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About the CIB, W099/W123, HUCE, UoW
CIB is a premier international network that brings together over 3,000 experts from 95 member organizations, all dedicated to advancing research and innovation in building and construction. Established in 1953 with the support of the United Nations, CIB’s original mission was to rebuild and modernize Europe’s infrastructure by fostering collaboration among governmental research institutes. Over the decades, it has evolved into a truly global platform, expanding its reach far beyond its European roots. CIB’s membership spans a diverse array of institutes, companies, and organizations engaged in research, technology transfer, and the practical application of research findings. Member organizations appoint experts to participate in CIB’s more than 40 specialized Commissions, each focusing on a distinct facet of the built environment:
These Commissions organize symposia and congresses, and produce high-impact publications, from state-of-the-art reports to international standards, that inform policy and guide global research agendas. In its early years, CIB consisted of 43 primarily European research institutes. The network’s early work laid the groundwork for many international standards and collaborative projects, with a strong emphasis on technical topics vital to post-war reconstruction. As membership grew, so did the scope of CIB’s activities. By 1998, while retaining its original French acronym (“Conseil International du Bâtiment”), the organization adopted the full title “International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction” to reflect its broader remit. Today, CIB remains committed to balancing its technical heritage with emerging priorities such as Industry 4.0 ecosystems, digitalization, and interdisciplinary challenges. It continues to grow its membership, embraces new areas of inquiry, and maintains rigorous quality standards for all its outputs.
CIB Commission W099 is dedicated to advancing the safety, health, and wellbeing of both blue-collar (site trades) and white-collar (professional) workers across the global construction industry. Guided by the motto “Remember the dead, and fight like hell for the living,” the Commission addresses on-site fundamentals of SHW management as well as upstream factors, such as design, procurement, planning, training, leadership, and organisational culture, that influence workforce outcomes. Recognising the differing challenges in developing and developed countries, W099 fosters international collaboration to share insights and best practices for all contexts. W099 maintains a close partnership with CIB Commission W123 (People in Construction), reflecting their shared interest in workforce wellbeing. Together, they organise an Annual International Conference, complete with formally published and indexed proceedings and a Conference Special Issue in affiliated journals. Since 2022, these conferences have adopted a hybrid format to enable participation from members with limited travel funding. Every third year, W099 also manages parallel sessions at the triennial World Building Congress, often in collaboration with W123. Governance of W099 is led by joint coordinators Prof. Billy Hare (Glasgow Caledonian University, UK) and Prof. Fred Sherratt (Straight Talk Safety, UK), supported by a highly engaged membership drawn from institutional and individual CIB members. The Commission welcomes student members to bring fresh perspectives and foster the next generation of SHW experts. With its collaborative structure and global network, W099 drives excellence and innovation in construction safety, health, and wellbeing.
CIB Commission W123 is dedicated to exploring the human dimension of the built environment, recognizing that construction remains fundamentally labour-intensive and people-driven despite advances in automation and digital technologies. Its scope spans the full workforce—from frontline trades and technical staff to professional managers, contractors, regulators, and developers—and examines how education, leadership, organisational culture, diversity, equity, and ethics shape industry outcomes and wellbeing. W123 collaborates closely with sister Commission W099, reflecting their shared commitment to workforce welfare. Since 2022, they have co-hosted an Annual International Conference—offering hybrid participation and producing fully indexed proceedings and special journal issues. Every third year, W123 convenes parallel sessions at the triennial World Building Congress. Commission outputs also include state-of-the-art reports, competency frameworks, and monographs that inform global best practices and academic curricula. Governance of W123 is led by joint coordinators Prof. Fidelis Emuze (Texas State University, USA) and Prof. John Smallwood (Nelson Mandela University, South Africa). Membership comprises institutional and individual CIB members - universities, research institutes, contractors, NGOs, and professional bodies - with student participation actively encouraged to cultivate fresh perspectives and nurture the next generation of people-centred construction leaders.
Founded in 1966, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE) has emerged as a leading academic center in engineering, technology and architecture across Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asia region. The missions of HUCE are “to train high-quality human resources; to conduct scientific research, to develop technology and to transfer knowledge; and to strive for the sustainable development of the society and country”. Tens of thousands of our alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves as industry leaders, CEOs and subject-matter experts worldwide. Campuses
Strategic Designations In February 2025, HUCE was designated by the Prime Minister as one of five key national technical universities under Decision No. 452/QĐ-TTg, which outlines Vietnam’s Network of Higher Education and Pedagogical Institutions (2021–2030, vision to 2050). Shortly thereafter, the Ministry of Education and Training entrusted HUCE with leading a Center of Excellence and Talent Development in new materials and construction technologies – one of thirteen centers established to realize Decision No. 374/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister to drive Industry 4.0 innovation through a collaborative ecosystem of universities, enterprises, authorities and international partners. Also in 2025, the Prime Minister selected HUCE under Decision No. 1012/QĐ-TTg as a primary institution for training engineers and technical specialists for Vietnam’s national nuclear power program, specifically supporting the operation of the Ninh Thuận 1 and Ninh Thuận 2 plants. This appointment underscores HUCE’s strength in specialized, high-tech education and its commitment to the nation’s sustainable energy strategy. Academic Programs HUCE offers a comprehensive portfolio of degree programs across science, engineering, technology and management:
Among its undergraduate offerings, five programs are delivered in English: Civil Engineering, Architecture, Transportation Engineering, Engineering Economics and Water & Wastewater Engineering. This range ensures that HUCE graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of both domestic and international professional environments.
Founded in 1835 as Wolverhampton Mechanics’ Institute and granted university status in 1992, the University of Wolverhampton (UoW) has evolved into a dynamic institution known for its applied research, teaching excellence, and strong industry partnerships. In the 2025 EduRank analysis, it ranked 83rd in the United Kingdom, 420th in Europe, and 1,120th globally - placing it in the top 50% of 14,131 universities assessed across 140 research topics. This performance is underpinned by more than 13,550 academic publications and 284,912 citations. Campuses
Academic Portfolio The university offers a broad spectrum of programs across six academic schools, its portfolio encompasses:
Research & Innovation Over the past two decades, UoW has invested heavily in research, establishing interdisciplinary Research Centres that drive collaboration with industry, government, and international partners. These centres span areas such as:
Through these hubs, the university translates academic insights into real‐world solutions—enhancing building performance, integrating emerging technologies, and fostering resilient communities. Built Environment Excellence The School of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering is a flagship unit, combining rigorous academic training with hands-on projects. Key strengths include:
This balance of scholarly rigor and practical engagement makes the University of Wolverhampton, with the School of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering as the spearhead, an ideal co-organizer for the joint CIB W099/W123 & ICONS 2026 international conference. |
