About the Conference
The International Conference on Resilience arises from the belief that resilience must be reimagined as an interdisciplinary and intersectoral pursuit. It will bring together researchers, academicians, practitioners, and policymakers from around the globe to explore how diverse disciplines can converge to address resilience in holistic ways. In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty-climate emergencies, economic fluctuations, health emergencies, digital disruptions, migration, resource scarcity, and rising socio-political polarities, the concept of resilience has emerged as a critical lens through which systems, societies, and individuals must be re-evaluated. Resilience, in this context, is not merely about survival or recovery; it is about strategic adaptability, where disruptions are transformed into opportunities for structural improvement and systemic innovation.
Resilience involves a systematic approach to change - recognizing the interplay of social, technical, environmental, and economic forces - and the potential to reorganize proactively in response to disruptions. It asks us to consider: How can we embed resilience into the very fabric of our urban and rural systems, so they not only withstand shocks but emerge stronger, smarter, and more inclusive?
Why Navrachana University ?
Anchored in the university’s KHOJ initiative on Urban and Rural Resilience, the conference aims to provide a platform for shared inquiry and innovation across domains. Khoj is a unique initiative that attempts to identify solutions to problems related to society with an interdisciplinary perspective. Navrachana University has five Schools – Environmental Architecture and Design, Business and Law, Liberal Studies and Education, Engineering and Technology and Science. We are uniquely positioned boutique University with a close-knit interdisciplinary association between the five Schools that becomes an important pillar for execution of such initiatives as KHOJ whose implementation is across disciplines. What makes this conference distinctive is its deeply interdisciplinary nature which is also a reflection of the University ethos. The dialogue will span across Urban Planning and Design, Landscape Architecture, Public Health, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Technology, Education, Policy Studies, and Psychological Preparedness. Know more...
CONFERENCE THEMES
A. Environmental Resilience
The fields of science and technology are essential in strengthening resilience by equipping individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge to comprehend risks, formulate mitigation strategies, and enhance response and recovery initiatives. Their contributions are vital in creating more robust systems and communities, thereby minimizing the effects of disasters and other unforeseen events. Scientific research aids in the identification and comprehension of intricate risks, such as natural disasters, climate change, and pandemics. Moreover, advancements in technology creates innovative solutions for mitigating disaster risks, including robust infrastructure, eco-friendly agricultural methods, and digital health initiatives.
Environmental resilience means using smart and sustainable technologies to help communities face challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and pollution. Clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and other renewable sources, along with energy storage and smart grids, make power more reliable, especially in areas prone to natural disasters. Small-scale power systems and mixed energy solutions help reduce dependence on large power plants. In farming and water use, smart irrigation systems, water recycling, desalination, and real-time water quality monitoring help save and protect water resources. To reduce waste, technologies like e-waste and plastic recycling, robotics for sorting garbage, composting tools, and zero-waste production methods are being used. In agriculture, new methods help farmers grow food even in difficult conditions. Climate-resilient infrastructure and green buildings are being designed to withstand extreme weather while using less energy and resources. Next-generation materials that are stronger, lighter, and eco-friendlier are helping make construction and manufacturing more sustainable. Hydrogen technologies are also emerging as a clean fuel option for the future. Technologies like blockchain help keep environmental data secure and trustworthy. Finally, community monitoring systems let people report local problems and take part in protecting the environment. All these tools work together to create stronger, cleaner, and more resilient communities.
