Chennai: An 11-member media delegation from Assam, comprising editors and accompanied by officials from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati, visited the CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC) here on Wednesday to learn about scientific advances and technologies for disaster-resilient infrastructure.

The visit was organised under the Central Sector Scheme "Development Communication & Information Dissemination" to showcase scientific and industrial developments in Tamil Nadu to media representatives from the Northeast.

CSIR-SERC Director N Anandavalli briefed the delegation on the centre's research and development capabilities in structural engineering.

Highlighting the specific disaster vulnerabilities of Assam and the Northeast, including earthquakes, floods and landslides, Anandavalli explained the centre's technologies aimed at developing safe, sustainable and disaster-resilient infrastructure.

The delegation visited several specialised facilities, including the Advanced Seismic Testing and Research (ASTaR) Laboratory, Wind Engineering Laboratory (WEL) and Fatigue & Fracture Laboratory (FFL).

Scientists demonstrated research and technologies related to earthquake-resistant structures, mitigation of wind effects, material durability and prevention of structural failures.

The media representatives also witnessed live technical demonstrations showcasing engineering solutions for real-world challenges.

The visit provided the delegation with an insight into ongoing research in disaster mitigation and structural safety and is expected to facilitate wider dissemination of scientific and engineering knowledge in Assam and other Northeastern states, officials said.