LJMU host 59th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference

More than 170 delegates visited LJMU’s campus this week as they attended the 59th Annual Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) International Conference.

The conference was hosted outside of the USA for only the second time in its history, with Liverpool and LJMU being a perfect choice thanks to its internationally recognised School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment.

Proceedings began on Sunday 2 April with the meeting of the ASC Board ahead of three days of back-to-back paper sessions, talks, workshops, awards and networking.

The conference culminates this evening, Wednesday 5 April, with a dinner at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Liverpool’s Stanley Park, and final ASC business and post board meetings on Thursday 6 April.

Welcome and keynote speeches

LJMU Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Mark Power, welcomed delegates on Tuesday morning to ‘a city with a thriving and forward-looking construction industry presence’ and reflected on 200 years of LJMU and how ‘disciplines in the built environment and civil engineering were the bedrock on which this university was founded and are still thriving at this university’ today.

Vice-Chancellor Mark Power said: “Our curriculum is geared to the needs of the industry and we're stretching our students' ambitions so that as graduates they go out into the world and quickly make a difference. 

“Although we are a homegrown university, anchored in the city of Liverpool, we are proud to be part of the thriving international academic construction community and being part of a community of practice that, in coming together through this conference, will ensure the sharing of knowledge, innovation, research and pedagogy.

“Yours are the disciplines that will drive change, help to shape our communities and deliver the ambitious targets for net zero to ensure sustainability for future generations.

“We are extremely proud to host this conference for the Association, and I hope this brings you good conversation, insightful sessions and inspiration – you will be laying the foundations for the future of your industry.”

The conference’s three all-female keynote speakers were Andrea Rutledge, President & CEO at Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), Clare Pickin, Managing Director for the Manufacturing Technology Centre, and Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Director of the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Professor Mike Riley, said: “We are proud to host this prestigious, international conference that brings together an innovative community in one of the most influential fields. This is only the second time that the conference has been hosted outside of the USA and the selection of LJMU as hosts reflects our great strengths in internationalisation, teaching, research and industry collaboration.”

The School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment at LJMU

LJMU’s School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment helps students to achieve their potential and has an impressive research portfolio, strong partnerships with industry leaders and first-rate facilities.

In addition to its Liverpool-based home programmes, LJMU also validates and manages a number of programmes with international partners based in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Qatar and Singapore.

Together, these elements cement LJMU’s reputation as an internationally recognised Civil Engineering and Built Environment School.

Find out more about studying with the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.