Environmental Resilience Sub Themes:
-
Climate Change Resilience: Adaptation and Mitigation
-
Building Resilient Food and Agriculture Systems
-
Water Resource Management
-
Smart Energy and Material systems
-
Ecosystem & Biodiversity Resilience
-
Public Health Resilience
B. Economic Resilience
Businesses and economies face dual challenges of withstanding volatility and maintaining stability and growth. They have to constantly work on strategies such as improving domestic efficiencies, fostering competitiveness, and ensuring macroeconomic stability. For businesses, resilience means diversifying supply chains, investing in innovation, and maintaining financial flexibility. On a broader economic scale, resilience is built through policies that encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen institutions, and support skill development. On a wider note, India, as one of the fastest-growing economies, has been focusing on leveraging its demographic dividend and structural reforms to enhance economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
Economic Resilience Sub Themes
-
Inclusive Growth and Equity
-
Public-Private Collaboration for Economic Resilience
-
Ethics, Governance, and Regulatory Environment
-
Community-Led Development Models
-
Digital Resilience and the Future of Work
-
Workforce Adaptability and Skills Development
-
Access to Markets, Competition and Finance
-
Fiscal Sustainability and Growth Strategies
-
Sustainable Business Models for a Changing Climate
-
The Role of SMEs and Start-ups in Resilient Economies
C. Societal Resilience
In an era of increasing global challenges, resilience has emerged as a crucial factor for individuals, communities, and organizations to navigate uncertainty and change. Resilience is not merely about enduring adversity but about adapting, learning, and growing stronger through difficulties while maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Resilience applies across different domains, each requiring unique approaches to strengthen coping mechanisms:
Resilience in Societal Contexts Sub Themes
Resilience applies across different domains, each requiring unique approaches to strengthen coping mechanisms:
Individual Resilience
-
Mental Health and Well-being: Coping with stress, anxiety, and trauma.
-
Personal Growth and Development: Building resilience through self-awareness and self-care.
-
Trauma-Informed Care: Supporting individuals who have experienced trauma.
-
Resilience in Vulnerable Populations: Addressing the unique needs of marginalized groups.
Community Resilience
-
Building Stronger Communities: Strategies for fostering community cohesion and support.
-
Disaster-Resilient Communities: Preparing for and responding to natural disasters.
-
Community-Based Initiatives: Grassroots efforts to promote resilience and sustainability.
-
Cultural Resilience: Preserving cultural heritage and identity in the face of adversity.
Organizational Resilience
-
Business Continuity Planning: Preparing for and responding to disruptions.
-
Adaptive Leadership: Leading organizations through times of change and uncertainty.
-
Organizational Culture and Resilience: Fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability.
-
Innovation and Risk Management: Encouraging innovation while managing risk.
D. Urban Planning, Urban Design, and Landscape
Urban Planning, Urban Design and Landscape are seen as important instruments of urban and rural transformation in any region. The question of climate change and its adaptation has immense impact on the future of our cities especially from the perspective of urban planning and design.
Is there a paradigm shift in the way urban planning and design ideas and practice address the issue of resilience? or are we still caught up in a techno-managerial approach of dominating the natural conditions? Does the role of nature-based planning or landscape design become central to the challenges of climate change and resilience and how are the practicing professionals and academia engaging with this concern this sub-theme will cover spatial, geographical, and built environment concerns wherein papers covering but not limited to theoretical, historical, and practical (design oriented) approaches are invited.
Urban Planning, Urban Design and Landscaping Sub Themes:
-
Resilience by Design
-
Nature Based Planning
-
Disaster mitigation and Planning
-
Revisiting Theory and Frameworks
-
Urban Planning and Design
-
Craft, Tectonics and Resources
-
Community, Space Making and Adaptation
-
Innovations in Architectural and Landscape Design
-
Design, Planning, and Management of Smart Cities
-
Advanced Mobility and Transportation Solutions
E. Information & Digital Resilience
In an era where nations are accelerating their digital transformation journeys, the imperative to build robust, inclusive, and resilient digital systems has never been more critical. Digital technologies now support development, serving as vital tools for managing complex challenges – from health crises and natural disasters to ensuring economic stability and social inclusion. Future complications in digital ecosystems are closing persistent digital divides, countering threats to information integrity, and equipping populations with essential digital literacy. The conference will examine several aspects of digital resilience, with a particular emphasis on strong infrastructure, data governance, and comprehensive cybersecurity. Key themes include using digital platforms to promote economic stability, encouraging ethical use of new technologies like artificial intelligence, ensuring equitable digital access, safeguarding against misinformation, and preparing a future-ready workforce through upskilling and innovation. This international conference convenes industry experts, academicians, researchers, and grassroots activists to critically examine and advance strategies for leveraging digital tools to enhance societal resilience. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative exploration, this conference aims to chart actionable pathways towards a digital future that is not only intelligent and efficient but fundamentally equitable, inclusive, and prepared to meet tomorrow's challenges.
