Threat-agnostic resilience
Designing systems that retain function and recover across uncertain, cascading and compound disruptions.
Research · Innovation · Global Collaboration
Engineering the future of resilient infrastructure.
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One shared purpose
Infrastructure for people.
Future built ecosystems — from assets to cities.
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Six connected areas.
One systems perspective.
Our research moves beyond isolated assets, connecting physical systems, communities, digital intelligence and long-term environmental performance.
AI & digital transformation
Combining artificial intelligence, digital twins, sensing, simulation and immersive decision environments.
Sustainable development
Integrating whole-life carbon, circularity, nature-based solutions and equitable infrastructure outcomes.
metaCity
Understanding cities as interdependent social, technical and ecological systems rather than isolated assets.
Counterfactual Engineering
Testing alternative futures and “what-if” scenarios to reveal vulnerabilities before disruption occurs.
Engineering for people
Placing communities, fairness, accessibility and real human needs at the centre of infrastructure decisions.
How we work
From complex risk to practical action.
Understand
Map exposure, dependencies, data gaps and the needs of affected communities.
Model
Combine engineering simulation, field evidence, open data and artificial intelligence.
Stress-test
Explore multiple hazards, cascading failure, uncertainty and alternative future scenarios.
Transform
Co-create adaptive, sustainable and implementable interventions with measurable impact.
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Research translated into action.
Explore initiatives spanning climate resilience, reconstruction, buildings, transport, energy systems, digitalisation and circularity.
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Research made useful — and understandable.
Open learning, accessible research communication and capacity building help move knowledge beyond academia and into practice.
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MOOC
Resilience, Sustainability & Digitalisation in Critical Infrastructure
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Peer-reviewed research, methods and applications.
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Project milestones, opportunities and group achievements.
Read the newsletters ↗Meet Our People
Meet the researchers and collaborators contributing to MetaInfrastructure’s work in resilient, sustainable and climate-adaptive infrastructure.
Team Members
Professor Stergios-Aristoteles Mitoulis is the Founding Director of the UCL Centre of Global Infrastructure Resilience at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, and Director of www.MetaInfrastructure.org and at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, and Director of www.bridgeUkraine.org . He is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, and Director of Future Cities and Editor-in-Chief of the ICE Journal of Bridge Engineering and both published by Wiley & Sons. Trained as a bridge engineer, he has developed a fascination with people-centred systems, from cities to infrastructure networks. His broad, interdisciplinary research advances climate-resilient, sustainable, and digitally-enabled infrastructure.
At UCL he leads a multidisciplinary team of 41 researchers developing holistic, threat-agnostic frameworks for infrastructure adaptation to climate change and emerging risks. He has secured over £14 million (€16 million) in research funding across more than 50 projects , serving as coordinator and principal investigator on awards from UKRI, Horizon Europe, the British Academy, the Royal Society, UCL Grand Challenges, and charitable funders.
He has mentored more than 60 researchers, authored over 200 publications, and contributed to the development of British Standards (BSI) and the Eurocodes (CEN). He is an active supporter of Ukraine’s infrastructure reconstruction and advises policymakers and media such as BBC, CNN and Sky News.
Professor Sotirios holds two degrees, in Civil Engineering (MEng) and Geology (BSc), and a PhD in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering. He is the Deputy Scientific Coordinator of the Horizon/UKRI ReCharged project. He co-founded the bridgeUkraine and co-leads the MetaInfrastructure He has over 20 years of research experience in the field of geotechnical and infrastructure engineering, with focus on the risk and resilience analysis of infrastructure due to geo-hazards (earthquake, flood/scour, landslides, tsunamis).
In 2017 he was awarded a H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship ( TRANSRISK project , 2017). He has more than 120 reports and publications in scientific journals, conference proceedings and book chapters and participated in 15+ research projects. He acted as a reviewer for more than 25 scientific journals and for research proposals. He is Vice-Chair of the IABSE Task Group 1.8 on ‘Design requirements for infrastructure resilience’, member of the EAEE Working Group 13 on ‘Seismic assessment, design and resilience of industrial facilities’ and Nominated member (UK) of the ISSMGE (International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering) Technical Committee TC202 on Transportation Geotechnics.
He supervised several UG, MSc and PhD research students, and he delivers seminars and participates in CPD activities. He is associate editor in ICE Journal of Bridge Engineering and member of the Editorial Board in Sustainability (Section board for ‘Hazards and Sustainability’). Sotirios is listed at Stanford’s top 2% most highly cited scientists in 2021 and 2022.
