Innovation And Research Awarded By The CIOB

Presentation of the CIOB's 2003/2004 Innovation and Research Awards took place recently at the Institute of Physics, London.

Colin Busby CIOB President awarded the winners with commemorative medals and monies in recognition of their achievements.

Since the awards inception in 1997 the competition has seen steady international growth, with a full range of applications coming from the CIOB's network in 94 countries worldwide.

This year's competition has been no exception with candidates entering from a variety of nations including Hong Kong, South Africa, Singapore, Australia and the UK.

Divided into two sections - The Undergraduate Dissertation and The Research Papers category - these CIOB awards aim to stimulate research in finding innovative solutions to current problems facing the construction industry.

In this years Undergraduate Dissertation category Australia have seen their first ever winner.

Nick Stephens, a construction management graduate from the University of Newcastle AU, won this year's category for the successful development of a database processing system.

This system was designed to determine the extent of a particular rail track defect in its early stages, including the substructure characteristics likely to cause such defects.

Undergraduate Dissertation runner-ups are: * David Barnetson: Robert Gordon University, Scotland.

For his dissertation "An Investigation into the Inclusion of White Asbestos in the 'Duty to Manage' Obligations Contained within "The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulation 2002." * Dr Aeli Roberts: The Bartlett, University College London.

For her dissertation "Liability in the Tort of Negligence: Implications of Recent Decisions Involving 'A Duty of Care' to the Construction Profession." This year's winner in the Research Papers category was Alan Griffith of Sheffield Hallam University (Co-Authors Andrew Knight and Andrew King).

Alan's research paper was a concise account of results from an investigation into tendering during the procurement of design and build projects.

Extensive data was collected from practitioners and analysed, with the outcome providing a foundation for a best practice guide that can be used by clients and contractors.

Research Paper runner-ups are: * Phebe Mann, Open University with her paper on "Professionals' Perceptions of Virtual Reality Integrated Systems in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment." * Alan E Richardson, University of Newcastle with his research paper on "Electrical Properties of OPC Grout Samples with the Addition of Polypropylene Fibres, with Regard to Durability and Enhanced Life Cycle Performance." Colin Busby CIOB President said, "The demand for research in construction is greater than ever, the way we design, erect and maintain buildings and structures is hugely influenced by developments in technology and communication.

The Industry is always striving to change but progress cannot be made without the courage to innovate.".

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