Information & Digital Resilience Sub Themes
-
Digital Infrastructure for Crisis Response
-
Data Governance and Trust in Digital Systems
-
Resilient Digital Economies
-
Cybersecurity for Community Empowerment
-
AI and Emerging Technologies for Resilience
-
Digital Inclusion and Accessibility
-
Information Integrity and Combating Misinformation
-
Adaptive Digital Workforce and Skills Development
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Jakob Zinsstag
Prof. Dr. Jakob Zinsstag is a veterinarian with a PhD in tropical animal health. Since 1998, he has led the Human and Animal Health research group at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), and served as Deputy Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Swiss TPH from 2011 onward. He spent eight years in West Africa at the International Trypanotolerance Centre in The Gambia, followed by four years as Director of the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques in Côte d’Ivoire. He is also a past president of the International Association for Ecology and Health, and chairs the Scientific Board of the Transdisciplinary Network of the Swiss Academies.
Rajendra Singh
Rajendra Singh , popularly known as the “Waterman of India,” is a celebrated water conservationist and environmentalist from Rajasthan. Through his NGO, “Tarun Bharat Sangh” (TBS), he has led groundbreaking efforts in community-based water management since 1985. By reviving traditional rainwater harvesting techniques such as johads and check dams, Singh and his team have successfully restored groundwater levels, revived five rivers—Arvari, Ruparel, Sarsa, Bhagani, and Jahajwali—and transformed over a thousand drought-prone villages in Rajasthan. His work has not only replenished water resources but also improved agriculture, reforested landscapes, and strengthened rural livelihoods. Recognized globally for his impact, he has received prestigious awards including the Ramon Magsaysay Award (2001) and the Stockholm Water Prize (2015), cementing his status as a global icon of grassroots environmental activism.
Shailesh Nayak
Dr. Shailesh Nayak currently is the Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, Editor-inChief, Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing and Life Trustee, India International Centre, New Delhi. He was the Chair, Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO) and Secretary to the Government of India, for Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), between August 2008-2015, Former Chancellor of the TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi. Dr. Nayak is Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru, the National Academy of Sciences, India, Allahabad, the International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), and Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, Paris. He has been awarded honorary degree of Doctor of Science by the Andhra University in 2011, by the Assam University in 2013, and by the Amity University in 2015. Dr. Nayak is recipient of IGU - Hari Narain Lifetime Achievement Award in Geosciences-2013, the ISCA Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Award 2012, the Bhaskara Award for 2009 by the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Dehradun. Considering the impact of his research on the society, the Govt. of India has conferred him, the civilian honour ‘Padma Shri’ in the field of science and engineering in 2024. Dr. Nayak is the President, Indian Geophysical Union, Hyderabad, and Indian Mangrove Society. Dr. Nayak has published about 190 papers in International and National journals and deliver about 200 invited talks in national and international fora.
