On 22^nd November, FRISSBE researcher Kirils Simakovs took part in the National Day of Civil Engineering, an event hosted by the National Engineering University of Gabes (ENIG), Tunisia. This annual gathering brings together engineering students, academics, and industry representatives to exchange knowledge, strengthen skills, and explore current innovations in civil engineering.

Simakovs delivered the opening presentation of the conference, titled “When Modules Meet Flames: ZAG’s Practical Guide to BAPV Risk.” Speaking in English to an audience of around 210 participants, he introduced ZAG’s research activities and outlined the fire safety challenges associated with building-applied photovoltaic (BAPV) systems, an increasingly relevant topic as solar installations expand across Europe and beyond.

Attendees came from several institutions, including the National Engineering Schools of Sfax (ENIS) and Tunis (ENIT), the University of Applied Sciences of Sfax (ISET Sfax), and the National Polytechnic School of Oran in Algeria. The conference programme featured presentations, debates, workshops, and technical competitions, with sessions held in Arabic, French, and English.

This 6^th edition marked a step towards greater international participation, aiming to foster collaboration between students and professionals from different regions. Kirils’ contribution helped highlight the importance of fire safety in renewable energy systems while raising awareness of ZAG and FRISSBE’s work among a new international audience.