Introduction
SUSI 2025 is the 17th event in the successful series of International Conferences on Structures under Shock and Impact. The series started in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1989 and the most recent in-person meeting was held in Seville in 2018. The 16th event was organised online in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022 SUSI was merged with two other structures-related conferences and this was also an online event.
The increasing need to protect civilian infrastructure and industrial facilities against unintentional loads arising from accidental impact and explosion events as well as terrorist attacks is reflected in the sustained interest in the SUSI meetings over three decades. While advances have been made over this period, many challenges remain, such as developing more effective and efficient blast and impact mitigation approaches than those that currently exist. The primary focus remains the survivability of physical facilities and the protection of people, as well as reducing economic losses and impact on the environment, with emphasis on innovative protective technologies to support the needs of an economically growing, modern society. The application of this technology ranges from the safe transportation of people and dangerous materials to defences against natural hazards such as floods, wind, storms, tsunamis and earthquakes.
Large scale testing is prohibitive and small scale laboratory testing results in scaling uncertainties. Continuing research is therefore essential to improve knowledge on how structures behave under a variety of load actions, some of which interact making it even more complex and difficult to define. Consequently, more use of advanced numerical simulations for load and structural response calculations is common practice in industry and academia. Such calculations can directly be used in design and risk assessment calculations, but also be applied to more simplified design tools and design codes. Whether numerical or analytical modelling techniques are employed, experimental validation is vital for there to be acceptance of the approach to be used.
The SUSI meeting, over the years, has fulfilled many objectives, not least to provide a forum for the exchange of research ideas and results to promote a better understanding of the critical issues relating to the testing behaviour, modelling and analysis of protective structures against blast and impact loading.
The SUSI meetings aim to bring together scientists and engineers from a wide range of academic disciplines and industrial backgrounds who have an active interest in structural impact and the blast response of structures and materials. In this way, major developments in various directions can be brought to the attention of the entire blast and impact community.
Conference Topics
The following list covers some of the topics to be presented at SUSI 2025. Papers on other subjects related to the objectives of the conference are also welcome.
- Impact and blast loading
- Shock/blast wave dynamics and interaction with structures
- Industrial accidents and explosions
- Vehicle impact and crashworthiness
- Terminal ballistics
- High and extreme strain rate dynamics
- Experiments and numerical modelling
- Dynamic behaviour of materials and structures
- Dynamic response of reinforced concrete structures
- Dynamic response of composite structures
- Response of buildings to dynamics loads
- Fluid-structure interaction
- Multiphysics coupled problems
- Materials, mechanisms and design for energy absorption
- Design against multiple-based activities
- Protection and retrofitting of existing structures against dynamic loads
- Hazard assessment and mitigation
- Security and safety
- Other relevant impulsive dynamics-related topics
- Case studies
Benefits of Attending
USB Drive
Delegates will receive a USB drive at the conference containing the presented papers.
Publication
Papers presented at SUSI 2025 are to be published in a volume of WIT Transactions on the Built Environment (Electronic ISSN: 1743-3509). The publication will be available in both electronic and hard copy.
Indexing
The WIT Transactions are DOI registered with CrossRef and are currently listed in indexing services such as Scopus and Google Scholar, as well as being submitted to the Web of Science. All conference books are listed in the British Library and American Library of Congress.
Open Access and Digital Archive
All conference papers are archived permanently on our electronic library where they can be downloaded for free (www.witpress.com/elibrary).
Peer review
To ensure the quality of our publications, abstracts and papers are double peer-reviewed by members of the International Scientific Advisory Committee and other experts, with manuscripts processed through CrossRef Similarity Check to screen for plagiarism.
Reduced Fee for PhD Students
The Wessex Institute believes in the importance of encouraging PhD students to present and publish innovative research at its conferences. As a result, the Institute offers PhD students a much-reduced conference fee.
Networking
Participants can present their research and interact with experts from around the world, as part of a unique community.
Publication of Papers
Peer review
To ensure the quality of our publications, abstracts and papers are double peer-reviewed by members of the International Scientific Advisory Committee and other experts, with manuscripts processed through CrossRef Similarity Check to screen for plagiarism.
Publication
Papers presented at SUSI 2025 are to be published in a volume of WIT Transactions on the Built Environment (Electronic ISSN: 1743-3509). The publication will be available in both electronic and hard copy.
Indexing
The WIT Transactions are DOI registered with CrossRef and are currently listed in indexing services such as Scopus and Google Scholar, as well as being submitted to the Web of Science. All conference books are listed in the British Library and American Library of Congress.
Open Access and Digital Archive
All conference papers are archived permanently on our electronic library where they can be downloaded for free (www.witpress.com/elibrary).
Location
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a beautiful blend of rich history and modern charm. This city offers an opportunity to explore narrow cobblestone streets and old stone buildings. The magnificent Edinburgh Castle, built on an ancient volcanic hill, stands at the heart of it all.
Princes Street and the beautiful Princes Street Gardens are worth visiting. From here, visitors can capture the stunning views of the castle. The famous Royal Mile, a historic thoroughfare with hidden alleys, is a must-see. For nature enthusiasts, a hike up Arthur’s Seat within Holyrood Park offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Firth of Forth. Edinburgh is also well-known for its cosy pubs where you can sample Scotland’s liquid gold, Scotch whisky.
The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is one of the world’s top universities. It holds the distinction of being the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Britain and Ireland’s seven ancient universities. While staying in the capital, you can experience the university’s charm with student-led campus tours.
Edinburgh offers a wealth of cultural treasures beyond the prominence of its academic institutions. Visitors can explore unique museums and galleries such as the National Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery of Scotland and The Writers’ Museum.
