CIOB reveals the 2013 stars of innovation and research

The International Innovation and Research Awards run by the CIOB celebrate excellence in academic research and industry innovation. 24 countries took part in the 2013 awards submitting over 200 entries.  All judged by an 18-strong panel of leading figures from academia and industry. 

Professor Stuart Green, Chair of the Judging Panel said, “It has been immensely gratifying to see the highest ever number of entries to the CIOB International Innovation & Research Awards. I have also been delighted with the overall quality of the applications across all categories. Especially rewarding this year was to see so many strong entries from industry in the innovation categories.”

Undergraduate Dissertation Award

Yu-Qian Ang from the National University of Singapore for his dissertation ‘Benefits and ROI of Building Information Modelling for Multi-Disciplinary Project Management:  A Singapore Perspective’

Masters Dissertation Award

James Delvin  from Queen’s University Belfast for his dissertation ‘An Investigation into the Barriers and Challenges of Delivering a Domestic Retrofit Programme in Northern Ireland’

Research Paper Award

Professor Craig Langston from Bond University, Australia for his paper ‘Validation of the Adaptive Reuse Potential (ARP) Model Using iconCUR’ (published in Facilities, Vol.30 No.3/4, pp.105-123, 2012)’

Innovation Achiever’s Award

Finlay White from ModCell Ltd., UK for ‘ModCell Prefabricated Straw Bale Wall and Roofing System’

The judges said, ‘ModCell is a highly innovative idea. It comprises a system level of innovation in both prefabricated building product and process. It has also shown a strong application and a clear commercial viability. The panel was extremely impressed by the progress that has been achieved.’

Digital Innovation Award

Julian Brooks from LightUp Analytics Ltd., UK for ‘LightUp Analytics Software Plugin’

The judges said, ‘Julian has clearly identified a gap in current software provision for the computer simulation of daylight and sunlight effects in urban design. The LightUp Analytics Software is an innovative application that can be used at very early stages of master planning in an efficient and user-friendly way. It is an affordable product with great commercial potential.’

Innovation in Education & Training Award

Dr Fred Sherratt (University of Bolton, UK) for her submission ‘Teaching Construction Health and Safety through Problem-Based Learning’

The judges said, ‘This initiative is not only refreshing in its simplicity, but also in its novelty. It provides the means of overcoming a significant barrier in terms of students’ default reaction to the subject of health and safety. The scenario constructed around opinions and typical reactions of students to health and safety offers a compelling and innovative learning vehicle. There is a core idea that can be replicated in other courses and other institutions.’

For a full list of all those recognised in the 2013 awards please visit http://iandrawards.ciob.org/