Prof. Xavier Romão | Construction | Best Researcher Award

Research Focus

Dr. Romão’s research revolves around the risk and safety analysis of existing civil structures, with a special emphasis on earthquake engineering. His work targets the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete and masonry structures, particularly in historical and cultural heritage contexts. He advances methods in hazard vulnerability assessment, post-disaster damage evaluation, and risk modeling for structures exposed to multiple hazards. His affiliation with LESE and the ICS-FEUP Rehabilitation Nucleus allows him to bridge experimental research and real-world rehabilitation practices. A central theme in his work is the conservation and seismic assessment of heritage sites, making him a leading voice in cultural heritage risk mitigation. Dr. Romão actively collaborates with UNESCO, ICOMOS, and international civil protection agencies to shape resilience strategies. His research not only contributes to engineering science but also informs policy and capacity-building across Europe and developing regions.

🧠 Skills 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xavier Romão possesses an advanced skill set in structural analysis, earthquake engineering, and risk assessment. He is proficient in finite element modeling, uncertainty analysis, and nonlinear dynamic analysis of structures. His skills extend to vulnerability assessment of historical buildings and reinforced concrete/masonry structures, applying both numerical simulations and field diagnostics. He has considerable experience in teaching and curriculum development for structural and seismic engineering at undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels. Additionally, Dr. Romão is adept at international collaboration, capacity building, and technical training for risk preparedness. His communication skills are evident in his global lecture roles, and his consultancy roles showcase his applied problem-solving ability. Proficient in project coordination, research supervision, and technical writing, Dr. Romão is a well-rounded civil engineer, combining scientific expertise with leadership in disaster resilience, education, and heritage preservation.

Conclusion