Francesca Roscini | composite materials | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Engineering Scientist

Dr. Francesca Roscini | composite materials
| Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Cusano University, Italy.

Dr. Francesca Roscini is an Assistant Professor in Mechanics of Solids and Structures at Università degli Studi ‘Niccolò Cusano’. A civil engineer with a PhD, she specializes in advanced materials for structural retrofitting. Former Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, she has worked at institutions like the University of Sheffield and is active in international research groups, including RELUIS and RILEM. She has organized seminars, special sessions, and evaluated cultural heritage structures post-earthquake. She is a registered professional engineer and a reviewer for scientific journals. Dr. Roscini has authored over twenty scientific contributions and co-chairs the International Task Group on Sustainable Fibre Composites. Her expertise, international experience, and impactful research make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🌍 Professional Profile:

ORCID

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award :

Dr. Roscini’s candidacy for the Best Researcher Award is supported by her impactful contributions to sustainable structural retrofitting using advanced composite materials. A former Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, she has demonstrated research excellence across national and international platforms. She leads innovative projects like L.A.ST.ING. and GRE.A.T.E.R.S, focusing on green technologies for building reinforcement. Her participation in scientific committees, leadership roles in technical task groups, and role as evaluator for post-earthquake structural assessments show her commitment to scientific and societal advancement. Dr. Roscini’s prolific publication record, teaching, supervision, and active engagement in interdisciplinary research underline her as a forward-thinking researcher addressing critical infrastructure challenges. Her achievements exemplify excellence, relevance, and leadership in civil and structural engineering.

🎓 Education :

Dr. Francesca Roscini holds a PhD in Civil Engineering, with specialized training in the use of advanced materials for structural retrofitting. Her academic foundation combines structural mechanics and engineering applications to address safety and sustainability challenges in existing infrastructures. She completed her doctoral and earlier education in Italy, later advancing her expertise as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellow at the University of Sheffield. Her educational path integrates high-level theoretical knowledge with cutting-edge experimental and field-based research. This multidisciplinary academic background laid the groundwork for her future leadership in structural retrofitting research. Her strong commitment to education is also reflected in her role as a lecturer and mentor at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

🏢 Work Experience :

Dr. Roscini has extensive academic and professional experience in structural engineering. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Università degli Studi ‘Niccolò Cusano’ and previously held postdoctoral positions, including a prestigious MSCA Fellowship at the University of Sheffield. Her roles span teaching, research, and supervision at multiple academic levels. She has served as a technical evaluator for the Civil Protection Department, assessing earthquake-damaged cultural heritage structures. Dr. Roscini actively contributes to international committees (e.g., RILEM, RELUIS, FIB, IIFC), organizes scientific sessions, and reviews for top journals. Her hands-on experience in both research and engineering practice, combined with international collaborations, underlines her multifaceted competence in developing sustainable solutions for structural retrofitting.

🏅 Awards and Honors :

Dr. Francesca Roscini is a distinguished researcher recognized for her innovation and leadership in structural engineering. Her most notable achievement is being awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship (Call 2018), supporting her pioneering work in sustainable retrofitting technologies. She co-chairs the IIFC’s International Task Group on Sustainable Fibre Composite Materials and is an active member of key technical and scientific organizations, including RELUIS, RILEM, and FIB. She is frequently invited as a speaker and organizer at international conferences and doctoral schools. As a registered engineer and evaluator for post-seismic assessments, she combines academic excellence with real-world impact. Her consistent recognition and roles in expert networks reflect a high level of trust and respect within the global research community.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Roscini’s research focuses on the development and assessment of advanced and sustainable composite materials for the structural retrofitting of existing buildings. Her work bridges experimental investigation, numerical modeling, and field applications to improve building resilience, particularly in seismic contexts. She leads projects like L.A.ST.ING. and GRE.A.T.E.R.S, addressing long-term performance and eco-friendly retrofitting methods. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates civil engineering, material science, and sustainability, contributing to cutting-edge solutions for cultural heritage preservation and modern infrastructure needs. Involvement in international task forces and scientific committees allows her to influence global research directions. Her commitment to practical impact is evident in her collaborations with civil protection agencies and active contributions to improving post-earthquake structural safety.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

📘 On the Dynamics of Masonry Church: Discontinuous and Continuous Approaches
📅 2025 | Book Chapter
📚 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-87316-4_33
📝 Co-authors: Mattia Schiavoni, Martina Di Giosaffatte, Francesco Clementi

