The IABSE Congress Milan 2027 will provide an international forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience among researchers, practitioners, infrastructure owners and policymakers involved in structural and bridge engineering. Consistent with IABSE's mission to advance structural engineering practice while addressing technical, economic, environmental, aesthetic, and social dimensions. The Congress aims to  promote dialogue between academia and industry, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and stimulate discussion on emerging challenges facing the built environment.

Through technical sessions, keynote lectures, special sessions and networking opportunities, the Congress will encourage the dissemination of new ideas, innovative solutions and best practices that contribute to the safe, sustainable and resilient development and management of infrastructure systems.

Congress Format

The scientific programme will span three days and will include keynote lectures, plenary sessions, and parallel technical sessions. The official language of the Congress will be English. Prior to the abstract submission phase, a Call for Special Sessions will be launched to identify emerging topics and areas of particular interest to the structural engineering community.

Approved Special Sessions will form an important part of the technical programme and will provide opportunities for focused discussion on specific research and practice-oriented themes proposed by leading experts in the field. The technical programme will primarily consist of peer-reviewed contributions and oral presentations followed by discussion.

In addition to regular and special sessions, the Congress will include keynote lectures delivered by internationally recognized experts, as well as opportunities for professional exchange and networking. An industry exhibition will run alongside the technical program, featuring numerous exhibitors presenting advanced technologies, materials and solutions for structural engineering and infrastructure management. The Congress will also include technical visits and social events, offering participants the opportunity to explore notable engineering works and strengthen professional connections.

Who should attend?

The Congress is intended for engineers, designers, contractors, infrastructure owners, developers, policymakers, researchers, scientists, students and other professionals from industry and public institutions interested in advances and challenges in structural and bridge engineering. The event will provide a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, share expertise and discuss emerging challenges related to the design, assessment, monitoring and management of structures and infrastructure systems in a rapidly evolving technological and environmental context.

Conference Proceedings

The Congress Proceedings will be distributed electronically (ePDF) to all participants during the Symposium. Authors must register for the Congress to have their papers presented and included in the proceedings.

Young Engineers Programme

Delegates born in 1993 or later are eligible for reduced registration fees. In addition, the Outstanding Contribution Award will be given to two young authors, born in 1993 or later, who have presented their papers in person during the Symposium.

Event language

The entire congress, including talks, sessions, pre-congress workshops, etc., will use English as its main language.

Annual Meetings and Pre-Congress Workshops

IABSE will hold its annual meetings on 30 and 31 August, 2027. These meetings will bring together IABSE's Administrative, Executive, Technical and Permanent Committees, as well as various commissions, task groups and editorial boards.

During the same period, a series of workshops will be held. These will cover specific topics in structural engineering and will equip participants with both theoretical understanding and practical skills in structural engineering. This will enable them to thrive in their careers and navigate the complexities of the profession with confidence and awareness.

Download the Preliminary Invitation here!