IZIIS: 60 Years of Science, Vision, and Resilience
University Ss. “Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology-IZIIS, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
When time outlines sixty years upon the arc of a legacy, the number sheds its count and becomes a symbol of wisdom earned, resilience tested, and a vision steadfast enough to touch tomorrow. Today, we stand in tribute of science and progress, Marking the 60th anniversary of the IZIIS, a cornerstone of national pride and global impact.
University Ss. “Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology-IZIIS, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
When time outlines sixty years upon the arc of a legacy, the number sheds its count and becomes a symbol of wisdom earned, resilience tested, and a vision steadfast enough to touch tomorrow. Today, we stand in tribute of science and progress, Marking the 60th anniversary of the IZIIS, a cornerstone of national pride and global impact.
Born from the ashes of tragedy, in the shattered heart of Skopje, IZIIS emerged from tragedy as a beacon of renewal and expertise. Established on May 27, 1965, with support from national institutions, UNESCO, and the international community, its mission was clear: to lead in knowledge, education, and the construction of a resilient society.
From 1968 to 1981, IZIIS operated with premises in the Faculty of Civil Engineering starting its scientific journey. In 1968, it installed its first computer, the IBM 1130, embracing digital analysis. That same year, it conducted its first post-earthquake mission, setting the tone for future fieldwork and crisis response on both national and global levels.
By 1981, IZIIS had moved to its present-day campus on the slopes of Vodno. With state-of-the-art laboratories and one of Europe’s first seismic shaking tables, it became a symbol of experimental and technological excellence. This infrastructure enabled the Institute to expand its research capabilities and deepen its global partnerships.
From 1968 to 1981, IZIIS operated with premises in the Faculty of Civil Engineering starting its scientific journey. In 1968, it installed its first computer, the IBM 1130, embracing digital analysis. That same year, it conducted its first post-earthquake mission, setting the tone for future fieldwork and crisis response on both national and global levels.
By 1981, IZIIS had moved to its present-day campus on the slopes of Vodno. With state-of-the-art laboratories and one of Europe’s first seismic shaking tables, it became a symbol of experimental and technological excellence. This infrastructure enabled the Institute to expand its research capabilities and deepen its global partnerships.
A Mandate Beyond Borders
The Institute’s mandate has grown into one of national importance and global relevance—spanning seismic risk research, disaster mitigation, policy advising, education, and public service. With six departments and five specialized laboratories, IZIIS addresses everything from structural and geotechnical dynamics to software development, materials and dynamic testing, and risk assessment. Its facilities provide exceptional capabilities for both laboratory and field investigations — essential for advancing scientific knowledge and strengthening resilient communities.
The Institute’s mandate has grown into one of national importance and global relevance—spanning seismic risk research, disaster mitigation, policy advising, education, and public service. With six departments and five specialized laboratories, IZIIS addresses everything from structural and geotechnical dynamics to software development, materials and dynamic testing, and risk assessment. Its facilities provide exceptional capabilities for both laboratory and field investigations — essential for advancing scientific knowledge and strengthening resilient communities.
Education Rooted in Excellence
Since its establishment, IZIIS has stood as an institution of excellence, uniting research, education, and practical application. In 1965, IZIIS became a pioneer in higher education by launching the first postgraduate (master’s) program in earthquake engineering in Europe. The first master’s thesis was defended in 1967, and by 1977, the Institute had initiated its first doctoral studies.
Over the decades, educational programs evolved to meet the demands of science and society. The CADAC course, supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, trained over 500 engineers from 72 countries.
This legacy continues today with initiatives like the “Shake It Up” course, promoting global capacity building in earthquake engineering.
Through its second-and third-cycle study programs, IZIIS continues to educate professionals recognized worldwide. In cooperation with top universities, it has become a hub of scientific talent, shaping new generations of experts ready to face 21st-century challenges.
Since its establishment, IZIIS has stood as an institution of excellence, uniting research, education, and practical application. In 1965, IZIIS became a pioneer in higher education by launching the first postgraduate (master’s) program in earthquake engineering in Europe. The first master’s thesis was defended in 1967, and by 1977, the Institute had initiated its first doctoral studies.
Over the decades, educational programs evolved to meet the demands of science and society. The CADAC course, supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, trained over 500 engineers from 72 countries.
This legacy continues today with initiatives like the “Shake It Up” course, promoting global capacity building in earthquake engineering.
Through its second-and third-cycle study programs, IZIIS continues to educate professionals recognized worldwide. In cooperation with top universities, it has become a hub of scientific talent, shaping new generations of experts ready to face 21st-century challenges.
Scientific Footprint and International Reach
The Institute’s scientific contributions span hundreds of indexed papers, technical reports, studies, and national standards. It hosted major international conferences, most notably the 14th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering in 2010.
IZIIS is a trusted partner in EU Framework Programmes and NATO’s Science for Peace initiative, and a key contributor to efforts supporting the development and adoption of seismic regulations in North African countries such as Algeria and Tunisia. Its post-disaster expertise is globally recognized, as is its ongoing collaboration with countries including the USA, Germany, China, Turkey, and Austria.
In 2016, IZIIS initiated the process to become a UNESCO Category 2 Institute, further affirming its role as a reference center for science, training, and resilience at the international level.
The Institute’s scientific contributions span hundreds of indexed papers, technical reports, studies, and national standards. It hosted major international conferences, most notably the 14th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering in 2010.
IZIIS is a trusted partner in EU Framework Programmes and NATO’s Science for Peace initiative, and a key contributor to efforts supporting the development and adoption of seismic regulations in North African countries such as Algeria and Tunisia. Its post-disaster expertise is globally recognized, as is its ongoing collaboration with countries including the USA, Germany, China, Turkey, and Austria.
In 2016, IZIIS initiated the process to become a UNESCO Category 2 Institute, further affirming its role as a reference center for science, training, and resilience at the international level.
A Social Mission
IZIIS is more than a research institute—it is a public institution with a deep sense of duty. Its work spans the drafting of technical codes, damage assessments, legal frameworks, and education. Its outreach includes awareness campaigns and seismic safety training for over 50 schools nationwide, laying the foundations for future generations to grow with knowledge and responsibility.
A Living Legacy
Within these words, beat the collective heart of generations who believed in science not only as a pursuit of truth but as a tool for building safer futures. IZIIS is not just a building or an institution, IZIIS is a spirit. A spirit that unites knowledge, commitment, and purpose.
To the Next 60 Years
With reverence for the past, responsibility in the present, and belief in the future, may this anniversary inspire bold ideas, new minds, and a continued pursuit of excellence.
IZIIS is more than a research institute—it is a public institution with a deep sense of duty. Its work spans the drafting of technical codes, damage assessments, legal frameworks, and education. Its outreach includes awareness campaigns and seismic safety training for over 50 schools nationwide, laying the foundations for future generations to grow with knowledge and responsibility.
A Living Legacy
Within these words, beat the collective heart of generations who believed in science not only as a pursuit of truth but as a tool for building safer futures. IZIIS is not just a building or an institution, IZIIS is a spirit. A spirit that unites knowledge, commitment, and purpose.
To the Next 60 Years
With reverence for the past, responsibility in the present, and belief in the future, may this anniversary inspire bold ideas, new minds, and a continued pursuit of excellence.
Happy 60th, IZIIS, may your vision echo through many more decades to come!
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