Prof Po-Chien Hsiao | Seismic Design of Steel Structures | Best Researcher Award

Full Professor, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

Po-Chien Hsiao, Ph.D., is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST). With a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington, USA, he has made significant contributions to seismic engineering, steel structure design, and innovative structural systems. His research focuses on developing advanced seismic assessment methods, performance-based design, and large-scale structural testing. Dr. Hsiao has received numerous accolades for his research and teaching, including the NSTC Excellent Young Scholar Research Project Award and the Outstanding Research Award from NTUST. He is also recognized for his innovative teaching methods, particularly in problem-based learning (PBL) courses. Dr. Hsiao’s work has been widely published in top-tier journals, and he actively participates in international conferences, sharing his expertise in earthquake-resistant structural systems.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Hsiao earned his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington, USA, in 2012. Prior to that, he completed his M.S. (2004) and B.S. (2002) in Civil Engineering at National Taiwan University, Taiwan. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in structural engineering, with a focus on seismic resilience and innovative construction techniques. His doctoral research at the University of Washington laid the groundwork for his expertise in seismic performance evaluation and advanced structural systems, which he has further developed throughout his career.

Experience 💼

Dr. Hsiao has held various academic and professional positions, including Assistant Professor at National Chung Hsing University (2016-2018) and Technical Director at Broad-Hand Enterprise Ltd. Co. (2014-2016). He also served as a JSPS Post-Doctoral Fellow at Kyoto University, Japan (2012-2014). Since 2018, he has been with NTUST, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and now Professor. His roles have involved teaching, research, and leading projects on seismic engineering, structural testing, and performance-based design. Dr. Hsiao’s industry experience has enriched his academic work, bridging theoretical research with practical applications.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Hsiao has received numerous awards, including the NSTC Excellent Young Scholar Research Project Award (2024-2026), the MOST Excellent Young Scholar Research Project Award (2022-2023), and the Outstanding Research Award from NTUST (2023). He has also been recognized for his innovative teaching, winning the PBL Teaching Award multiple times. His research has earned him accolades such as the Best Paper Award at the SEEBUS 2021 International Conference and the 1st Place in the National College Student Practical Project Competition (2022). These honors highlight his contributions to both academia and the field of civil engineering.

Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Hsiao’s research focuses on seismic engineering, steel structure design, and innovative structural systems. He specializes in developing advanced seismic assessment methods, performance-based design, and large-scale structural testing. His work includes the development of naturally buckling braces, seismic strengthening methods for RC frames, and the use of ultra-high-performance concrete in structural systems. Dr. Hsiao’s research aims to enhance the resilience of structures against earthquakes, contributing to safer and more sustainable construction practices.

Publication Top Notes 📚

Improved Cross-sectional Configuration and Strength-curve Estimations of Naturally Buckling Braces (2025)
Hysteretic modelling and strength-envelope estimation models of concrete filled steel tubular members (2025)
A novel seismic strengthening method for RC frames: Precast ultra-high performance concrete braces (2023)
Shaking table test of multiple-type isolation control strategies for high-rise structure based on friction pendulum (2023)
Development and testing of knife-plate connected steel panel dampers (2023)
Seismic upgrading of existing RC frames with displacement-restraint cable bracing (2023)
Seismic performance assessments of naturally buckling braced frame building structures (2023)
Diploneis serrata (Bacillariophyceae): The use of structural mechanistic analysis to resolve morphological classification and molecular identification of a new record diatom species from Kenting, Taiwan (2022)
Investigation of five different low-cost locally available isolation layer materials used in sliding base isolation systems (2022)
An improved first-mode-based pushover analytical procedure for assessing seismic performance of special moment resisting frame building structures (2022)
Experimental investigation on the seismic performance of cored moment resisting stub columns (2021)
Numerical analysis of square concrete-filled double skin steel tubular columns with rubberized concrete (2021)
The effects of cross-sectional shapes on the axial performance of concrete-filled steel tube columns (2021)
Nonlinear analysis of square concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular columns under axial compression (2020)
Effects of Far-Field and Near-Fault Cyclic Loadings on Seismic Performance of Naturally Buckling Braces in Pairs (2020)
Hysteretic Behaviour of Composite Vertical Connection Structures used in Prefabricated Shear Wall Systems (2020)
Development and Testing of Cored Moment Resisting Stub Column Dampers (2020)
Slenderness Effects in Naturally Buckling Braces Under Seismic Loads (2020)
Effects of Hysteretic Properties of Stud-type Dampers on Seismic Performance of Steel Moment Resisting Frame Buildings (2019)
Gusset Plate Connections for Naturally Buckling Braces (2017)
Development and Testing of Naturally Buckling Steel Braces (2016)
Investigation of concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular columns with ultra-high-strength steel (2015)
Seismic Vulnerability of Older Braced Frames (2014)
A Model to Simulate Special Concentrically Braced Frames Beyond Brace Fracture (2013)
Evaluation of the Response Modification Coefficient and Collapse Potential of SCBFs (2013)
Improved Analytical Model for Special Concentrically Braced Frames (2012)
Investigation of the Seismic Response of Multi-story Braced Frames (2012)
Pseudo-Dynamic Tests of A Full-Scale CFT/BRBF Frame – Part 1: Specimen Design, Experiment and Analysis (2008)
Pseudo-dynamic test of a full-scale CFT/BRBF frame – Part 2: Seismic Performance of Buckling-Restrained Braces and Connections (2008)

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Po-Chien Hsiao is a leading figure in seismic engineering and structural design, with a career marked by groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and numerous accolades. His work has significantly advanced the field of earthquake-resistant structures, contributing to safer and more resilient infrastructure. Through his publications, awards, and international collaborations, Dr. Hsiao continues to shape the future of civil engineering, inspiring both students and professionals worldwide.

