The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Department of Civil Engineering’s winning streak continues with the recent appointment of Professor Hans Beushausen as president-elect of the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM), headquartered in France.

Professor Beushausen is the deputy dean of Research and Strategic Innovation in UCT’s Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, and the director of the Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU) – a research unit in the Department of Civil Engineering.

“This appointment is both an honour and a responsibility. It recognises my contribution to the strategic goals of the organisation over the past few years, in particular during my time as chair of RILEM’s Development Activities Committee, during which we developed the RILEM Youth Programme that aims to support and integrate young researchers who want to make a mark in the international research sphere,” he said. “I am grateful for the trust the organisation has placed in me to help lead initiatives in the coming years.”

RILEM is a leading international organisation dedicated to advancing the science and practice of construction materials and engineering. The organisation’s main focus is to foster collaboration and innovation in the field through research and standardisation, as well as the dissemination of knowledge. Beushausen has been a RILEM member since 2002 and has held many roles in the organisation, including regional convenor for sub-Saharan Africa.

Niémah Davids (ND): Congratulations on your appointment. As president, what are some of your main responsibilities?

Hans Beushausen (HB): The president’s primary responsibilities include steering RILEM’s strategic direction, representing the organisation at international events and overseeing the smooth operation of its various activities. The president works closely with the executive committee to shape and implement RILEM’s strategic objectives, ensuring that the organisation remains at the forefront of advancements in construction materials and engineering.

ND: How were you selected?

HB: Suitable candidates are nominated by a selection committee, following which the process involves evaluating a candidate’s qualifications, their past contributions to the organisation and their alignment with RILEM’s objectives. And the final selection took place during the annual general assembly where RILEM members voted for a president. The president will serve for a period of nine years – three years as vice-president, followed by three years as president and three years as immediate past president. 

ND: What’s uppermost on your list of priorities to achieve during your tenure?

HB: This role encompasses many layers and priorities. But for now, continuing collaborative efforts with talented professionals from all over the world to advance research and innovation in materials and structures. That is definitely the main priority. A part of this will also be to continuously support and engage young researchers from all around the world – in particular regions that have traditionally been underrepresented in the international research community, often due to a lack of funding or research infrastructure. A lot of RILEM’s activities relate to sustainability in the construction sector, which in our industry is arguably one of the most important fields to drive forward. Here, it is important that we not only continue to develop new knowledge but also look into more efficient implementation and industry adaptation.

 

This appointment will also allow me to stay ahead of research and development trends worldwide to establish and strengthen international relationships and to gain insight into science and industry that can be used in our own research and teaching and learning activities at UCT.

ND: Talk to me about the importance of having an African scholar at the helm of this organisation.

HB: I’d say it’s only fitting, especially considering the important role the Global South will play in the construction industry of the future. It is in the Global South where most of the construction activities will take place in the next 50 years and where most of the associated resources will be used. Research on construction materials and associated knowledge development and education will therefore have a huge impact in Africa.

And considering that two thirds of the approximately 3 500 RILEM members are European and very few are from Africa, having a scholar from the continent lead this organisation will help to increase RILEM’s footprint in Africa and assist in developing construction-related research and education on the continent. It will also assist with highlighting that a significant amount of relevant high-level research is actually done in the Global South.

ND: What does this appointment mean for your department and UCT – a research-intensive university?

HB: It enhances UCT’s visibility in the global research community. It showcases our commitment to advancing knowledge in materials and structures and highlights the quality of our research and expertise. This role opens up opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange and will benefit both our institution and our students as we engage with industry leaders and institutions worldwide.

ND: There must be so much that you’re looking forward to.

HB: Definitely! But high on that list is fostering collaboration to drive innovation within the RILEM community and driving strategic initiatives to build a more sustainable construction industry, which is one of our main challenges. And then, of course, engaging with researchers and practitioners from different parts of the world to tackle challenges in our field.

ND: Your tenure will last almost a decade. What are you hoping to achieve by the time you bow out?

HB: I hope to drive meaningful advancements in the field by promoting innovative research and education, as well as best practices in industry. My goal is to support and strengthen collaboration among researchers, industry professionals, and policy makers to ensure that our work addresses real-world challenges. RILEM has the ability to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages diverse perspectives and allows young scholars to develop in their field. This is something I have always had a passion for and I look forward to promoting it further. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to sustainable development and improve the resilience of our built environment.