Denie Augustijn – Programme Director CE Innovation is an essential component of great civil engineering projects. When it comes to engineering projects, there is no room for complacency. To make the most of any project, it is important to constantly adapt and innovate. This means learning from past mistakes, taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Innovative civil engineering projects have the potential to revolutionize entire industries. New and innovative infrastructure works and construction projects create new business opportunities and stimulate economic development. Innovative civil engineering projects also have the potential to create a more sustainable future. Modern day engineers are constantly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact and develop solutions that are more energy efficient. Innovation is essential for progress. It is only through innovation that civil engineers can continue to create great projects that have a positive impact on the world.  On this 30th ConcepT Symposium you will hear compelling examples of lessons learnt from great civil engineering projects and how they have led to new visionary plans. I wish everyone an inspiring symposium.  Stefan Kuks  Waterschap Vechtstromen works to ensure safe, sufficient and clean water for over 800,000 residents in the eastern Netherlands.  Some 70 million euros are invested annually in climate adaptation and water quality improvement projects. One such project is the Kristalbad, a 40-hectare water storage area between Enschede and Hengelo.  The Kristalbad can store 187,000 cubic metres of water and prevent flooding in Hengelo. As an ecological ‘water machine’ and connecting zone between Drienerlo and Twekkelo, it brings purified wastewater from Enschede back to life. Spatially, the area is laid out as a ‘barcode’. Eye-catching watchtowers offer wide views over the area. The Kristalbad has been declared a European icon project.  On the 7th of Febrary study association ConcepT organizes a civil engineering symposium where many interesting topics like that of the Kristalbad will be discussed in the midst of students, experts and professors. I wish all attendees an interesting, and even more an inspiring day on the 7th of February. Roelof Bleker Mayor of Enschede Roelof Bleker is also a member of the Identification Committee of the Symposium 2023.

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Dr. Ir. Pieter Roos

As associate professor in marine morphodynamics, I study how the shape of the seabed and coastal areas change due to erosion and sedimentation. This includes the response to both climate change and engineering activities such as sand extraction, e.g. for large-scale projects such as Maasvlakte II. In this research, I develop and apply new mathematical models that describe the motion of water and sand in such environments. My research projects always have links with engineering consultants, governmental agencies and knowledge institutes from Netherlands and abroad. I look forward to a fruitful symposium with our students and professionals from practise! 

Dr. Hans Voordijk

I am associate professor in Construction Engineering and Management, coordinator of the UT EngD design programs and honorary associate professor at the School of Property, Construction & Project Management of RMIT University Melbourne. My research and lecturing is on the crossroad of Construction Supply Chain Management and Digital Technologies. I am also interested in philosophy of technology in civil engineering. My research projects have focused on the development of purchasing and BIM maturity models, public procurement tools encouraging innovation and design-for-assembly methods for construction and infrastructure projects. I am looking forward to discuss the preconditions for innovation in great civil engineering projects! 

Oskar Eikenbroek

I am assistant professor at the department of Transport Engineering and Management. My research centers on data-driven modeling and optimization of transport systems with a focus on multi-objective and multi-level optimization under uncertainty. My research projects are multi-disciplinary in nature, and in close collaboration with (inter)national academic institutions, governmental agencies, consultancy firms and other industry partners such as logistics service providers and public transport operators. I look forward to exploring smart and innovative civil engineering solutions to ensure sustainable development in an increasingly urbanized world.