Prof. Mahmoud Reza Maheri | Seismic retrofitting | Best Researcher Award
Prof. Mahmoud Reza Maheri | Seismic retrofitting – Professor at Shiraz University, Iran
Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Reza Maheri is a globally respected expert in civil, structural, and earthquake engineering, with an academic and professional legacy spanning over four decades. Recognized for his pioneering contributions to seismic retrofitting, structural dynamics, and national code development, he holds the esteemed position of Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering at Shiraz University. His career reflects a rare combination of academic excellence, government advisory roles, impactful engineering practice, and mentorship. Internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading scientists in his field, he continues to influence policy, education, and the built environment across Iran and beyond.
Academic Profile
ORCID | Scopus | Google Scholar
Education
Prof. Maheri’s educational journey is grounded in rigorous research and academic discipline. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Bristol, UK, where he specialized in earthquake-induced fluid-structure dynamic interaction, under the mentorship of the renowned late Professor R.T. Severn. Prior to this, he undertook postdoctoral research at King’s College London, contributing to SERC-funded studies in dynamic torsional coupling in tall buildings. These formative academic experiences in the UK built the foundation for a lifelong commitment to understanding seismic behavior in structural systems and applying those insights to improve building safety and infrastructure resilience.
Experience
Over the course of his illustrious career, Prof. Maheri has held several key academic and advisory roles. Since joining Shiraz University, he has progressed from Assistant Professor to Distinguished Professor, while also serving as Director of the Centre for Seismic Retrofitting and Chairman of the National Building Code Committee on Masonry Buildings. His impact is both theoretical and practical—having managed or contributed to seismic assessments of over 200 critical structures, including dams, historical buildings, bridges, and educational institutions. His international experience includes a visiting professorship at Cardiff University and consultancy work with WS Atkins Engineering Sciences in the UK, which underscores his cross-border research relevance and engineering application.
Research Interests
Prof. Maheri’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of structural and earthquake engineering, seismic retrofitting, nonlinear dynamic analysis, and performance-based design. His work is deeply invested in improving the structural resilience of buildings in earthquake-prone regions through analytical modeling and experimental validation. He is also passionate about contributing to national codes and guidelines, ensuring that academic insights translate into safer, more robust construction practices. His interests extend to developing computational models for vulnerability assessment, retrofitting strategies, and fluid-structure interactions—demonstrating a blend of theoretical rigor and practical applicability.
Awards
A recipient of numerous honors, Prof. Maheri has been repeatedly recognized as “Researcher of the Year” at Shiraz University. He has also been named among the Top 2% World Scientists by Elsevier, a significant acknowledgment of his scholarly impact based on citation and career metrics. He is listed among the Top 20 Scientists of Shiraz University and has served on many high-level national committees shaping Iran’s seismic and structural safety frameworks. These accolades reflect not only the volume of his contributions but also their sustained relevance and transformative impact on both academia and industry.
Publications 📚
Prof. Maheri’s scholarly output is extensive and impactful. Below are selected publications that represent his leading role in civil and seismic engineering research:
📘 “Seismic Retrofitting Techniques for Masonry Structures” – Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, 2021. This work explores retrofitting frameworks for vulnerable buildings. [Cited by 65 articles]
📘 “Dynamic Response of Buildings under Torsional Coupling” – Engineering Structures, 2020. A critical study on torsional irregularities in multistory buildings. [Cited by 47 articles]
📘 “Performance-Based Seismic Design: An Iranian Perspective” – Iranian Journal of Science and Technology (IJST-C), 2019. Highlights local adaptations in global design methodologies. [Cited by 34 articles]
📘 “Vulnerability Assessment of Historical Structures in Earthquake Zones” – Architecture, Structures and Construction (Springer), 2018. A study that blends engineering and cultural preservation. [Cited by 53 articles]
📘 “Nonlinear Behavior of Retrofitted RC Frames” – Earthquake Engineering Journal, 2016. Focuses on modeling and experimental validation. [Cited by 39 articles]
📘 “Evaluation of Seismic Code Implementation in Iran” – International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering, 2015. Provides a critique of code compliance in construction practices. [Cited by 41 articles]
📘 “Fluid-Structure Interaction under Earthquake Loading” – Journal of Civil Engineering Research, 2013. Investigates dynamic coupling in complex infrastructures. [Cited by 29 articles]
Conclusion ✅
Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Reza Maheri’s lifelong dedication to seismic safety, structural analysis, and engineering education makes him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His impact spans academic research, national policy development, engineering consultancy, and educational mentorship. From leading building code committees to retrofitting vital infrastructure and publishing high-impact studies, his career serves as a beacon of excellence and relevance in civil engineering. As the world faces increasing seismic and structural challenges, his contributions stand out not only for their technical depth but also for their societal value. It is with confidence that his name is recommended for this prestigious award.
