Don Ward visited two Associate members in the last month. He met with faculty and students from Anglia Ruskin University and Birmingham City University, and agreed to support initiatives with both universities that will enhance their engagement with CIB.
Anglia Ruskin University
Dr Katerina Prevelianaki, Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, organised the visit to Anglia Ruskin University. Outcomes included a valuable overview of the Department’s research programme, commitment to launch a CIB Student Chapter, and greater participation in CIB’s Working Commissions and Task Groups. The key role of global philanthropies in funding research was also discussed.
“Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has retained a longstanding membership with the CIB and has strongly engaged with conferences and commissions throughout the years. We were delighted to have Don Ward visit us in our Chelmsford campus and discuss current and emerging research in our School alongside a fruitful exploration of new avenues to strengthen ARU and CIB ties. We continue to value CIB’s significance in facilitating and promoting research in Buildings and Construction, and we aspire to further grow our involvement with the international research community which the CIB helps foster. “
Katerina Prevelianaki
Senior Lecturer | School of Engineering and the Built Environment
Birmingham City University
Dr Saeed Talebi, Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, organised the visit to Birmingham City University. Outcomes included proposals for a new CIB Student Chapter, greater participation in CIB’s Working Commissions and Task Groups, and CIB support for an industry-focused conference on Smart Tech & Sustainability and a webinar series with a focus on research and enterprise. There was also a valuable discussion on research impact.
“Both visits left me impressed with the quality of research at these perhaps lesser-known universities at an international level, the level of enthusiasm about the value of CIB, and their commitment to engagement with our global research community. I thank both organisers and I look forward to us working closely together”.
Don Ward, CIB Chief Executive
CIB
13th February 2026
