The 1st Faringdon Symposium
The 1st Faringdon Symposium
Sensing the Impact
15 May 2026
5 June 2026
Non-Destructive Testing, Remote Sensing, Computational Modelling, Immersive Technologies, Built Environment, Climate Resilience, Community Engagement, Multi-modal Sensing, Structural Health Monitoring
Welcome from the Chair
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Organising Committee, we are pleased to welcome you to The 1st Faringdon Symposium – Sensing the Impact (FARSY 2026), which will be held on June 25, 2026.
This symposium serves as an open forum for the exchange of ideas and the presentation of research findings across the diverse fields of sensing, computing, and engineering. The event is proudly hosted by The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, and participants to engage in peer-to-peer learning and foster collaborations within an evolving scientific landscape.
The work presented here integrates the rigour of core sciences, including Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Remote Sensing, and Immersive Technologies, with their practical applications. Through community engagement and a consistent dialogue with external stakeholders, we seek to investigate how high-level technical findings can be effectively utilised to address contemporary challenges and deliver meaningful impact.
We anticipate stimulating discussions on a range of topics, including, but not limited, to the following:
S1. Immersive Technologies & Community Engagement: Enhancing data communication through digital interfaces and interactive frameworks.
S2. Sustainability & Climate-Adaptive Infrastructure: Utilising observation technologies and nature-based strategies for environmental resilience.
S3. Integrated Sensing for Built Assets & Infrastructure: Advancing the diagnostic monitoring of critical assets through multi-modal and integrated systems.
S4. Sensing for Heritage & Environmental Risk: Assessing vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural and natural sites.
We look forward to an engaging day of scientific discourse, concluding with a ceremony to recognise outstanding contributions to the field.
Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Fabio Tosti
On behalf of: The 1st Faringdon Symposium Event Committee
Event Organizers
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing
Faringdon.centre@uwl.ac.uk
Event Chairs
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Prof. Dr. Fabio Tosti is a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of West London (UWL) and Director of "The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing." He received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. (European Doctorate Label) from Roma Tre University, Italy. A registered Chartered Engineer, his research focuses on non-destructive testing (NDT), satellite remote sensing, and geoscience applications for civil infrastructure, green assets, and heritage conservation. With over 260 publications, Prof. Tosti has received numerous accolades, including the 2017 ECSs Award from the European Geosciences Union (EGU) and Best Paper Awards at conferences such as GIRST 2023, AGERS 2021, and TSP 2020. He has held major leadership roles, serving as General Chair for ICARS 2025 and the International Workshop on Signal Processing Techniques for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Applications (2020–2024). He is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of NDT–Journal of Non-Destructive Testing and an Associate Editor for Remote Sensing, Frontiers in Remote Sensing, and Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems (GI). He is currently the Deputy President (President-Elect, 2027–2029) of the EGU’s GI Division and serves as an expert evaluator for the European Commission’s Horizon programs.
Event Committee
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr Atiyeh Ardakanian currently serves as a lecturer within the School of Computing and Engineering, specialising in Civil Engineering disciplines. She delivers undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Research Methods, Land Surveying and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Civil Engineers. Atiyeh's research interests focus on the water-energy-food nexus and sustainable and safe wastewater reuse.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr Efcharis Balodimou (Haroula) is Course Leader for Architectural Design Technology Courses. Haroula currently works across the Built Environment courses, teaching architectural design technology, building surveying conservation and adaptation and sustainability. She is also part of the Architecture, Construction and Urban Study research group. Before joining UWL, Haroula worked as an architect for over 10 years, specialising in high value residential refurbishment and conversion of listed buildings. Her involvement ranged from initial design and planning stages to construction and handover. From 2012 to 2021, Haroula was also governor in an Ealing primary school. In addition to participating in the overall management of the school, she acted as an architectural consultant during the school’s refurbishment and new built extension (completed June 2016).
Professor Phil Cox originally decided to be a biologist and studied for a degree in Applied Biology and Biotechnology. He then gained a PhD in Biochemical Engineering from the SERC Centre for Biochemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. Eventually, he was enticed into food research and worked in the groups headed by Professors Fryer and Norton. Ultimately, he started his own research group, the Bio/Food Group, and had a number of international industrial collaborations and projects. In 2015, he was offered a more senior role at the University of Wolverhampton where he established a new Chemical Engineering department and collaborative courses with the School of Sciences. In 2020, Phil joined the University of Greenwich as Head of Engineering and now leads seven disciplines across engineering and the built environment. Most recently, he has joined the University of West London as Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering and hopes to grow the school into a strong research-informed department with the highest standards for its education. Away from work, Phil enjoys all aspects of the outdoors and climbing.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr Eugenio Donati is a Lecturer in Audio/Sound Engineering and has earned a PhD in Audio Electronics and Bio-signal processing. His doctoral thesis focused on the development of a system for the conversion of voice into MIDI through the application of biosignal and Artificial Intelligence. Dr Donati is a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and of the UK Acoustic Network (UKAN+).
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr Livia Lantini received the BSc (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering and the MSc degree in Infrastructure and Transportation Engineering with the Department of Engineering, Rome Tre University, Rome, Italy. In 2021 she was awarded the PhD degree in Civil Engineering by the University of West London, London, UK. Her research focuses on the assessment of civil engineering infrastructures using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and other non-destructive testing (NDT) methods in Civil Engineering and Geosciences, as well as the health monitoring and assessment of trees using GPR. She was the recipient of an award for the ‘Best Paper at the IEEE 2020 43rd International Conference on Telecommunications and Signal Processing’. She has also given invited presentations at national events and forums, such as a Business Breakfast event at the House of Lords, in February 2020. She is also a dedicated team member of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (WInSTEM) at the School of Computing and Engineering at UWL, and an Ambassador of the IEEE Women in Engineering UK & Ireland.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr Laden Husamaldin is an Associate Professor in Information Systems and Project Management with over 15 years of academic experience. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), which recognises her commitment to teaching and learning excellence. Dr. Husamaldin balances her academic career with practical expertise gained from consultancy projects in both the private and public sectors. She earned her PhD in Information Systems from Brunel University, where her research focused on business and software modelling and model-driven information systems development. Dr Husamaldin is the Project Management Lead for the Faringdon Centre for Non-destructive Testing and Remote Sensing. Her current research interests include project management, digital innovation, business analytics, business modelling, smart education and cities, and research methods. She has an extensive publication record in conferences and journals and has been an active reviewer since 2008. In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, Dr Husamaldin supervises PhD students and is an external director of studies for PhD students. For those interested in pursuing a full-time or part-time PhD, please email Dr Husamaldin directly.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr. Mohammad Kargar is an AI researcher and educator with +10 years experience in machine learning, optimisation, and applied control, developing intelligent systems for sustainability and human-centred design. He is a Lecturer in Multimefdia and Augmented Reality at the School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London. His research bridges artificial intelligence and human-centred design, focusing on applied control and optimisation. Before joining UWL, he was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Computer Science Research Centre, Royal College of Art, and served for over ten years as an Assistant Professor in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at IAUN University, where he taught and supervised research in control systems and intelligent automation. He has extensive experience in academia and industry, leading projects on energy optimisation, smart buildings, and human–robot interaction. Mohammad is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and has published widely in high-impact journals on control, robotics, and energy systems.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr. Muhammad Naveed is a distinguished civil engineer with over a decade of experience across industry and academia. Currently an Associate Professor at the University of West London, he is an expert in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. He is a member of the Pakistan Engineering Council, an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen. Professional Background Prior to his current role, Dr. Naveed was a Lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland and a Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen. His academic career is grounded in three years of practical experience as a geotechnical engineer at NESPAK, where he worked on major international infrastructure projects. Research & Impact With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Naveed has contributed to several high-profile UK and European research projects, including: Rhizosphere by Design (BBSRC): Breeding for root traits to manipulate soil. StressSoil: Funded by the Danish Council for Independent Research. Soil-it-is: Researching translocation processes in inner space. Key Research Interests Sustainable Infrastructure: Innovative materials to prevent potholes and increase climate resistance in earth-based structures. Bioengineering: Soil stabilization using plant-based biomaterials, agricultural waste, and microbial-induced calcite (MIC). Slope Stability: Utilizing root architecture (length, density, and exudates) and soil nails for slope reinforcement. Soil Physics: Stress transmission through soil and pavement layers. Academic Leadership As a module leader at UWL, Dr. Naveed teaches Soil Mechanics, Geology, Geotechnical Design, and Advanced Geotechnical Engineering, bridging the gap between theoretical soil physics and practical civil engineering solutions.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr Saeed Parnow is Post-Doctoral Research Fellow– Innovation and Knowledge Transfer at the Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr. Malte Ressin has extensive experience of working within the software development industry and academia; academic authoring and publication review for journals and conferences. Research interest: collaboration across disciplines in software development, productive mobile computing.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr Parisa Saadati (BSc, MSc, PhD Candidate, PGCE, FHEA) is an IT Senior Lecturer and the MSc Applied Project Management Course Leader at the University of West London. She has over two decades of experience in academia and industry. Certified as a practitioner in PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies, her career spans roles at Roehampton University and Ulster University (London campus), blending teaching expertise with practical project management. Further, her commitment to professional development is evidenced by numerous certifications in Agile Project Management, Design Thinking, User Experience and more. Dr Saadati's work as an entrepreneur and consultant complements her academic contributions, enriching her supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations. Her leadership in curriculum development and research in digital transformation and innovation showcases her commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the digital age. Dr Saadati's dynamic approach to education bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application, marking her as a pivotal figure in IT and project management education. Teaching philosophy and impact: Her approach to education is rooted in the belief that learning should be interactive, relevant and continuously aligned with industry trends. By integrating her research insights into the curriculum, Dr Saadati ensures that her students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey. Whether it's through leading modules on Digital Transformation, Managing Innovation and Change, or supervising dissertations, she strives to instil curiosity, critical thinking and practical skills in her students. Her dedication to teaching excellence is evident in her development of innovative course content, her role as a mentor and her ability to inspire students to pursue their passions within the IT and project management fields.
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK,
The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing, University of West London, UK
Dr Tesfaye Tessema received a physics bachelor's degree from Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, in 2004 and an MSc degree in Geodesy (Civil Engineering) from Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2013. In 2021, he received his PhD in Geophysics from the University of Bristol, England. The Michael Dreyfus PhD Alumni Scholarship supported the PhD. He had research visits at the University of Bristol in 2012 and 2015; and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in 2015. In January 2023, he joined the School of Computing and Engineering of the University of West London as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on "Theory and Applications of Remote Sensing Techniques and Methods (InSAR)" and since March 2025 he is a Lecturer in Mathematics.
