Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub

Enabling rapid research collaboration between industry, government and world-leading experts

Our global network of researchers works in transdisciplinary teams to support the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure. We seek to facilitate collaboration between industry, government, academia and communities to drive a shared vision for transformational change. We focus on the greatest challenges with the aim of enhancing institutional regulations, processes and capabilities, and developing systems models to inform transition pathways and integration.

Industries in transition

Together we can facilitate the shift to a decarbonised energy system and circular economy.

Accelerating transitions

Infrastructure is currently involved in rapid transitions towards decarbonisation, circular economy, digitalisation and resilience. Our research focuses on understanding what is required and how we can accelerate progress towards these transitions.

How we are creating impact

Together with industry and government partners we are co-designing and delivering projects to create impact now and at the same time retaining the research excellence expected of a University in the Top 50 worldwide.

Transitioning infrastructure requires an understanding of the systems which form the industry, determining how we plan, design, build, operate and re-use or recycle infrastructure. Within these systems are the institutions and people whose decisions every day determine the future of infrastructure. Research in this theme seeks to develop greater knowledge of the systems, institutional capabilities and initiatives required and experience of individuals in industry transitions.

Some examples of these projects are below:

Featured Projects

Aerial shot of a modern sustainable neighbourhood in Almere, The Netherlands

Infrastructure CoLab

Co-designed by academics at UQ and industry partner Business Models Inc to support Australia’s infrastructure industry to overcome barriers to design and build circular and decarbonised infrastructure.

 Learn more

 


Hydrogen System Dynamics Modelling Tool

We have used a system dynamics model to create a representation of the hydrogen supply chains. Users can experiment with different supply chain combinations. Input your own data to explore footprints over time.

 Learn more

 


Research leads

Dr Cristyn Meath 
Hub Director

Cristyn MeathDr Cristyn Meath is the Hub Director of the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub. Co-Founder of the Infrastructure CoLab, Executive Committee member of the Advance Timber Hub including being Theme Leader of the Planning for Change research theme. She is also a Senior Lecturer in the UQ Business School where she teaches Decision Making & Reporting in the Master of Business.

Cristyn also focuses her time on co-creating solutions to our most pressing and complex sustainability challenges with government and industry partners in Australia, Asia and Latin America and is also a member of the Partnerships for Infrastructure Disaster Risk Resilience and Climate Change panel.

Dr Jurij Karlovšek
Hub Co-Director, Co-founder and Lead, Infrastructure CoLab 
Senior Lecturer, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and IT

Dr Jurij Karlovšek is Co-Director of the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub and the Co-Founder of Infrastructure CoLab. Jurij is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering, with more than 15 years of experience, specialising in geotechnical and digital engineering, integrating cutting-edge research into the education of future engineers. He is the course coordinator for both fundamental and elective subjects for undergraduate engineers and coordinates the Sustainable Infrastructure Design course.

Jurij focuses on advancing sustainable infrastructure through robust collaborations between academia and industry, driving innovations in sustainable design, construction, and operation. His expertise and leadership in digital engineering research have positioned him at the forefront of integrating digital tools into infrastructure projects. He is also the Vice President of the Australian Tunnelling Society and an active committee member of the BrisBIM Digital Construction Industry.

Key researchers

Dr Sue McAvoy
Senior Research Fellow - System Dynamics Lead

Sue lectures the newly introduced Business Dynamics subject in the UQ Business School Master’s Program. Building on existing business strategy concepts, Business Dynamics uses the tools and principles of System Dynamics to analyse and understand a firm’s performance, and designs robust strategies to improve its performance through time.

Sue is also a Senior Research Fellow with the UQ Centre for the Business and Economics of Health.

Dr Tracy Martin
Research Fellow - Workforce Transition Lead

Tracy Martin is an Organisational Psychologist and Industry Fellow in the UQ Business School. She currently combines research and consulting with a focus on strategic change, board behaviour and a developing interest in the impact of technology change on the design of work for leaders and professionals. Recently she has taught courses in human resources, change management and leadership within the Business School. Tracy completed her PhD at UQ, examining how company boards consider issues about people during strategic change. This research was motivated by her 25+ years in the corporate sector, working in large multinational corporations mainly in organisational development and strategic HR roles. Her industry experience spans mining, chemicals manufacturing, professional services, engineering projects, information technology, media and commercial real estate.

Pablo Aranda Valenzuela
Senior Research Assistant - Water Infrastructure

Pablo is a law graduate from the University of Chile, as well as a graduate of the Master of Integrated Water Management (IWM) through Griffith University and The University of Queensland.  He is currently a lecturer in Environmental Law and Regulation at the School of Engineering of the University of Chile. Pablo has years of professional and research experience spanning a range of policy and regulatory topics, including water, natural resources, infrastructure, renewable energy, and natural resource governance with a focus on community impact. A PhD candidate at The University of Queensland, he researches water governance, water justice, and integrated water management.  

Catalina Espinosa Tovar
Senior Research Assistant - Collaborative Innovation

Catalina Espinosa TovarCatalina holds a business degree and two master’s degrees—one in Corporate Social Responsibility and another in Environmental Management. She is currently pursuing her PhD at The University of Queensland. With over 15 years of experience in business management and capacity building, Catalina focuses on promoting and accelerating sustainable transitions in industries. Her goal is to drive meaningful change in dynamic business environments through systemic interventions that support environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Gustavo Martinez Tello
Senior Research Assistant

Senior research assistant - Gustavo Gustavo is a Civil Engineer with a Master's in Hydraulic Resources and Hydroinformatics. Gustavo is completing his Master´s in International Economics and Finance at UQ and has research experience in the decarbonization of the transport sector, waterborne electromobility, and port sustainability. Gustavo has spent more than 10 years in the public sector, working as a policymaker in the transport and infrastructure sectors, including ports and inland waterways transport. His industry experience spans engineering projects and consulting in geotechnics and hydraulics.

Agnes Toth-Peter
Senior Research Assistant - System Dynamics, Digitalisation and Circular Business Models

Agnes has a background in systems thinking and system dynamics and has been a research and teaching assistant at The University of Queensland for over three years. Agnes is currently undertaking her PhD in circular economy at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Specifically, Agnes is interested in looking at the benefits and opportunities of digitalisation and the way digital technologies can enable the implementation of circular economy principles and support this paradigm shift. Agnes is a graduate of Regent's University London, UK (Bachelor of International Business with French and Spanish - Honours First Class) and The University of Queensland (Master of Business - Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact and Sustainability).

Syvannah Wilson
Senior Research Assistant - Evaluating Transitions

Syvannah’s career in sustainability has predominantly explored carbon and climate change policy, finance mechanisms and investment opportunities. Her experience also spans legislating benefit sharing under REDD+, contributing to a Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, and improving the sustainability performance of the fashion and events sectors. This led her to work with a variety of private sector and government entities as well as multiple United Nations agencies.

Dr Yumeng Zhang

profile photo of Dr Yumeng ZhangDr Yumeng Zhang, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Queensland (UQ), significantly supports the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub (SIRH) with his extensive expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering. Having earned his PhD from Tongji University and accumulated over seven years of research experience, Dr Zhang focuses on understanding the mechanical behaviours and improving the structural performance of civil infrastructures. His work is instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that research findings are effectively translated into practical applications. By enhancing the structural integrity and resilience of infrastructure projects, Dr Zhang's contributions are vital to advancing SIRH's mission of developing sustainable and durable infrastructure solutions.

PhD Researchers

Abhinav Dewangan
RHD Candidate, UQ-IITD scholarship

Profile photo of Abhinav DewanganAbhinav, a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland-IIT Delhi Academy of Research, is contributing significantly to the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub (SIRH) with his research on the "Resilience of Underground Infrastructure-Use of Digital Engineering." With a background in Structural Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, India, and master's dissertation work at CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, India, Abhinav brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the hub. His three years of experience in structural analysis and design of critical enabling structures for water and effluent treatment at Larsen and Toubro Construction Ltd. have equipped him with expertise in hilly terrain irrigation, industrial pipe laying, tunnel and deep construction enabling structures, and special formworks. Supported by the UQ-IITD scholarship program, Abhinav's research focuses on developing sustainable solutions for underground infrastructures, leveraging his industrial and research experience to drive innovation and resilience in infrastructure systems.

Luocheng Liang
Research Assistant

Profile photo of Luocheng LiangLuocheng Liang is a PhD candidate at The University of Queensland. His research focuses on coupling Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), particularly for building end-of-life materials. Luocheng holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from UQ and has extensive research experience in BIM, LCA, Photogrammetry, and advanced composite structure. With a passion for sustainable development and a strong background in civil engineering, Luocheng is interested in applying digital engineering to achieve sustainable infrastructure and building design. His ultimate goal is to drive progress in the current construction industry through innovative engineering solutions that address contemporary challenges.

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Co-Investigators 

Mr Andrew Curthoys

Profile photo of Andrew Curthoys Andrew Curthoys, a Digital Enablement Advisor and Chair of the Australasian BIM Advisory Board, significantly supports the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub (SIRH) through his expertise in digitalisation and advanced grant initiatives. As Project Chair for SBEnrc's "Smarter Built Assets - Digitalisation" and with a strong background in governance and policy, Andrew leverages his extensive experience to drive forward the integration of digital technologies in sustainable infrastructure projects. His role involves facilitating collaborations and ensuring the alignment of research with industry needs, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of digital twin technologies and BIM models in infrastructure development. Through his efforts, Andrew helps secure research grants and advises on collaboration with government and non-government organisations to support them in the transition. Additionally, Andrew supports the Infrastructure Co-Lab and serves as deputy chair of the Infrastructure CoLab steering board, which are pivotal for funding pioneering research and fostering innovation within SIRH. This support is crucial for advancing the hub's mission to develop resilient, sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Ms Stephanie Wyeth
Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Queensland.

Professor Jonathan Corcoran
Professor, School of Environment, University of Queensland.

Dr Fred Fialho Teixeira 
Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Queensland.

Dr Sharlene Leroy-Dyer
Senior Lecturer, School of Business, University of Queensland.

Dr David Lange
Associate Professor, School of Civil Engineering, University of Queensland.

Dr Sam MacAulay
Senior Lecturer, School of Business, University of Queensland.

Dr Ben Seligmann
Research Fellow, Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland.

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Global Co-Investigators

Professor Dipti Ranjan Sahoo

Profile photo of Professor Dipti Ranjan Sahoo Professor Dipti Ranjan Sahoo significantly supports the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub (SIRH) through his expertise in structural engineering and his involvement in the UQ-IITD joint scholarship program. As the Associate Dean (Infrastructure) and Professor of Structural Engineering at IIT Delhi, Prof. Sahoo's research interests in performance-based earthquake design, seismic fragility assessment, and structural fire engineering align closely with SIRH's focus on resilient infrastructure. His collaborative efforts with SIRH facilitate the integration of advanced simulation and testing techniques, enhancing the durability and sustainability of infrastructure systems. Prof. Sahoo's leadership and multidisciplinary approach, combining engineering, environmental science, and digital technology, are pivotal in advancing innovative solutions to global infrastructure challenges.

Professor Xiaojun Li

Profile photo of Professor Xiaojun LiProfessor Xiaojun Li, Tongji University and Director of the Research Centre for Civil-Informatics, Ministry of Education, is a key supporter of the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub (SIRH). With his expertise in Digital Twin technology and workforce transitions, Professor Li is pivotal in advancing the hub's focus on integrating cutting-edge digital solutions into curriculum development in Civil Informatics Engineering. His efforts ensure that the next generation of engineers is well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, Professor Li's work involves international collaboration and cross-validation of curriculum development, further enriching the educational experience and ensuring global standards are met. Through his leadership at the Research Centre for Civil-Informatics and his role as CEO of Shanghai iS3 Co., Ltd., Professor Li's collaboration with SIRH fosters innovative research and practical applications in sustainable infrastructure, enhancing both academic and industry standards.

Dr Claudia Arcos Gonzalez 
Assistant Professor, School of Business, Adolfo Ibáñez University.

Professor Andrew Davies
RM Phillips Freeman Chair in InnovationManagement, Business School, University of Sussex

Professor Gordon Wilmsmeier
Director of the Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL), Kühne Logistics University.

Professor Vasco Sanchez Rodrigues 
Professor in Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Business School, Cardiff University.

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Affiliates

Dr Ida Asadi Someh
Senior Lecturer, School of Business, University of Queensland.

Dr Ivano Bongiovanni
Lect. Infosec, Governance & Leaders, School of Business, University of Queensland.

Professor Peter Halley
Professor, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland.

Professor Mark Hickman
Professor & Chair of Transport Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, University of Queensland.

Associate Professor Tim Kastelle
Professor and Director of the Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership, University of Queensland.

Professor Bronwyn Laycock
Professor, School of Engineering, University of Queensland.

Julia Read

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Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure Global Research Network

The SIRH has established a global network of researchers working in transdisciplinary teams to support the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Infrastructure transitions cross industry, discipline and country borders so we are building a network of experts to enable inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches to support industry and government partners with complex transition challenges. In addition, by combining our expertise we contribute to the forefront of academic knowledge creation at the intersection of multiple research fields.

Our partners

Kuhne Logistics University logo

Cardiff University logo

Universidad de los Andes Colombia logo

Adolfo Ibáñez University

 

Indian Institute Of Technology Delhi logo

 

Tongji University logo

 

Join our network

If you’re a researcher wanting to join the network please reach out by emailing sirh@uq.edu.au

If you’re interested in finding out more about the network and how the researchers can assist you and your organisation you can register your interest by emailing sirh@uq.edu.au to be notified of updates and events.

News

Electric Vehicles charging on the side of the road RACQ Electric Vehicle Panel

Published on: 5 May 2023

Interested to find out more about electric vehicles? UQ’s Dr Cristyn Meath recently joined three of RACQ’s EV experts to answer questions of RACQ’s members and staff. Questions covered sustainability, charging, safety, driver experience and how to charge an EV if you live in an apartment.
 


Infrastructure city Sustainable Infrastructure Design Course

Published on: 5 May 2023

The involvement of the UQ SIRH in the development of the new course, CIVL4525, is a testament to the centre’s commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure design. With a strong track record of research in this area and a range of industry partners, the UQ SIRH is well-positioned to provide valuable insights and industry examples for students.


Dr Cristyn Meath at Health Innovation Precincts SummitInaugural Health Innovation Precincts Summit

Published on: 27 April 2023

UQ’s Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub (SIRH) Director, Dr Cristyn Meath and an affiliate from UQ’s Professional Planner in Residence at the School of Architecture, Stephanie Wyeth joined leaders from industry, academia and government to share insights on sustainable hospitals at the Inaugural Health Innovation Precincts Summit.


Two up escalator with scrapped in the distance Publications with important recommendations for the tunnelling industry

Published on: 27 April 2023

Two publications, "Recommendations for the Application of ISO 19650 - Information Management Process and Responsibility Matrix - Vol 1" and "BIM in Tunnelling - Guideline for Bored Tunnels - Vol 1", were published at the World Tunnelling Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
 


Selfie of Dr Cristyn Meath at APEC workshop APEC Investment Experts' Group Workshop

Published on: 27 April 2023

On 19th August 2022, Dr Cristyn Meath from the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub (SIRH) presented to the APEC Investment Experts’ Group Workshop as part of the APEC Summit in Chiang Mai in Thailand.
 


Image of landscape with sustainable infrastructure, including solar and wind powerSustainable & Resilient Infrastructure

Published on: 27 April 2023

Establishing a Global Knowledge Network for Sustainable & Resilient Infrastructure is an ambitious objective that requires the collaboration of top universities across the globe. The University of Queensland (UQ), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), and University College London (UCL) have come together to develop a research collaborative project that will address challenges facing the infrastructure sector.


Underground pipes to convey underground infrastructure Resilience of Underground Infrastructure

Published on: 27 April 2023

As our cities continue to grow and face the challenges of climate change and population increases, the need for resilient and sustainable infrastructure becomes more pressing. This project aims to explore how underground space development and digital engineering can contribute to creating resilient and liveable communities.


Events

Innovation in Infrastructure: Projects, Ecologies and Ecosystems

21 March 2023 5:15pm–7:30pm

We are pleased to invite you to attend a presentation by UQ Visiting Scholar Professor Andy Davies, Sussex University, UK followed by a panel discussion and networking event, hosted by The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub.


Besix Webinar - Voices of Construction: How to build resilient infrastructure

23 November 2021 11:00am–12:00pm

What’s the most critical change we can make to decarbonise infrastructure? Watch the webinar by Besix featuring SIRH’s Director, Dr Cristyn Meath.

Contact Us

If you’re an academic or researcher wanting to get involved contact the SIRH Team at sirh@uq.edu.au.


Industry Fellow Program

Applications are invited from individuals and organisations wishing to collaborate with the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub at The University of Queensland.

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Visiting Academic Fellow Program

Applications are invited from researchers wishing to visit and collaborate with the Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub at The University of Queensland.

Learn more