Keynotes and Thematic Sessions

Keynote Speakers

CINPAR 2026 is pleased to welcome distinguished keynote speakers whose work is shaping research and practice in the assessment, rehabilitation, and conservation of existing structures and built heritage.

Prof. Ana Ferreira Silva

Affiliation: Lusophone University, Portugal
Title: Reimagining Pathology Diagnosis in Built Heritage

Keynote abstract: The diagnosis of built heritage has historically been a fragmented practice. While the eyes of an expert remain essential, digitalisation is redefining the paradigm of pathology diagnosis from a series of “snapshots” to a more accurate, reproducible, and scalable process. Through examples such as machine learning based façade anomaly detection and photogrammetric identification of pathology, this lecture shows how digital tools can improve the consistency and objectivity of diagnosis. Digitalisation is often misunderstood when reduced to the production of digital images or models. The true value of digitalisation lies in creating persistent information systems in which each inspection adds new evidence to an evolving representation of the building. 3D models and BIM methodologies should not be seen as geometric containers but as living repositories to which anomalies, observations, measurements, and interpretations can be added over time. Digitalisation should therefore not be understood simply as a technical improvement of inspection, but as a redefinition of what diagnosis can become. By transforming built heritage into living laboratories, an operational memory can be created, shifting the focus from reactive repairs to a new era of evidence based conservation decisions and practices.

Further keynote speakers will be announced soon.

Thematic Sessions

CINPAR 2026 will feature thematic sessions focused on emerging topics and collaborative research areas relevant to the conference themes.

Specialisation in Rehabilitation of Built Heritage

Organisers: Vasco Peixoto de Freitas (FEUP, Portugal), Sofia Barbosa (SGCH, Portugal), Inês Flores-Colen (IST, Portugal)

A thematic session entitled “Especialização em Reabilitação do Património Edificado” will be organised by representatives of the Portuguese Charter of Engineers (Ordem dos Engenheiros). The session will present the recently established specialisation in Rehabilitation of Built Heritage, outlining its objectives, scope, and relevance to professional practice. It will also provide an overview of the requirements and application procedures for engineers interested in obtaining this specialisation.

IST CIB Student Chapter

Organisers: Jéssica Bersch (IST, Portugal), Giovanna Bartels (IST, Portugal)

A thematic session organised by the CIB Student Chapter of IST will be featured at CINPAR 2026, providing a dedicated platform for student led research and innovation. The Chapter will support the conference organisation and moderate a dedicated paper session, creating a space to showcase emerging research and encourage international exchange and collaboration. The CIB Student Chapter aims to connect students with advanced research in the construction field and to highlight the long term value of engagement with CIB for academic and professional development.

The session will focus on the following thematic areas:

Heat and Moisture Transfer in Buildings
Facilities Management and Maintenance
Service Life Prediction of Building Materials and Components
Building Pathology

PhD students and researchers are invited to join CINPAR 2026 and submit their abstracts.

Further thematic sessions will be announced soon.

Contacts
CINPAR 2026 Conference
Instituto Superior Técnico – DECivil
Av. Rovisco Pais 1
1049-001 Lisboa – Portugal

Email: cinpar2026@tecnico.ulisboa.pt