Conference Venue
The Apex Grassmarket Hotel, nestled in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, offers a unique blend of charm and convenience. Situated in the heart of the Grassmarket, this 4-star luxury hotel provides stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Guests can enjoy dining at the restaurant, Metro, and unwind in the hotel’s pool. Whether you’re exploring the cobbled streets or capturing memories, the Grassmarket Hotel promises an unforgettable stay in the hearth of Edinburgh.
Conference Venue address:
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
31-35 Grassmarket
Edinburgh
EH1 2HS
United Kingdom
Additional Information
Please use the links below to access additional information related to the conference. All links open in a new window.
Here's what our delegates have to say...
"Thank you for a fantastic conference, it was a great opportunity to network with other academics with interests in Energy and Sustainability. I will recommend to my colleagues for future events."
(attendee Energy and Sustainability 2023)
"Thank you for organising the excellent conference"
Dr Siyabulela, South Africa (attended Energy and Sustainability 2023)
"Interesting format and location for the presentation of research and papers, with a varied attendance from all over the world and diverse backgrounds. I am very pleased to have attended."
Richard Valdivia Sisniegas, Peru (attended Energy and Sustainability 2023)
"I want to thank you for the excellent organization of the event. It was a great opportunity to learn from varied topics and international speakers, and to receive valuable feedback. I am especially grateful for the attention of Marta Graczyk, whose support was very helpful for the conference. She was always attentive and guided me at every stage, even on the breaks between sessions.
(Attendee Energy and Sustainability 2023)
"The RISK/SAFE 2022 conference was impeccable and so was the helpfulness of the organisers and in particular Dr Graczyk. The experience with the Wessex Institute was an extraordinary opportunity for the contamination of ideas and the comparison of different realities and approaches. The scientific community brought together created a resonance of extraordinary importance for research.
(Attendee RISK/SAFE 2022)
"The conference was interesting and intellectually rewarding, as the topics involved help strengthen our scientific knowledge to project local opportunities. I recommend scientists related to the area to integrate their work in this conference."
Carlos Mora, Ecuador (attended Energy Production and Management 2022)
"The conference organised by the Wessex Institute was very good and their instructions on how to participate were very helpful. The whole process of submitting the abstract, the acceptance of the paper and the guidelines to write the paper were very clear and everything worked perfectly and in a professional manner. The overall experience was positive and I would like to be involved again.
(Attendee RISK/SAFE 2022)
"It was a wonderful conference and all programs were well arranged. The organizing committee was punctual and really helpful. It was an amazing and memorable experience."
Thusitha Dilshan, Japan (attended Sustainable Tourism 2022)
"The experience in the conference was very good. Organising these kind of conferences takes a lot of effort. I am immensely pleased and acknowledge Ms Marta Graczyk for her immediate responses and help throughout the conference. "
Amit Passi, India (attended Air Pollution 2021)
"It was the first time that I, A. Silva, attended a conference, and the experience couldn't be better. Very well organised, structured, and interesting. It was a great opportunity to know what it has been done so far concerning air quality, and to understand what can be done in the future."
Ana Silva, Portugal (attended Air Pollution 2021)
"The online conference was perfectly organized."
André Buchau, Germany (attended BEM/MRM 44 2021)
"In July 2000, I attended the Urban Transport Conference which was held in Cambridge UK. It was the first international conference in which I presented one of my research works. After that, I regularly attended the annual Urban Transport Conference [...] until Pisa 2011, where I had the honor of receiving the WIT Eminent Scientist Medal [...] Finally, after over twenty-one years I am still happy and proud to publish and collaborate with the Wessex Institute."
Antonio Pratelli, Italy (attended Urban and Maritime Transport 2021)
"This is my first experience in a conference of this type at the international level. I loved the openness and the welcome, they give you confidence to keep moving forward. We are going to continue participating, I congratulate you."
Bethy Merchan, Ecuador (attended Water and Society 2021)
"The review of this conference was fast and very formative and organized. The topics were different and there was a well-organized program and presentation. I would like to share in the up-coming conference. "
Deena El-Mahdy, Egypt (attended Materials Characterisation 2021)
"Wessex Institute of Technology (WIT) and its' staff are very professional and mindful toward participants and their needs before, during and after conferences. It is a great pleasure when working with with WIT."
Deena Govender, South Africa (attended Sustainable City 2021)
"Very good space to share experiences."
Jhon Chahua, Peru (attended Disaster Management 2021)
"These conferences are a good opportunity to get to know and to share research, as well as to meet other researchers in the field."
Jone Belausteguigoitia, Spain (attended Sustainable City 2021)
"Organization is perfect, namely the assistance of Marta Graczyk."
Jorge Ribeiro, Portugal (attended Sustainable City 2021)
"My experience at the SAFE conference was, as on previous occasions, excellent: you have the opportunity to present your work with the appropriate level of detail and in front of an interested, competent and international audience."
Marco Bietresato, Italy (attended SAFE 2021)
"I was more than happy to attend the Materials Characterization 2021. I was benefitted by the entire experience of it, starting from writing the paper and finally attending it online. I learnt a lot from other delegates. The Chief Academic Officer of WIT, Prof. Santiago, was very friendly and welcoming. The conference coordinator, Ms. Marta was highly cooperative and prompt in resolving any queries and overall conduct of the conference."
Pushpa Jha, India (attended Materials Characterisation 2021)
"Overall, very good. [The Conference Coordinator] did a marvelous job with helping me when needed. "
Tor Stålhane, Norway (attended SAFE 2021)
"It was a precious and unforgettable academic journey for me. The organizers of the conference are enthusiastic and thoughtful, and the scholars are talented. This conference brought me inspiration and thinking that I could not get by publishing articles in journals alone."
Zhongliang Chen, China (attended AFM/MPF 2021)
Wessex Institute