CIOB ACADEMIC SUMMIT: Creating an inclusive global community

Dr Amal Abuzeinab is an experienced and innovative interdisciplinary architectural academic and advisor at De Montfort University, Leicester School of Architecture (LSA).  Dr Abuzeinab advises on Net Zero strategies and SDG sustainable development goals implementation internationally, with ongoing & completed advisory projects & exchanges in the UK, South Africa, Germany, Finland, UAE, KSA, Qatar, Canada, and the USA. She is the principal investigator of the ARK research project: Accessible Research and Knowledge for architecture, built environment, and planning. ARK is funded by Research England: International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Institutional Support Grant (ODA) Home | My Site 5 (greenbusinessmodels.net).   

Andrew Agapiou is Associate Professor in Construction Law at the University of Strathclyde and Academic Lead of its Construction Procurement & Law Research Cluster. With over 25 years of experience and £1m in funded research, his work explores the intersection of law, technology, and the built environment. He has published over 100 high-impact outputs, including recent work on AI and remote building inspections. Andrew coordinates the CIB Law and Dispute Resolution Working Commission and serves as an Innovation Champion for the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, with expertise spanning construction law, procurement, and dispute resolution. 

Dr Anitha Karthik is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Net Zero High-Density Buildings, specialising in sustainable urban infrastructure and climate resilience. She holds a PhD in Disaster Management and Sustainable Development, with a focus on adaptation strategies. Her work spans applied research, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive practices, underpinned by a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and emotional intelligence in collaborative environments. Previously, she was a Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh on the UKCRIC mission project. She also brings industry experience in business development across the MENA region.

Dr Carol Hon is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology in Australia. Carol is an expert in safety, health and wellbeing in the construction industry.  She was one of the two academics consulted on the review of Work Health and Safety Act (Qld). She is also the first female construction management researcher in Australia to receive the prestigious Australian Research Council Discovery for Early Career Researcher Award. Through this grant, she identified ways to better manage psychosocial risks and reduce suicide rates in the construction industry.

Dr Don Amila Sajeevan Samarasinghe is a Senior Lecturer in the Built Environment at Massey University, specialising in construction management, sustainable building, and workforce upskilling. He leads nationally funded research, including work to boost Māori representation in construction. With a PhD and over 15 years’ experience, he has published widely and contributed to innovations like 3D printing in housing. Don leads the People’s Research Group and the Emerging Career Researchers Group (2024), and is a Chartered Member of the CIOB. He actively connects academia with industry, inviting professionals to share real-world insights with students.

Zamageda Zungu is a seasoned construction professional with over 15 years of experience specializing in construction law, quantity surveying, contract administration, and construction project management. She is a Lecturer and PhD Scholar at the School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, where she contributes to shaping the next generation of construction leaders. Holding a BCom Law degree, a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying, and an MSc in Construction Project Management, Zamageda integrates legal, financial, and technical expertise to navigate the complexities of capital projects. She is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), reinforcing her commitment to professional excellence in the built environment. As the Founder and Managing Director of Izithelo Construction Consulting, Zamageda leads an emerging consultancy firm specializing in the commercial and financial management of capital projects for clients in the construction and engineering sectors. Her work focuses on optimizing contract strategies, financial planning, and risk mitigation to drive project success. She is also a Member of the Construction Industry Development Board’s (cidb) Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Construction Industry Growth (SuCIG), where she contributes to advancing research and industry best practices for a more resilient and sustainable built environment. Her research explores Construction Industry Resilience, Construction Law, and Strategic Management, providing critical insights into sustainable infrastructure development. Passionate about leadership and knowledge creation, she is dedicated to driving innovation and financial sustainability in the construction industry.