture and reflected on the challenges of assessing and managing risk in the context of natural hazards, as well as on the importance of robust methodologies to support informed decision-making. Particular attention was given to the role of vulnerability and damage scenarios in both pre- and post-disaster decision-making. Topics included the identification of critical buildings, the definition of retrofitting priorities, and the development of risk mitigation strategies, such as fragility-informed and digitally enhanced evacuation planning.

 

This inaugural lecture provided an important opportunity to highlight Professor Tiago Ferreira’s research work and to foster discussion within the academic and research community.

 

CERIS sincerely congratulates Professor Tiago Ferreira on this important achievement and on his excellent inaugural lecture, wishing him continued success in his future research and teaching career.