Sandeep Virmani
Mr. Sandeep Virmani is an environmentalist, with training in Architecture. Based in Kutch, over the past 30 years he has working with communities all over India, celebrating their traditional knowledge in water management, food production, animal breed and seed conservation, building with natural materials and wildlife conservation. He has set up two organizations, Hunnarshala Foundation to work on built habitats and Sahjeevan to work on ecosystems and her indigenous communities. He has recently begun writing stories and painting. Sandeep Virmani is a founding member and the Executive Vice Chairman of Hunnarshala Foundation. An architect by training, he has been working on sustainable housing, water conservation, organic farming, renewable energy, nomads’ living conditions and natural resource management for the past three decades. At Hunnarshala, he has led work on sustainable post-disaster housing for the poor, involving local artisans and using local materials and technologies. He is a founding member of many organizations including Satvik, Arid Communities and Technologies (ACT) and Kutch Navnirman Abhiyan, a collective of 38 rural development organizations covering 650 villages. He is also on the Board of Directors of Sahjeevan, which focuses on commons-based livelihoods in Gujarat. https://sahjeevan.org/our-board/
PLENARY SPEAKERS
Prof. Chetan Vaidya
Prof. Chetan Vaidya is an Architect-Planner with over 30-year experience. He is former Director of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) New Delhi (20012-17) and former Director of National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) (2008-12) in India. Presently, he is Independent Director (Non-Executive) of GIFT city Gujarat, proposed financial capital of India. The NITI Ayog (Planning Commission of India) has nominated him as Chairperson of Working Group of “City Governance and Smart Cities” as part of National Development Agenda@75 (Year 2022). The Government has appointed him as part time Independent Director of Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) from June 2016 for three years. The All India Council of Technical Education has appointed him as Chairman of Planning Education Board. The University of Melbourne has nominated him as Melbourne-Asia Visiting Fellow for 2014-15. He was awarded Distinguished Alumnus by IIT Kharagpur in 2015. He worked as Dy. Project Leader, Indo-USAID Financial Institutions Reform and Expansion Program (FIRE) during 1995-2008. Major objective of the program was to develop commercially–viable urban environmental infrastructure projects with focus on urban poor. Prof. Vaidya has wide academic, research and consultancy experience in working in Urban planning sector.
Utpal S. Tatu
Prof. Vimal Mishra
Harish Padh
Vijayaraghavan Chariar
SCHEDULE
1 July 2025
10th September 2025
25th September 2025
2 November 2025
30 November 2025
9-10 January 2026
Announcement
Extended Deadline for Abstract Submission
Announcement of selected abstracts
Submission of Full paper
Acceptance of papers
Conference
Extended Deadline
Attractions & Tours around the City
Explore Vadodara
Abstract Submission Guidelines
-
The abstract should contain 300-500 words
-
Abstract title should not exceed 20 words
-
3-5 Keywords should be provided to represent the content of the abstract
-
The abstract should be entered as plain text; it must not contain any HTML elements.
-
Abstracts are to be submitted online using the given link
-
The body text must not contain any personal details of the author
-
An author can submit only one abstract, either for oral presentation or poster presentation category
-
An author may be a co-author for another paper or poster.
Paper Submission Guidelines
-
Papers are limited toa minimum of 2500 and a maximum of 5000 words (including title, abstract, images, figures, captions, and references)
-
Paper must be written in English Language
-
Papers must follow the guidelines provided in the Paper Template
-
File should be in Microsoft Word Document (.doc) only
-
File size is limited to 10 MB
-
Paper must not contain any AI generated content or plagiarism
-
Papers failing to follow the guidelines will be rejected without consideration of their qualities
Poster Submission Guidelines
-
Poster Size is A0, Portrait
-
The text in the Poster must be written in English Language.
-
Poster must follow the guidelines provided in the Poster Template
-
File should be in PDF format (.pdf) only
-
File size is limited to 20 MB
-
Poster must not contain any AI generated content or plagiarism
-
Posters failing to follow the guidelines will be rejected without consideration of their qualities
-
For poster presentations, authors are required to bring printed copies of their posters to the venue
General Information
-
All papers will be double blind peer reviewed
-
Registration is mandatory for all categories, paper presenters, poster presenters, and attendees
-
International presenters have an option to present their paper in online session. This option is not available for Indian residents
-
An author can submit only one abstract, either for oral presentation or poster presentation category.
-
An author may be a co-author for another paper or poster.
-
Only one oral presentation can be made by any author at the conference.
-
Co-author can present the paper provided the co-author has also registered for the conference.
