Location: Gaza, Palestine
Date: December 8–10, 2026
Format: Hybrid (On-site and Online)
- Executive Summary
The 9th International Conference on Resilient Engineering (ICRE-2026) is an international, peer-reviewed scientific conference dedicated to advancing engineering solutions for post-war reconstruction, resilience, and long-term sustainability. Hosted in Gaza, ICRE-2026 aims to provide a global platform for researchers, engineers, policymakers, and humanitarian actors to exchange knowledge, present innovative research, and propose deployable engineering solutions for regions affected by conflict and large-scale destruction.
The conference emphasizes applied engineering, ethical design, and context-aware technologies that address urgent reconstruction needs while laying the foundations for sustainable and resilient development.
- Conference Vision
To position the conference as a leading international engineering platform that presents innovative scientific and practical solutions for the reconstruction of Gaza, while strengthening the role of engineering in recovery, resilience, and sustainable development in post-conflict contexts. The conference also seeks to reaffirm the presence of the Islamic University of Gaza on the international academic stage and to build effective partnerships with relevant international universities and institutions, reflecting its capacity to persevere and exert meaningful impact despite destruction and exceptional challenges
- Background and Rationale
Post-war environments present exceptional engineering challenges, including damaged infrastructure, scarcity of resources, disrupted supply chains, energy shortages, water insecurity, and fragile communication networks. Gaza represents a critical and urgent case where innovative, low-cost, and resilient engineering solutions are essential for recovery and long-term stability.
ICRE-2026 responds to the global need for scientifically sound, practically feasible, and ethically grounded engineering approaches that support recovery in post-conflict regions. By convening this conference in Gaza, the event serves not only as a scientific forum but also as a catalyst for reconstruction-oriented collaboration between local and international stakeholders.
- Conference Objectives
The primary objectives of ICRE-2026 are to:
- Present cutting-edge engineering research relevant to post-war recovery and resilient infrastructure.
- Promote applied, low-cost, and scalable engineering solutions suitable for resource-constrained environments.
- Foster collaboration among academia, industry, NGOs, and reconstruction agencies.
- Support young researchers and local engineers through mentorship, training, and international exposure.
- Produce actionable recommendations and a post-conference white paper for stakeholders involved in reconstruction and development.
- Conference Scope and Themes
ICRE-2026 focuses on engineering innovations addressing both immediate recovery needs and long-term sustainability. Core themes include, but are not limited to:
5.1 Circular and Resilient Approaches to Sustainable Structural and Infrastructure Engineering
- Comprehensive Damage Assessment of Structures and Infrastructure.
- Rubble Recycling and Demolition Waste Management as an Engineering Opportunity.
- Rehabilitation of Infrastructure After War.
- Temporary Housing Plans within a Humanitarian Framework that Preserves Dignity.
- Medium- and Long-Term Post-War Recovery Strategies.
5.2 Control Systems and Power Engineering
- Renewable energy and hybrid power systems
- Microgrids and decentralized energy solutions
- Power system restoration and resilience
- Energy efficiency and energy security
- Control of electric drives in industrial and critical applications
- Smart load control and demand response strategies
- Fuzzy logic, neural networks, and adaptive control
- Power converters and inverters for resilient energy systems
- Real-Time Systems
5.3 Smart Engineering Systems and Digital Transformation
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Engineering Systems
- Internet of Things (IoT) for infrastructure monitoring
- Digital twins and simulation-based design
- Intelligent Control and Optimization Technique
- GIS and data-driven decision support systems
- System Software, Compilers, and Co-Design
- Cloud & Distributed Computing
- Network Security
- Machine Learning (ML) & Deep Learning
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
5.4 Post-Conflict Recovery and Environmental Stability
- Hazardous Waste Identification
- Decentralized Desalination
- Restoring the Coastal Aquifer
- Emergency Wastewater Treatment
- Post-Kinetic Soil Remediation
- WASH Services at crisis situation
5.5 Communication, Information, and Cyber-Physical Systems
- Communication network recovery and resilience
- Design of resilient wired and wireless networks
- Smart and secure ICT infrastructures
- Emergency and disaster communication systems
- Cybersecurity in fragile and post-conflict environments
5.6 Engineering Innovation, Policy, and Case Studies
- Engineering innovation and technology transfer
- Engineering policies, standards, and governance
- Public–private partnerships in reconstruction
- International case studies and lessons learned
5.7 Resilience and Recovery of Mechanical Systems and Production Processes
- Redesign of production lines and efficiency improvement after disasters
- Sustainable and decentralized energy solutions for mechanical systems
- Repair and rehabilitation of critical mechanical equipment (pumps, generators, HVAC systems)
- Maintenance strategies under resource and supply constraints
- Automation, Control, and Monitoring of Mechanical Systems
- Case studies of industrial recovery after disaster
5.8 Smart Cities, Smart Infrastructure, and Urban Systems
- Smart city concepts for post-conflict reconstruction
- Intelligent transportation and traffic management systems
- Intelligent Infrastructure Systems
- Smart buildings and infrastructure automation
- Integrated urban platforms for resilient cities
5.9 Digital Transformation in Engineering Practice and Education
- Digital tools for engineering project management
- Virtual and remote laboratories
- Digital transformation of engineering education and training
- Capacity building through digital platforms in post-war regions
- Scientific and Organizing Committees
The conference will be managed through an international committee structure, including:
- General Chair: Prof. Mamon Alqdra
- Scientific Committee Chair: Prof. Basil Hamed
- Organizing Committee Chair: Prof. Ayman Abu Samra
- Finance and Sponsorship Chair
- Media and Communications Committee
- Paper Submission and Review Process
- All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer-review process.
- Each paper will be reviewed by at least one independent expert reviewers.
- Review criteria include originality, technical quality, relevance, feasibility, clarity, and ethical considerations.
- Accepted papers must be presented (on-site or online) to be included in the proceedings.
- Publications
All accepted and presented papers will be published in the official conference proceedings. The conference will seek indexing and publication partnerships where feasible. Selected high-quality papers may be invited for submission to JERT, subject to additional peer review.
- Conference Format and Accessibility
Considering the local context and the need for global participation, ICRE-2026 will be conducted in a hybrid format. Online presentation options, live streaming, and recorded sessions will be provided to ensure accessibility and continuity in the event of unforeseen disruptions.
- Target Participants
ICRE-2026 targets:
- Academic researchers and faculty members
- Practicing engineers and technical consultants
- Graduate students and early-career researchers
- Representatives of NGOs and reconstruction agencies
- Policymakers and development partners
- Tentative Timeline
- Conference Announcement and Committee Formation: Early 2026
- Call for Papers Released: 1/3/2026
- Deadline for abstract submission: 1/5/2026
- Notification of acceptance of abstracts: 1/6/2026
- Paper Submission Deadline: 15/8/2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 15/9/2026
- Camera-Ready Submission: 1/10/2026
- Conference Dates: December 8–10, 2026
- Conclusion
The 9th International Conference on Resilient Engineering (ICRE-2026) represents a timely and impactful initiative that integrates scientific excellence with humanitarian relevance. By hosting this international conference in Gaza, the organizers aim to contribute meaningfully to post-war recovery while advancing global knowledge on resilient engineering solutions for crisis-affected regions.
