Prof. Settimio Ferlisi of the University of Salerno and Dr. Kala Venkata Uday, Chairperson of C3DAR at IIT Mandi, said the programme brings international expertise to one of the world’s most landslide prone regions, with the course hosted in person at IIT Mandi from 9 to 14 March 2026.
Mumbai, 10 March 2026: Global expertise on landslide risk assessment and mitigation has converged at IIT Mandi, where the institute has inaugurated the six day LARAM Course 2026, an international training programme focused on strengthening research and practical understanding of landslide disaster risk reduction in mountainous regions.
The programme brings the LARAM School of the University of Salerno to India in physical mode for the second time. Established in 2005 by the Geotechnical Engineering Group of the University of Salerno, the LARAM School has evolved into a respected international platform for advanced training for PhD scholars, young researchers, and professionals in civil engineering, environmental engineering, geology, and related fields.
The 2026 edition at IIT Mandi has brought together 10 experts from Switzerland, Italy, Norway, and India, who are delivering lectures and training sessions to 40 participants, including research scholars, professionals from across India, and a few international participants. The course has been designed to address the specific landslide challenges of the Himalayan region, where slope instability continues to threaten communities, transport systems, and critical infrastructure.
The programme is being organised by the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management at IIT Mandi with support from Tata Trusts, the National Disaster Management Authority, and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. It combines scientific lectures, technical discussions, and field exposure to deepen understanding of landslide processes and mitigation strategies in mountainous terrain.
Prof. Settimio Ferlisi, President of the LARAM School and faculty member at the University of Salerno, said, “The LARAM School has always aimed to build a strong international community of young researchers working on landslide risk reduction. Hosting the course in the Himalayas provides participants with the opportunity to engage directly with one of the most landslide prone regions of the world, enriching both the scientific and practical dimensions of the training.”
Dr. Kala Venkata Uday, Coordinator of LARAM Course 2026 and Chairperson of C3DAR at IIT Mandi, said, “The Himalayan region faces complex landslide challenges due to its fragile geology, rapid development, and changing climatic patterns. The LARAM Course at IIT Mandi provides an important platform for global experts and young researchers to exchange knowledge and develop strategies that can contribute to safer and more resilient mountain communities.”
Hosting LARAM Course 2026 at IIT Mandi also reflects India’s expanding role in research, training, and international collaboration in landslide disaster risk reduction, especially in the Himalayan context. The programme is expected to generate insights for researchers, policymakers, and disaster management authorities working toward resilient and sustainable development in mountainous regions.
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