Rohan Vashisht pursuing Ph.D with Dr. P Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao and  Raj Kumar Kanukuntla pursuing Ph.D with Dr. Jofin George were selected to participate in the 7th Edition of the International Summer School on Historic Masonry Structures (HIMASS), held in Oristano, Italy, from 31 August to 14 September 2025. Notably, they were among only 21 students worldwide chosen for this prestigious program.

The program comprised a rigorous blend of lectures, advanced analytical methodologies for structural assessment, and practical fieldwork. The participants were mentored by 14 young tutors and 20 eminent professors representing a wide array of countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Great Britain, Switzerland, the United States of America, Portugal, India, Pakistan, Croatia, Mexico, Lebanon, and Poland.

During the course, the scholars engaged in comprehensive learning experiences ranging from conducting detailed field surveys, to analysing structural behaviour through point-cloud data, to applying classical thrust line analysis techniques. They also employed advanced digital tools and plugins, such as Compass Masonry, to assess structural performance and determine the necessity of external interventions. Their practical assignments were centred on two historically significant monuments: the Baroque Chiesa del Carmine (constructed in 1785 and regarded as the finest example of Rococo architecture in Sardinia) and the Neoclassical San Francesco Church.

 This prestigious opportunity has proven to be transformative, enabling the scholars to engage deeply with global expertise in structural engineering and conservation. It has not only broadened their academic and professional horizons but has also instilled renewed enthusiasm and purpose in their doctoral research pursuits.

September 2025