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.
Submission platform is open
All the information about submitting an abstract/full paper can be found on this page. Please submit your contribution before 15 June 2025.
Direct link to the submission platform: 
Organizing Committee
Chairs:
Prof. Nele De Belie & Prof. Geert De Schutter
Commitee members:
Dr. Natalia Alderete & Dr Yi Zhang
Prof. Bart Merci
Ing. Brenda Debbaut
Ms Anabelle Michiels & Ms Christel Malfait
Important Dates
15 June 2025: Deadline for submission of initial abstract
30 September 2025: Deadline for submission of formatted abstract or full paper
31 December 2025: Deadline for revised final paper
15 January 2026: Early bird registration deadline
13-14 April 2026: RILEM Meetings (Standing Committees & Technical Committees) at campus Ardoyen, Zwijnaarde-Ghent
15-17 April 2026: RILEM Spring Conference
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