Mrs Silvia Pinasco | Earthquake Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD student,University of Genoa, Italy

Silvia Pinasco is a dedicated researcher in civil engineering, specializing in risk and resilience engineering for natural, industrialized, and built environments. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Genoa, focusing on structural vulnerability and seismic risk assessment of masonry buildings. She has actively contributed to multiple research projects and conferences in the field of earthquake engineering. With a strong academic background and professional experience in structural analysis, she has worked on building modeling, cost estimation, and engineering assessments. Her research is published in high-impact journals and presented at international conferences. Silvia’s expertise lies in numerical simulations, seismic fragility assessment, and machine learning applications for structural vulnerability analysis. Her commitment to advancing knowledge in earthquake engineering is evident in her numerous contributions to academia.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

Strong Educational Background 🎓 – Silvia Pinasco holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with top honors (110/110) and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Risk and Resilience Engineering, demonstrating academic excellence.
Specialized Research Focus 📚 – Her research on seismic vulnerability, risk assessment, and machine learning applications in structural engineering is crucial for disaster resilience.
High-Impact Publications 📖 – She has authored multiple papers in reputed journals and conferences, such as Procedia Structural Integrity, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, and WCEE.
Practical Experience 🏗️ – Hands-on work in building modeling and cost estimation complements her academic research, bridging theory with real-world applications.
International Recognition 🌍 – Collaborations with international researchers and participation in global conferences position her research at a high level.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Broader Application of Research 🔬 – Expanding her work beyond seismic vulnerability to include climate resilience or AI-driven predictive models could enhance impact.
Industry Collaborations 🤝 – Strengthening partnerships with engineering firms and government agencies can increase the practical applications of her findings.
Funding & Leadership Roles 💰 – Leading large-scale funded research projects or mentoring young researchers would solidify her reputation.

EDUCATION 🎓

Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering – University of Genoa, Department of Civil, Chemical, and Environmental Engineering (Graduated: March 30, 2021, Final Grade: 110/110)
State Examination for Civil and Environmental Engineer Qualification – University of Genoa (First session, 2021, Final Score: 50/50)
Certification of 24 CFU for Teaching – University of Genoa (Completed: July 15, 2020)
Ph.D. in Risk and Resilience Engineering for the Natural, Industrialized, and Built Environments – University of Genoa, Department of Civil, Chemical, and Environmental Engineering (37th Cycle, Ongoing since November 2021)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 🏗️

Building Modeling & Structural Analysis – Utilized Edilclima software for structural modeling and analysis.
Cost Estimation & Metric Calculations – Conducted financial assessments and material calculations for construction projects.
Engineering Consultancy – Worked at General Engineering SRL, Genoa, Italy (April 2021 – October 2021), contributing to various civil engineering projects.
Seismic Vulnerability Studies – Focused on earthquake engineering, particularly seismic fragility and resilience of masonry structures.
Numerical Simulations & Machine Learning – Applied computational techniques for structural safety assessments.

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏅

Best Research Contribution Award – Recognized for outstanding work in earthquake engineering.
Scholarship for Doctoral Studies – Awarded funding for Ph.D. research in seismic vulnerability.
Conference Presentation Recognition – Acknowledged for high-impact presentations at international conferences.
Top Performer in Civil Engineering – Achieved top academic ranking in master’s degree (110/110).
Publication Excellence Award – Recognized for contributions to computational modeling and structural risk assessment.

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Silvia Pinasco’s research primarily focuses on seismic vulnerability assessment of historical masonry buildings, with a special emphasis on structures in urban aggregates. She applies numerical simulations, fragility curves, and machine learning to predict structural behavior under seismic loads. Her work aims to develop resilient engineering solutions for mitigating earthquake damage. She collaborates on international research projects addressing earthquake-induced risks, structural dynamics, and safety assessments. Her research contributions are widely recognized in earthquake engineering conferences and journals, helping advance structural resilience methodologies.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES📚

On the vulnerability features of historical masonry buildings in aggregate – Procedia Structural Integrity, 2023
Numerical investigation of the seismic response of an unreinforced masonry residential building hit by the Zagreb earthquake in 2020 – 2CroCEE, 2023
Machine learning-based identification of vulnerability factors for masonry buildings in aggregate: The historical centre of Casentino hit by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake – COMPDYN 2023
Development of fragility curves of masonry buildings built in a regular row aggregate – 18th WCEE, 2024
Seismic fragility assessment of existing masonry buildings in aggregate located in Zagreb – Under review, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, Springer
Unreinforced Masonry Buildings in Aggregate of Urban Settlements: Current Approaches and Critical Issues for the Seismic Vulnerability Assessment – Under review, Structures, Elsevier

CONCLUSION

Silvia Pinasco is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her expertise in structural dynamics, seismic risk assessment, and advanced engineering methodologies. While expanding her research scope and industry ties could further elevate her profile, her current achievements already place her among the top researchers in her field. 🚀

Po-Chien Hsiao | Seismic Design of Steel Structures | Best Researcher Award