The Sustainable Construction Futures Lecture Series unites industry leaders and academic experts to address real-world challenges in the built environment, fostering dialogue and promoting knowledge exchange that drives innovation, resilience, and sustainability across the sector.
This event, Revolutionising Construction through AI, organised in collaboration with CENE and CIB W55, explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the construction industry. Industry and technology leaders will share valuable insights into how AI can enhance project delivery, boost efficiency, improve safety, and support sustainability goals. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of AI fundamentals, its emerging role in construction, and practical strategies for embedding digital innovation within their organisations.
Event Details
Date:
Tuesday, 3rd June 2025
Time:
6 – 7.30 pm (with arrivals and refreshments from 5.45 pm)
Venue:
Great Hall
Sutherland Building
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST
More information on travelling to the venue is available here.
Programme Overview
| 5:45pm | Networking opportunity with light refreshments |
| 6:00pm | Welcome and Opening Remarks Niraj Thurairajah, Associate Professor, Northumbria University Setting the scene: AI in Construction |
| 6:10pm | Presentation Title: Fundamentals of AI for Real-World Applications Wai Lok Woo, Professor of Machine Learning, Northumbria University Synopsis: This talk is targeted to general audience who do not have Computer Science background. The talk provides a general introduction to artificial intelligence in particular to machine learning. It will cover fundamental ideas in problem formulation and solving, knowledge representation and machine learning techniques. Participants will learn key theoretical concepts, state-of-the-art techniques and research advances in the field of intelligent systems. At the end of the talk, participants will have a holistic understanding of how artificial intelligence works in principle and in applications. |
| 6:35pm | Presentation Title: Building Smarter - Unlocking the Power of AI and Digital Innovation in Construction Nick Leach, Director of Digital Construction, Sir Robert McAlpine Synopsis: Nick’s talk explores the transformative role of AI and digitalisation in reshaping the construction industry. He will highlight how data-driven strategies are improving project delivery, boosting efficiency, and supporting sustainability goals. The session will also examine the power of digital partnerships and innovative technologies in driving sector-wide change. Attendees will gain forward-looking insights into a more connected, collaborative, and intelligent future for construction. |
| 7:00pm | Panel Discussion and Q&A Speakers to take audience questions and engage in a moderated discussion |
| 7:30pm | Closing remarks and event close |
Invited Speakers
Nick Leach
Director of Digital Construction, Sir Robert McAlpine
Nick leads digital transformation across construction sectors, with over 25 years’ experience and 17 in BIM. He champions innovation, chairs the Supply Chain School Digital Interest Group, and contributes to industry-wide digital and information management initiatives to advance the built environment.
Professor Wai Lok Woo
Professor of Machine Learning, Northumbria University
Professor Wai Lok Woo is the Head of Research for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. His major research is in the mathematical theory and algorithms for data science and analytics which includes areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, multidimensional signal and image processing.
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