In honour of a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Professor Martin Skitmore is recognised for his visionary leadership, groundbreaking research, and transformative impact on the field of smart construction and production. His pioneering contributions in decision-support systems, AI-driven project planning, and risk-informed infrastructure delivery have profoundly influenced both academic thought and industry practice worldwide. A true mentor, scholar, and innovator, Professor Skitmore’s legacy continues to shape and inspire the future of our discipline.

▷ Robotics in Construction Award: Recognizes innovative use of robotics in construction projects to enhance productivity and quality.

▪ Selection Criteria: To be eligible for the Robotics in Construction Award, the use of robotics must have been implemented in construction projects within the last two years. The innovation should demonstrate how robotics have been used to enhance productivity, quality, safety, or efficiency in construction activities. Evidence of successful integration of robotics into the construction workflow and measurable improvements in project outcomes must be provided. The project should also highlight the collaboration between robotics developers, construction firms, and other stakeholders.

Professor Chen is recognised for groundbreaking leadership and innovation in advancing robotics within the construction industry. His visionary work in deep shaft construction, tunnel infrastructure, and urban rail systems has redefined how intelligent robotic systems are applied in complex and high-risk civil engineering environments. Through the establishment of national research centres and laboratories that integrate robotics, AI, and geotechnical engineering, Professor Chen has driven transformative advances from research to real-world impact. His commitment to education, commercialisation, and public service exemplifies the core values of this award, marking a bold step forward in reshaping construction practice through robotics and smart technologies.

▷ Emerging Technology Award: Celebrates the introduction and integration of new technologies that show great potential in the industry.

▪ Selection Criteria: Eligibility for the Emerging Technology Award requires the technology to be a new introduction or a significant improvement over existing technologies in the field of smart construction and production. The technology must have been implemented in at least one real-world project or pilot program. Demonstrated potential for widespread adoption and significant impact on the industry is essential. Detailed documentation of the technology, including the development process, testing, and results, must be provided..

Professor Qu is recognised for visionary leadership and groundbreaking contributions to the advancement of emerging technologies in smart construction and production. His pioneering work in urban air mobility—most notably the development of the world’s first modular compound-wing flying car and an intelligent air traffic operation system—has reshaped the possibilities of low-altitude aerial systems. Through the creation of a cross-scale digital twin platform that integrates real-time sensor fusion, 3D urban modelling, and wind field analysis, Professor Qu has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to translate technological innovation into impactful real-world applications.

▷ Community Impact Award: Recognizes Individuals, Projects or initiatives that have had a positive impact on local communities.

▪ Selection Criteria: To be eligible for the Community Impact Award, the project or initiative must be directly related to smart construction and production. Demonstrated engagement and collaboration with local communities are required. Nominees should provide evidence of positive impact on the community, such as improved infrastructure, job creation, environmental benefits, or enhanced quality of life. The project or initiative must have been active for at least one year. Proven sustainability and potential for long-term benefits to the community are also essential..

Professor Tam is recognised for transformative contributions to sustainable construction and community-centred innovation. Her pioneering development of CO₂ Concrete—a patented technology that reuses waste aggregates while capturing carbon dioxide—has redefined circular construction and carbon reduction strategies. With successful commercial applications at public infrastructure sites across New South Wales and Victoria, her work has delivered tangible environmental and social benefits. Through active engagement in community education, policy translation, and leadership roles with institutions like the Powerhouse Museum, ARC, and international technical bodies, Professor Tam exemplifies the power of research to create lasting, positive change. His lifelong dedication to environmental sustainability and community empowerment truly embodies the spirit of this award.

▷ Smart Construction Award: Celebrates Individuals & innovative projects that have integrated smart technologies into building and infrastructure development.

▪ Selection Criteria: Eligibility for the Smart Construction Award requires that the project must be completed or significantly advanced within the last three years. The project should demonstrate innovative integration of smart technologies into building or infrastructure development, such as IoT, AI, BIM, digital twins, or advanced sensor networks. Evidence of how these technologies have improved efficiency, safety, sustainability, or overall project outcomes is essential. The project should also showcase successful collaboration among various stakeholders, including developers, contractors, and technology providers..

Professor Cheng is honoured for exceptional innovation and leadership in advancing digital and intelligent construction. His pioneering work across multi-modal large language models, robotics, blockchain, BIM automation, and generative design has significantly shaped the evolution of smart construction technologies. By bridging frontier research with practical industry solutions, his contributions have delivered measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and sustainability across the built environment. The Award Committee commends his visionary thinking, deep industry engagement, and unwavering commitment to collaborative innovation—hallmarks of leadership that continue to influence and inspire the future of smart construction.

▷ Young Professional Award: Celebrates emerging leaders under the age of 38 who have demonstrated exceptional promise in the field.

▪ Selection Criteria: To be eligible for the Young Professional Award, nominees must be under the age of 38 as of the award submission deadline. They should have a minimum of 5 years of research/professional experience in smart construction and production. Demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions to the field, including research, project implementation, or innovative practices, are required. Nominees must show evidence of exceptional promise and potential to become future leaders in the industry..

Dr. Zhang’s pioneering work in 3D concrete printing, construction automation, and sustainable material development has led to transformative advances across both research and industry. From developing rapid nozzle mixing techniques and quick-setting concrete technologies to commercialising next-generation 3D printing systems, his contributions are shaping the future of construction. His global leadership is further reflected in his involvement with ASTM and RILEM standardisation efforts and his recognition by CSCEC, the Concrete Institute of Australia, and the Australian Government’s Global Talent Program. Dr. Zhang’s achievements exemplify the next generation of innovation-driven impact.

▷ Excellence in Collaboration Award: Acknowledges successful partnerships between academia, industry, and government that have led to significant advancements in smart construction and production.

▪ Selection Criteria: The Excellence in Collaboration Award is open to partnerships that include at least one representative from academia, and one from industry or government. The partnership must have been active for at least two years. Demonstrated significant advancements in smart construction and production as a direct result of the collaboration are essential. Nominees should provide evidence of innovative approaches or solutions that emerged from the partnership. Additionally, measurable impact on the industry, such as successful projects, publications, policy changes, or technological advancements, is required.