Lead Department: Architecture and Built Environment
Description of objectives and plans:
We, the Architecture and Built Environment Department at Birmingham City University (BCU), applying to establish a CIB Student Chapter for students enrolled at our (CIB Member) University, with a primary focus on doctoral (PhD) researchers, while remaining open to eligible Masters (especially M Res students) and Undergraduate students in accordance with CIB Guidelines. The Chapter will form an organised group of students with shared interests in building research, innovation, sustainability, digitalisation, and construction management, closely aligned with the work of relevant CIB Working Commissions and Priority Themes as well as BCU’s priority objectives.
Objectives:
In line with the objectives of the CIB Student Chapter regime, the proposed Chapter aims to:
- Provide a platform through which f uture leaders in building research and innovation can engage with leading-edge international research and appreciate the value of global exchange and cooperation.
- Introduce students to the benefits of CIB membership, encouraging sustained engagement with CIB throughout their f uture academic and professional careers.
- Build an inclusive and active research community where doctoral researchers can connect across research themes, share ideas, and discuss research challenges.
- Support the development of academic, professional, and leadership skills through student-led activities, seminars, and collaborative initiatives.
- Facilitate direct engagement with the global CIB network, including Working Commissions, Task Groups, CIB events, and other CIB Student Chapters locally and internationally.
Governance and Organisation:
The Chapter will operate under a clearly defined administrative and governance structure, f ully compliant with CIB Guidelines. A student-led council will be responsible for the administration and delivery of Chapter activities, consisting of the following roles:
- President
- Vice President
- Operations Manager
- Manager for Membership, Promotion, and Special Events
Membership records will be maintained by the Chapter officials, and changes will be communicated to the CIB General Secretariat as required. This student Chapter will be supported by designated Student Chapter Advisors (faculty staff members); Dr Anushika Ekanayake Mudiyanselage and Dr. Chathuranganee Jayakody and mentored by Professor Franco Cheung, Associate Professor Saeed Talebi and Professor Rachel Sara.
Programme and Planned Activities:
This Chapter will control its own programme of activities, which will include both local and international engagement, clearly linked to CIB’s mission. Planned activities include:
- Research seminars, reading groups, and thematic workshops (within BCU).
- Student-led forums enabling members to present research and receive peer and expert feedback (BCU and local events).
- Skills development sessions focusing on academic writing, publishing, research impact, and professional development (online sessions with combined audience from other countries/student chapters as interested).
- Active collaboration with other CIB Student Chapters, CIB Working Commissions, and international research communities.
The Chapter will be formally launched at BCU’s Innovation Fest (W/C 18th May), one of the University’s flagship research and innovation events, providing visibility across academia and industry. Ongoing activities and outputs will be promoted through professional communication channels, including LinkedIn, to enhance engagement and dissemination. In accordance with CIB Guidelines, the Chapter will produce at least one newsletter or equivalent communication output annually, which may be shared with the CIB General Secretariat for wider dissemination.
Sustainability, Finance, and Compliance
The Chapter will be financed independently through a combination of institutional support, local sponsorship, and/or membership-based activities, with no financial support required from CIB as stated on the guidelines. This Chapter is f ully aligned with BCU’s strategic priorities in research excellence, doctoral development, internationalisation, and civic engagement. Also, it is in line with the departmental objectives for creating a digital and sustainable built environment. Through structured governance, defined objectives, and an active programme of outputs, we wish to demonstrate a clear commitment to meeting and sustaining the conditions set out in Section 4 of the CIB Guidelines, and to contributing meaningf ully to the global CIB community.
The full list of CIB Student Chapters can be viewed here.