BRE Distinguished Lecture: Modern Methods of Construction, Sustainability and AI Using a Research-led Design Practice Approach to Promote Innovation

Prof. Blair KUYS
Executive Dean
School of Design and Architecture
Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, Australia

Prof. Blair KUYS has over 20-years of academic experience working at a senior level across both teaching and research. He has built a world class product development research team at Swinburne University with a strong track-record in converting ‘good ideas’ into commercial outcomes. Over the past 10-years he has signed 60 Industry-university research projects to the value of $6M (individual income), as well as $9.14M in Category 1 funding (group income). He has been instrumental in helping numerous manufacturers diversify into new markets resulting in 22 products go to market. He has been recognised with three consecutive Good Design Awards (2018, 2019, 2020) and the recipient of seven Vice-Chancellor's Awards showing my commitment and dedication to all academic portfolios.

Prof. Blair KUYS will showcase a range of industry projects that highlight how research was used to translate good ideas into tangible assets for organizational growth. This keynote will focus on the importance of innovation and creativity in response to significant advances in AI, and how AI can be used as another effective tool to enhance new ideas. It responds to the continued importance of sustainability in the built environment and how Modern Methods of Construction can be used to advance the AEC sector into the 21^st century.