Nadiia is a Research Fellow, sponsored by the British Academy/CARA. She holds an MSc in Building and Civil Engineering, Lviv Polytechnic National University. Her PhD research focused on probabilistic methods for the calculation of corroded reinforced concrete beams capacity. Nadiia has expertise in the field of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, their strength and reliability. Her experimental and theoretical investigations include damage of RC structures, methods for their strengthening, retrofitting and possibilities of increasing their service life.
The focus of her research is on material properties and probabilistic approaches for assessment of RC structures. Additionally, she studied various non-destructive methods of experimental research, including the method of Digital Image correlation (DIC). Experimental research with the use of DIC method covered various issues of RC structures reliability, including stress and strain distribution and specifics of thermally strengthened rebars. Thus, her research covers advanced areas for DIC application such as beam structures monitoring and assessment of load-bearing capacity of bridge structures.
Nadiia’s skills include knowledge of construction and engineering software, surveying equipment, calculation and design techniques, laboratory work, experiment planning and organization, experimental data processing and analysis with the use of specific programs and equipment.
Roberta is a research fellow at the University of Birmingham, focusing on the sustainability of buildings and infrastructures. During her studies, in 2013, she won an Erasmus scholarship and studied at TU Braunschweig. In 2015, she completed her bachelor’s at Politecnico di Bari and graduated top class in piano from Conservatorio di Musica di Bari. In 2017, she won a scholarship and worked as a student research assistant at the University of Stuttgart. After her master’s degree at the University of Bergamo in 2018, she worked at the Department of Lifecycle Engineering (GaBi) of the University of Stuttgart.
At the University of Stuttgart, she was involved in the Cluster of Excellence “Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture” (IntCDC) and relevant activities on an international level, such as the International Energy Agency, Energy in Buildings Community Program (IEA EBC), Annex 72. In 2014 she submitted her PhD Thesis on predictive risk integrated lifecycle analyses and integration in computational design.
In April 2024, she joined the University of Birmingham and the MetaInfrastructure group. Her research focuses on uncertainties and risk assessment integration in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Furthermore, she works in the field of digitalisation in LCA and the technical development of tools for evaluating environmental sustainability in the construction sector.
Ivan is a senior member of IEEE, a member ACM & a member of INNS. He is an Associate Professor at the Department of Artificial Intelligence of Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ukraine. His main research interests are focused on the high-speed computational intelligence, neural-like structures, non-iterative training algorithms, ensemble models, meta learning and small data analysis.
His work focuses on information modelling based on a new ANN design concept – Successive Geometric Transformations Model (SGTM). Neural-like structures based on the SGTM as universal approximators implement the training and self-training principles and are based on algorithmic or hardware performing variants.
Ivan received his MSc degree in Computer science at Lviv Polytechnic National University in 2011 and MSc degree in Economic cybernetics at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in 2012. He received a PhD in Artificial Intelligence at Lviv Polytechnic National University in 2016.
Raffaele won the Global Marie Curie Fellow hosted by the University of Birmingham (funding: € 430,343-commences 11/2025). He also won the Expert Talent Program (Grant amount: 300,000 Yuan) in collaboration with South East University (Chinese ranking: 1st in Civil Engineering). He is member and coordinator of the Artiste Lab at the Politecnico di Torino and Data-Centric Engineering, AI and Smart Technologies at the IRI center of South East University.
Raffaele is the Associate Editor of several Elsevier and Springer Journals (Lab at the Politecnico di Torino and Data-Centric Engineering, AI and Smart Technologies at the ICE Journal of Bridge Engineering , Alexandria Engineering Journal , Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation , Frontiers in Built Environment-Section : Sustainable Design and Construction).
During his academic career, he has supervised more than 20 master’s students and 2 postdoctoral researchers. He has published extensively with a publication record exceeding 60 papers in leading scientific journals and conferences. He is known for his expertise in structural Optimization applied to the civil construction sector.
Stavros holds a degree in Spatial Planning and Regional Development (MEng), a MSc in Spatial Planning & Development, a MSc in Geospatial Technologies (Erasmus Mundus – Joint degree) and a PhD in Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) for Prevention and Management of Wildfires. He has conducted a 3-year postdoctoral research studying the exposure and effects of wildfires on natural / anthropogenic ecosystems and critical infrastructures. Stavros has 6.5 years postdoctoral research experience as Senior Researcher. During this period, he worked in 8 multi-partner research projects dealing with natural disasters, spatial planning, forest fires and environmental management. In the same context, he has 4 years pre-doctoral research experience as Early-Stage Researcher in the same fields.