🧱 Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Bond Interface Between Basalt Fibre and Mortar in TRM System
📅 August 2025 | Journal Article
📚 DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.142064
📝 Co-authors: Francesca Nerilli, Barbara Ferracuti, Maurizio Guadagnini

🏛️ Numerical Modeling of a Majestic Masonry Structure: A Comparison of Advanced Techniques
📅 July 2023 | Journal Article
📚 DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107293
📝 Co-authors: Mattia Schiavoni, Ersilia Giordano, Francesco Clementi

🏗️ Advanced Numerical Insights for an Effective Seismic Assessment of Historical Masonry Aggregates
📅 June 2023 | Journal Article
📚 DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.115997
📝 Co-authors: Mattia Schiavoni, Ersilia Giordano, Francesco Clementi

Menard Kilumile | Construction materials | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Engineering Scientist

Mr. Menard Kilumile | Construction materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Lecturer at University of Dar es Salaam,Tanzania.

Menard Bonphace Kilumile is a Tanzanian civil engineer and academic specializing in structural engineering. He currently serves as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam. A registered Professional Engineer, Kilumile holds an M.Sc. in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions from UMinho (Portugal) and UPC (Spain), and a B.Sc. in Civil and Structural Engineering from UDSM. He is pursuing his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. Kilumile has significant consulting experience in structural assessment, building design, and supervision. His professional journey includes collaborations with BICO and Saifee Structural Engineers. His strong research, field experience, and commitment to engineering education make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Google scholar

ORCID

🎓 Education 

Menard Bonphace Kilumile’s educational background is robust and international. He earned a B.Sc. in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) in 2013, graduating as the Best Male Engineering Student recognized by ERB. In 2016, he completed an Advanced Master’s (M.Sc.) in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions through a joint program at the University of Minho (Portugal) and the Technical University of Catalonia (Spain). Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. His education combines strong theoretical knowledge with international exposure, equipping him with a deep understanding of structural dynamics, heritage conservation, and modern construction engineering practices.

🏢 Work Experience 

Kilumile has extensive professional experience in both academia and industry. Since 2013, he has served at the University of Dar es Salaam, advancing from Tutorial Assistant to Assistant Lecturer. Concurrently, he has worked as a structural engineer on numerous significant projects including commercial buildings, residential apartments, institutional facilities, and heritage site assessments. His consultancy experience includes roles with Bureau for Industrial Cooperation (BICO), Saifee Structural Engineers, and direct clients like CITI Bank, NCAA, and Geita Gold Mining Ltd. His expertise spans structural assessments, non-destructive testing, design optimization, construction supervision, and structural rehabilitation. His diverse portfolio demonstrates strong technical skills, leadership in project execution, and a deep commitment to bridging academic knowledge with industry practice.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Menard Kilumile has been recognized for his academic and professional excellence throughout his career. He received the Best Male Graduating Engineering Student Prize in 2013 from the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) of Tanzania, a prestigious acknowledgment of his top-tier academic performance at the University of Dar es Salaam. In addition to this, Kilumile has participated in several specialized workshops and training sessions, enhancing his research and engineering skills. These include programs organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK) and the Institution of Engineers Tanzania, focusing on topics like outcome-based curricula, project management, and structural design using Eurocodes. These honors reflect Kilumile’s dedication to lifelong learning and his continual pursuit of engineering excellence.

🔬 Research Focus 

Menard Kilumile’s research focus lies in structural engineering, particularly structural assessment, rehabilitation of existing structures, and the analysis of historical constructions. His work integrates advanced methods like non-destructive testing, structural health monitoring, and the application of Eurocodes in modern design practices. As part of his doctoral research, he delves into enhancing the safety, sustainability, and resilience of civil infrastructure, especially in resource-constrained environments. Kilumile is also interested in bridging gaps between academia and industry through outcome-based education strategies in engineering. His research aims to contribute to safer, more durable buildings while preserving historical architecture. His interdisciplinary approach underlines a strong commitment to advancing both the scientific understanding and practical implementation of civil engineering solutions.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

 

Citation:
Sanga, R., Kilumile, M., & Mohamed, F. (2022). Alternative clay bricks inspired from termite mound biomimicry. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 16, e00977.

Authors: R. Sanga, M. Kilumile, F. Mohamed

Year: 2022

Citation:
Kilumile, M., Barra, M., Mohamed, F., & Aponte, D. (2025). Use of Recycled Aggregates in Lime Mortars for Conservation of Historical Buildings. Construction Materials, 5(2), 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5020028

Authors: M. Kilumile, M. Barra, F. Mohamed, D. Aponte

Year: 2025

https://doi.org/10.32438//IJET.203015