Welcome 

We are delighted to invite you to the beautiful city of Ghent, Belgium, for an inspiring and enriching week dedicated to the latest advancements in construction materials and sustainable building practices. From April 13-17,2026, join us to explore groundbreaking research, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and network with leading experts and professionals from around the globe.
The 2026 convention promises a diverse program featuring keynote speeches, technical sessions, and interactive workshops, all designed to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of construction. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or industry leader, the RILEM Spring Convention 2026 offers a unique opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and contribute to the future of sustainable infrastructure.We look forward to welcoming you to Ghent and making this convention a memorable and impactful experience for all attendees.

 

Organizing Committee 

Chairs: Prof. Nele De Belie & Prof. Geert De Schutter
Dr. Natalia Alderete
Prof. Bart Merci
Ing. Brenda Debbaut
Ms Anabelle Michiels & Ms Christel Malfait

 

Important Dates 

31 May: Deadline for submission of abstracts

30 September: Deadline for submission of full papers

13-14 April 2026: RILEM Meetings (Standing Committees & Technical Committees) at campus Ardoyen, Zwijnaarde-Ghent

15-17 April 2026: RILEM Spring Convention

17 April 2026: Event for the 100th Birthday of The Laboratory Magnel-Vandepitte

 

Keynote Speakers 

Prof. Maria Juenger (Univ. of Texas at Austin, ACI president): Adressing workablility challenges with calcined clays 
Prof. Liberato Ferrara (Politecnico di Milano, Italy): A holistic approach to material concept and structural design with advanced cement-based materials: a pathway to the decarbonisation of the built environment 
Prof. Ana Brás (Liverpool John Moores University, UK): Nature-inspired innovations: bio-based materials for resilient buildings and structures 
Prof. Paulo B. Lourenco (University of Minho, Portugal): Built Cultural Heritage and earthquakes: more than 1000 shaking table tests, the new European code and applications 
Assoc. Prof. Katerina Varveri (TU Delft, The Netherlands): Engineering sustainable and durable paving materials through chemo-mechanical optimization