Samidha Mahesh Pusalkar is a young heritage professional with a PhD in Preservation of Architectural Heritage from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Her doctoral research focused on approaches to contextualise the conservation of living religious heritage sites. Samidha's research interests encompass the dynamics of built heritage, with particular attention to intangible values, placemaking, community involvement, and policymaking.

She possesses an academic and professional background in history, archaeology, urban studies, policymaking, architecture, heritage conservation, research, and cultural management. With over six years of progressively responsible experience at international and European levels—working with organisations such as English Heritage, ICOMOS, Future for Religious Heritage, INTACH, and ESACH—she brings a wealth of expertise to her roles.

Samidha currently serves as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee at Future for Religious Heritage (FRH), where she also chairs the Young Professionals Working Group, which she founded in December 2023.