Combining drones, machine learning, and vernacular architecture, EERC is redefining how India approaches structural resilience. The focus is on preparedness, prevention, and preserving heritage structures. Long before algorithms, simulations, and seismic codes existed, traditional Indian architecture had already mastered resilience. Today, at the EERC at IIIT Hyderabad, researchers are revisiting that wisdom through AI, drones, computer vision, and machine learning to understand how structures survive disasters. From studying heritage buildings and earthquake-resistant vernacular homes to developing AI-based crack detection systems and open-source structural assessment tools, the centre is building a bridge between ancient engineering intuition and modern computational science. In conversation with assistant professor Dr Jofin George, CE explores how technology and traditional knowledge are redefining structural safety and earthquake resilience in India.

IIIT-H and Athenian Tech Private Limited, a leading digital risk management company specialising in AI and ML-powered cybersecurity solutions have joined hands to advance research in the realm of cybersecurity, education, and industry collaboration, with joint areas of cooperation spanning domains such as AI/ML, and digital identity protection thereby fostering innovation, strengthening cyber resilience, and creating opportunities for skill development, research, and real-world industry engagement. The two organisations have formalised their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding, bringing world-class academic expertise and cutting-edge industry capabilities under one shared framework. The MoU was signed recently by Prof. U Deva Priyakumar, Dean Research & Development, IIIT Hyderabad and Dr Kanishk Gaur, Chief Executive Officer, Athenian Tech Private Limited.

A recent Mongabay-India report highlights the growing threat of riverine heatwaves and their impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and water quality. Riverine heatwaves are defined as periods where daily mean river water temperatures exceed the 90th percentile threshold of the locally defined and seasonally varying river temperatures, for at least five consecutive days. Researchers from International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad contributed insights on rising river water temperatures in Indian catchments and the urgent need for interdisciplinary climate research and river restoration strategies. Rehana Shaik, head of the Hydroclimatic Research Group, noted that while short-duration temperature increases are considered heat spikes, limited river temperature data remains a major challenge in understanding riverine heatwaves in India. The group is working to address these gaps through focused hydroclimatic research.