About

The 8th International Conference on Protective Structures (ICPS8) will be held in Prague, Czech Republic, from June 21st to 24th, 2027. Prague, renowned as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and innovation. With its world-class universities, thriving research community, and central location in Europe, Prague provides an inspiring setting for ICPS8—continuing the legacy of this premier international event. 

Since its inception in 2010 in Manchester, England (1st ICPS), the conference has grown into a truly global forum, convening in Potsdam, Germany (2nd ICPS/ISIEMS, 2013), Newcastle, Australia (3rd ICPS, 2015), Beijing, China (4th ICPS, 2016), Poznan, Poland (5th ICPS, 2018), Auburn, USA (6th ICPS, 2023), and Abu Dhabi, UAE (7th ICPS, 2025). Together with the International Association of Protective Structures and the International Journal of Protective Structures, ICPS represents a cornerstone of knowledge-sharing and collaboration in this critical field. 

ICPS8 will bring together leading researchers, practitioners, and innovators to exchange cutting-edge ideas and present the latest advances in the protection of civil infrastructure. Topics will span across natural hazards and human-made threats—including blasts, impacts, extreme environmental loads, and resilience strategies for buildings, bridges, pipelines, dams, and beyond. The conference program will feature keynote addresses by internationally recognized experts, technical sessions showcasing diverse research contributions, and opportunities for professional networking. 

Beyond the scientific program, participants will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Prague. From its medieval Old Town and Gothic architecture to its vibrant arts scene and renowned cuisine, the city promises a unique backdrop for intellectual engagement and cultural discovery. Its central European location also makes it easily accessible and a perfect meeting point for participants from across the globe. 

We warmly invite you to join us in Prague, Czech Republic, for ICPS8 in June 2027—a gathering that will combine world-class research, professional exchange, and unforgettable experiences. 

The conference will cover following broad areas, but not limited to: 

  • Response of structures and structural elements to explosion and impact loads 

  • Blast and impact resistant design of structures 

  • Techniques for mitigating blast load and penetration effects 

  • Strengthening and retrofitting techniques 

  • Projectile penetration and perforation mechanics 

  • Collateral damage estimation 

  • Numerical simulation and modelling 

  • Probabilistic and uncertainty modelling 

  • Experimental techniques 

  • Material behaviour at high strain rates 

  • Vehicle impact with civil structures 

  • Protection of industrial structures 

  • Impact induced by tsunamis, extreme wind, and other natural disasters 

  • Innovative materials for protection applications 

  • Bridge and tunnel protection 

  • Post-event evaluation and performance assessment 

  • Structural collapse mitigation strategies 

  • Safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness of structural design and strengthening