Introduction

The CIB Student Chapter at Auckland University of Technology was established in May 2026.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) supports teaching and research across the built environment, with a focus on applied research and industry engagement.

AUT Huri te Ao | School of Future Environments (SoFE) delivers programmes in built environment engineering, architecture, and creative technologies. The School is committed to innovative teaching and research that address challenges in the design and delivery of the built environment.

The School’s work focuses on sustainability, climate resilience, digital transformation, and built environment performance, addressing both New Zealand priorities and wider global challenges. Through applied teaching and research, delivered within the University and in collaboration with industry, students engage with real projects and sector practice across New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region.

The School works closely with industry partners, academic staff, researchers, and students to support applied research and practical outcomes for a more sustainable built environment.

Research within the School is supported by four centres: the AUT Huri te Ao Systems and Communities Research Centre, the AUT Huri te Ao Innovative Sustainable Construction Research Centre, the AUT Huri te Ao Smart Cities and Infrastructure Research Centre, and the AUT Huri te Ao Indigenising Future Environments Research Centre. These centres support interdisciplinary research and contribute to both local and international research agendas.

The School maintains links with industry, professional bodies, and research organisations, contributing to built environment research and practice in New Zealand and internationally.

Vision

To be a leading hub for students within AUT Huri te Ao | School of Future Environments (SoFE), supporting innovation in the built environment through engagement with international researchers and a strong global network.

Aim

The Chapter aims to provide a platform for collaboration, research, knowledge sharing, and international engagement in the built environment.

Objectives

The objectives of the Chapter are:

  • To support the development of research capability among its members.
  • To encourage engagement with emerging areas of research and industry practice.
  • To provide a platform for sharing research within the Chapter, with other CIB Student Chapters, and internationally.
  • To enable collaboration with industry, research partners, and the global CIB research community.

Meetings

  • Fortnightly Executive Committee meetings to review progress and plan Chapter activities
  • Bi-annual meetings for all members for updates on Chapter activities and feedback

Activities

  • Chapter launch, promotional, and membership engagement activities
  • Biannual newsletter
  • Develop and maintain the Chapter website and social media
  • Joint seminars with other CIB Student Chapters in New Zealand and internationally
  • Webinar series with CIB Working Commissions and Task Groups
  • Applied and interdisciplinary research and academic skills workshops (e.g. research methods, scientific writing, teaching methods)
  • Industry engagement through panels and workshops with professional bodies, alumni, and industry practitioners in New Zealand (e.g. BIMinNZ, Lean Construction ANZ, Project Management Institute New Zealand, Engineering New Zealand, New Zealand Institute of Building, New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors)
  • Visits to living labs, industry workplaces, and project environments in collaboration with industry partners
  • Social and networking events for Chapter members to support engagement and peer connections
  • Promotion of conferences, publications, and research opportunities to support research engagement and outputs
  • Participation, presentation, and contribution to conferences and symposia (e.g. GDI 2026, WSBE26, NZBERS 2026)
  • Participation in student competitions and CIB awards (e.g. Sebestyén Future Leader Award, PhD Video Challenge, CIB Best Doctoral Dissertation, Keith Hampson ECR Industry Award)
  • End of year review and Executive Committee elections for the 2027–2028 term

Membership

AUT Huri te Ao | School of Future Environments (SoFE) is an Associate Member of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB). The AUT CIB Student Chapter is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students within SoFE. Chapter members are expected to:

  • demonstrate an interest in research and innovation in the built environment
  • actively participate in Chapter activities and events

The full list of CIB Student Chapters can be found here.