The Fellow has taught for 6 years in Master of Science Programs, and 5.5 years in Undergraduate Programs at the University of Thessaly and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as Adjunct Assistant Professor. Stavros has 30 publications in international scientific journals, 45 publications in conference proceedings and 2 book chapters. He’s been an invited speaker in national and international universities and conferences dealing with the integration of geoinformatics to wildfires management. He has earned 7 national/international scholarships and awards.
He acted as a reviewer for more than 15 scientific journals, while he has served as a Lead Guest Editor in 2 special issues relative to natural disasters and wildfires. He has been awarded a UKRI/HORIZON Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (FIREWISE project, 2024) aiming to establish an integrated framework for proactive wildfire resilience assessment and management.
Henrry Vicente Rojas Asuero is a PhD candidate at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, specializing in seismic vulnerability assessment of bridges. Currently, he interns at the University of Birmingham, focusing on clustering techniques to categorize bridge typologies for regional risk assessment.
He holds a Master’s in Civil Engineering Systems from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), Ecuador.
Henrry has worked on multidisciplinary research projects in Ecuador and Chile, addressing seismic risk and structural analysis, including seismic monitoring networks.Additionally, he founded “Ingeniería con Henrry,” an Instagram platform with over 97,000 followers, where he shares insights on civil engineering and risk mitigation.
Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini is an EPSRC Doctoral Researcher at Brunel University of London, specializing in structural and geotechnical engineering with expertise in modelling and analysis. Currently pursuing his PhD, he focuses on “Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience: Integrating Lifecycle Analysis for Climate-Adaptive Restoration”.
His research aims to develop resilient and sustainable approaches to protect transport infrastructure against climate challenges, addressing the critical need for stronger infrastructure in the face of growing hazards and uncertainties. This involves integrating lifecycle analysis, open-data and a holistic resilience framework. Seyyed holds a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Brunel University London, where his research focused on a parametric study of the bond-slip behaviour in FRP-concrete connections.
Beghal holds an MEng degree in Civil Engineering from Coventry University and is currently pursuing a PhD at University College London, focusing on the resilience of ageing bridges to climate stressors. Her research integrates open data and interdisciplinary methods to advance climate-resilient and future-ready infrastructure.
With 8 years of experience in bridge engineering, she has worked on design, refurbishment, and risk management across the UK’s transport network. Beghal currently serves as a Designer and Bridge Engineer at Amey Consulting, where she leads on bridge projects and resilience strategies. Previously, she worked as a Graduate and Assistant Structural Engineer at Kier Group, gaining wide-ranging expertise in structural analysis and project delivery.
Her professional development includes completing an 18-month leadership programme at Amey and holding a CSCS card for Professionals and Managers. She is also a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence, leadership, and inclusive practice in the engineering field.
Beghal’s research interests lie in climate resilience, sustainable transport, and inclusive engineering. She is passionate about making technical research accessible to diverse communities and actively mentors early-career engineers. Fluent in English and Sorani Kurdish, she shares her journey across various platforms to foster global collaboration and contribute to inclusive discourse on future cities.
Kelly is a chartered Civil Engineer (CEng MICE) with 22 years’ experience delivering major UK and international infrastructure including HS2, Hinkley Point C and large-scale highways. Specialist in temporary works management, design assurance, technical governance, and complex interface coordination across multidisciplinary teams.
Known for driving safe, compliant and buildable solutions under BS 5975, resolving high-risk construction challenges, and improving programme flow through proactive risk management. Experienced overseeing complete TW lifecycles (brief → design → Cat 1/2/3 checks → installation → handover) and managing teams of Temporary Works Coordinators, Supervisors, and engineers.
Strong track record in stakeholder leadership, including technical approvals, Network Rail, National Highways, utilities, Principal Designer, and regulatory bodies. ICE Supervisor, Reviewer and Delegated Engineer, actively developing engineering teams and strengthening organisational competence in temporary works and safety-critical decision-making.
Passionate about innovation, Kelly’s research interests focus on integrated and adaptive delivery of complex infrastructure projects. She aims to bridge the gap between academic insight and industry application, driving efficiency and safety across the sector.
John holds an MSc in construction project and cost management from Coventry University, UK. He has professional experience in construction of infrastructures, and in particular costing projects and the facilities management of built assets during its lifecycle. John’s research focuses on the optimisation of climate-resilience and sustainability in critical transport infrastructure.
The main scope of this PhD is to process openly available digital data from e.g., UAV-enabled mapping, GIS, satellite imagery and/or forensic evidence to develop optimised resilience and sustainability solutions for assets, such as bridges or other critical infrastructure.
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