AUBEA President’s Message

48th Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA) Conference
University of Canberra

It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome you to the 48th Annual Conference of the Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA), hosted this year by the University of Canberra.

Since its inception in 1975, AUBEA has stood as the collective voice of construction educators and researchers across Australasia. The Association has grown into a robust network of 18 active member institutions spanning Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region, all united by a shared mission: to advance knowledge, innovation, and educational excellence in the construction and built environment sectors.

Over nearly five decades, AUBEA has served as a crucible for thought leadership in construction education and research. Its conferences have provided a unique forum for scholars, educators, and industry partners to exchange ideas, critique established paradigms, and co-create pathways toward a more resilient, digital, and sustainable built environment.

The challenges we face today are complex and interrelated encompassing sustainable construction, productivity enhancement, housing affordability, workforce and skill shortages, and the persistent lag in digitalisation and industrialisation within the sector. Moreover, the accelerating impacts of climate change are reshaping the way we conceptualise, design, construct, and manage our built environment. These global pressures demand not only technical responses but also systemic transformation in how we educate, research, and practice within the construction disciplines.

AUBEA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping this transformation. The annual conference provides an academic platform for critical inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and dissemination of cutting-edge research that informs both theory and practice. It is also a nurturing space for emerging scholars and early career researchers to engage with peers and experts, test new ideas, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge that underpins our profession.

Equally, AUBEA remains committed to advancing pedagogical innovation. The dialogue around new modes of teaching and learning including the integration of artificial intelligence, digital twins, and data-driven education underscores our collective effort to ensure that construction programs remain future-ready and responsive to the evolving demands of the industry.

Crucially, AUBEA acts as a bridge between academia and industry. By fostering meaningful collaboration, the Association helps ensure that the next generation of construction professionals is equipped with the intellectual agility, ethical foundation, and technological literacy required to navigate the challenges of the 21st century-built environment.

On behalf of the AUBEA Council, I extend my deepest gratitude to the University of Canberra for hosting this year’s conference, to our sponsors and the scientific committee, and the reviewers for their invaluable contributions, and to all delegates whose participation sustains the vibrancy and relevance of our Association.

As we convene for this 48th AUBEA Conference, let us reaffirm our collective vision to advance the frontiers of construction education and research, to cultivate innovation and inclusivity, and to shape a built environment that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient for generations to come.

Professor Srinath Perera FRSN

PhD MSc IT BSc (Hons) QS FRSN FAIB MRICS AAIQS ICECA MICCPM MAIPM

President, Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA)