Melbourne wins international life-cycle engineering symposium

Melbourne, Australia, has secured the 9^th International Symposium on Life-cycle Civil Engineering (IALCCE2025), a pivotal business event for civil engineers globally devoted to life-cycle assessment of civil infrastructure and the built environment. The bid led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in partnership with RMIT University and with support from the Victorian government, will see a series of symposia under the auspices of the International Association of Life-cycle Civil Engineering (IALCCE), the largest professional body of civil engineers in life-cycle assessment, take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 15–19 July 2025. MCB chief executive Julia Swanson said Melbourne has developed a reputation for its collaborative spirit and worked alongside MCB Knowledge Partner RMIT University to secure this event. “Victoria has a strong civil engineering and construction industry, underpinned by a multifaceted construction technologies sector. Our construction industry is the state’s fourth largest industry valued at $21.6bn to the economy,” Swanson said. Deputy vice-chancellor of RMIT University, professor Calum Drummond, noted RMIT had a long history of working with local institutions and industry in organising such big events. “The Civil Engineering Discipline at RMIT is one of the best in Australia and well equipped to run this symposium. “Hosting this world-class symposium in Melbourne will help put the Victorian civil engineering sector on the world map, strengthen global networks and engagement across industry and academics,” professor Drummond said. Professor Chun-Qing Li at RMIT University and Chair of IALCCE2025 said he is thrilled to host this important event in Melbourne. “The symposium will serve as a vital platform for academics, engineers, architects, consultants, contractors, public authorities, and decision-makers worldwide to stay abreast of the latest developments and gain crucial insights into the future of life-cycle civil engineering,” Professor Li said. An exciting theme at IALCCE2025 will revolve around the whole life design of carbon-neutral infrastructure, emphasising methodologies and technologies that effectively reduce and control carbon emissions at every stage of the infrastructure life-cycle. Beyond the technical themes and programmes, IALCCE2025’s social events, including the Reception and Gala dinner, will showcase a quintessential ‘Australian flavour’, featuring an OZ BBQ and Australian Rules football matches.