How can our societies, infrastructures, and organizations remain robust in the face of accelerating disruptions such as climate change, digitalization, geopolitical uncertainty, and far‑reaching societal transitions? This question lies at the heart of the International Conference on Resilient Systems (ICRS), a leading international conference in the field of resilience engineering.
From 23 to 25 March 2026, the 4TU Centre for Resilience Engineering, hosted the International Conference on Resilient Systems 2026 at Delft University of Technology. The conference, coordinated by Stephanie Hessing (4TU.Resilience Engineering), brought together international researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how systems can anticipate disruption, adapt to change, and recover under pressure. Together with international partners Singapore ETH Centre, ETH Zurich, and Technische Universität Darmstadt, 4TU strengthens the scientific quality and societal relevance of the conference, reinforcing its position as a leading global platform in resilience engineering.
Why resilience matters more than ever
Today’s global challenges highlight the urgent need for innovative approaches that not only anticipate disruptive events, but also enable systems to adapt, absorb shocks, and recover effectively. Against this backdrop, the theme of ICRS 2026: Resilience in an Age of Disruption captures both the relevance and the growing urgency of resilience engineering.
Resilience is no longer a niche concept. It is becoming a cornerstone for sustainable and future‑proof development across sectors.
What is the International Conference on Resilient Systems?
ICRS is an interdisciplinary forum focusing on the design, analysis, and governance of resilient socio‑technical‑ecological systems. Key topics include:
- Critical infrastructures (energy, water, mobility);
- Urban and regional resilience;
- Digital and cyber‑physical systems;
- Climate and environmental risks;
- Governance, policy, and decision‑making under uncertainty.
By connecting these domains, the conference strengthens collaboration between science, policy, and practice.
Want to learn more about resilience engineering at 4TU?
The conference is closely connected to the broader 4TU resilience engineering programme. Explore research, education, and flagship projects at: https://www.4tu.nl/resilience/