-
Scientific committee has the right to reject any abstract or paper which does not fulfill the requirements
-
Post conference the full papers will be reviewed and selected papers will be published in the conference proceedings. We are currently in talks with Taylor and Francis for this publication. The proceedings will most probably be sent for Scopus indexing
-
All authors listed on the abstract must have reviewed and approved the content, and the submitting author is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all provided information
-
By submitting, the authors grant permission for the abstract to be published by the organizers and accept that it may be published in its original form without editorial changes
-
The schedule for oral and poster presentations will be shared one week before the event
CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
Chairs
Prof. Pratyush Shankar
Provost , Navrachana University
Dean, School of Environmental Design and Architecture
Prof. A V Ramachandran
Professor Emeritus and Mentor, School of Science
Coordinator
Dr. Darshee Baxi
Associate Dean and Program Chair, School of Science
Advisory Committee
Prof. Sandeep Vasant
Professor and Registrar, Navrachana University
Dr. Hitesh Bhatia
Dean, School of Business and Law
Prof. Pragya Shankar
Program Chair, School of Environmental Design and Architecture
Dr. Priyanka Behrani
Acting Dean, School of Liberal Studies and Education
Working Committee
Dr. Ankita Sharma
Program Chair, School of Business and Law
Prof. Advaita Jalan
Associate Professor, School of Environmental Design and Architecture
Prof Shalini Amin
Program Chair, School of Environmental Design and Architecture
Dr. Parth Pandya
Head UG PG Office, Navrachana University
Dr. Anupama Dave
Program Chair, School of Business and Law
Prof Manali Bhadra
Assistant Professor, School of Environmental Design and Architecture
Dr. Ashish Jani
Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Technology
Dr. Amarish Badgujar
Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Technology
Dr. Dharmesh Varade
Head, NUV Graduate School
Dr. Pallavi Ghalsasi
Professor, School of Science
Scientific Committee
Dr. Prakruti Shah
Head Khoj, Navrachana University
Prof Ravi Sevak
Program Chair, School of Engineering and Technology
Dr. Saloni Pandya
Program Chair, School of Engineering and Technology
Dr. Divya Bhatnagar
Professor and Head, University Communications (Internal & External), Navrachana University
Dr. Brijesh Shah
Assistant Professor, School of Science
Dr. Javed Khatri
Program Chair, School of Liberal Studies and Education
Prof. Pradip Kalbar
Associate Professor, Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay
Prof. Udit Bhatia
Associate Professor, Civil Engineering and Earth Science,
IIT Gandhinagar
Dr. Jayaramudu Jarugala
Senior Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology-CSIR, Hyderabad
Dr. Jitesh Thakkar
Professor and Dean, Gati Shakti Vidyalaya, GSV, Vadodara
Indranil De
Professor, Institute of Rural Management, Anand
Dr. Varun Nayyar
Program Head, Chitkara University, Centre for Distance and Online Education
Dr. Sanjeev Singh
Professor, Department of Architecture, SPA Bhopal
Ranjeet Dayaratne
Professor of Architecture, University of Bahrain
Sandeep Virmani
Director, Hunnarshala Foundation
Prof. Sandeep Vasant
Professor and Registrar, Navrachana University
Dr. Hitesh Bhatia
Dean, School of Business and Law
Dr. Amarish Badgujar
Associate Dean, School of Engineering and Technology
Dr. A. V. Ramachandran
Mentor, School of Science
Dr. Chetan Vaidya
Former Director, School of Planning and Architecture,
New Delhi
Chandrani Chakraborty
Associate Professor and Program Chair, Landscape Architecture, CEPT University
Prof. Oommen V Oommen
Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board
Dr. G Umapathy
Chief Scientist, CCMB, Hyderabad
Dr. Laxmi S Inamdar
Professor, Karnatak University, Dharwad
Prof. K K Sharma
Professor, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University Ajmer
Dr. Parisha Jijina
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology,
The M.S. University of Baroda
Prof. Pulkit Khanna
Professor and Dean, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences
Dr. Deepti Hooda
Professor ,Dept of Psychology,MDU Rohtak
Dr. Darshee Baxi
Associate Dean & Program Chair, School of Science
Prof. Pratyush Shankar
Provost , Navrachana University
Dean, School of Environmental Design and Architecture
Dr. Priyanka Behrani
Acting Dean & Program Chair, School of Liberal Studies & Education
Contact
Vasna-Bhayli Road
Near Purshottam Party Plot
Vadodara - 391 410
Gujarat, India
91-265-2617316
Conference Proceedings
All accepted articles will be published as the Conference Proceedings in a Scopus indexed book series, published by Springer Nature.